Sign language | Official language recognition just the first step: activist

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa has a 12th official language, and that's sign language.

It was signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Activist, Andiswa Gebashe, says now the real work begins to ensure there are tangible benefits for the deaf community.

Gebashe said, "we need some willingness from those who are able to make decisions, or else we will be here next year and say yes it was an official language but nothing was achieved."

"Right now, it’s to take responsibility and ask what it means. Does it mean that if I’m watching news as a deaf person I have access?"

READ: Sign Language | South Africa gets 12th official language

"Does it mean that as a deaf person I can walk to any government office or center and be able to use my language as an official language? What does this mean?"

"What are the responsibilities that government and corporate going to take? Yes, we are celebrating, but we should focus on the steps to be taken next."

"We still have a problem of teachers who cannot sign fluently in deaf schools. Are we including sign language while people are studying towards becoming nurses, police, doctors? Are we including sign language at that level?"