Parliament passes bill to make sign language SA’s official language

A bill that will make sign language the twelfth official language of the country has been unanimously passed by the National Assembly.

ALSO READ: Mpho Sebina interprets ‘Dikeledi’ song in sign language [watch]

SIGN LANGUAGE TO BE ADDED AS THE 12TH OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

According to Eye Witness News, the Constitution Eighteenth Amendment Bill was introduced to Parliament in January 2023.

It is aimed at giving people who are deaf or who are hearing impaired, equal protection before the law.

A two-thirds majority was required to pass the amendment bill to the Constitution.

ALSO READ: [WATCH] ‘Fake’ sign language interpreter at Another Government Event

AMENDMENT BILL INTRODUCED IN PARLIAMENT

The Constitution Eighteenth Amendment Bill was introduced to Parliament in January, aimed at giving people who are deaf or who are hearing impaired, equal protection before the law.

Even though it is not universally recognised, justice committee chairperson, Bulelani Magwanishe, said that the government wanted to promote the language and its dialects.

ALSO READ: Watch: Nkosi Sikelela iAfrika performed in sign language

It is now set to be added to the country’s existing 11 official languages.

Magwanishe added that this constitutional amendment might require consequential amendments to other laws.

“The committee received 58 written submissions from individuals and submissions. The majority of the submissions were in support of the bill. The committee noted the view expressed by the few that were opposed to the bill, but submits that the recognition of SA Sign Language as a twelfth official addition is an important step forward,” he added.

ALSO READ: Watch: Parly sign language interpreter leaving midway through Zuma Q&A is all of us

READ MORE:

• The zen of the #Sona2017 interpreter when the F-bomb drops is amazing
• This could soon be SA’s 12th official language