Strengthening the Deaf Community: The South African Sign Language Charter Workshop

South African Sign Language Charter Workshop: A Collaboration for Inclusivity

The South African government teamed up with the Pan South African Language Board to organize a crucial workshop on the South African Sign Language (SASL) Charter on September 22, 2023. Held at the Government Communication and Information System in Pretoria, the event brought together representatives from national and Gauteng government departments to deliberate on the execution of the SASL Charter.

Officially launched on September 4, 2020, the SASL Charter includes nine main commitments aimed at fostering respectful and fair treatment of the Deaf community while also facilitating access to quality information and services. The Charter acknowledges the long-term nature of this initiative and mandates a comprehensive review every five years, incorporating feedback from the public and relevant stakeholders. Moreover, the plan calls for continuous monitoring of its application within the public service sector.

The landmark workshop took place against the backdrop of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent signing of the Constitution Eighteenth Amendment Bill into law on July 19, 2023. This historic legislation acknowledged South African Sign Language as the nation’s twelfth official language, after receiving overwhelming support from both Houses of Parliament in May 2023.

A Platform for Knowledge and Collaboration

In his address, President Ramaphosa underlined the need for policy changes and well-financed implementation strategies to achieve the constitutional vision of multilingualism in South Africa. The workshop aimed to equip national departments with a robust understanding of the commitments within the SASL Charter, while also serving as a platform for cooperation and the exchange of ideas.

Led by the SASL National Language Body, the workshop’s primary objective was to guarantee the effective implementation of the Constitution Eighteenth Amendment Act 3 of 2023. It was vital for national government departments to comprehend the significance of the SASL Charter and incorporate it into their action plans.

Key Pledges and Commitments

A central commitment of the SASL Charter is advocating for fair and courteous treatment of the Deaf community. Historically, deaf individuals have confronted significant obstacles in accessing information, services, and opportunities due to widespread societal unawareness and a lack of accommodations. By executing the SASL Charter, the South African government aims to tackle these systemic issues and establish a more inclusive society for all.

Another critical aspect of the Charter is enhancing access to quality information and services for the Deaf community. This involves ensuring that public service providers, such as healthcare institutions, educational facilities, and legal services, are sufficiently prepared to address the unique needs of deaf individuals. Through these efforts, the government seeks to create an environment where deaf South Africans can actively engage in the nation’s social, economic, and cultural life.

The SASL Charter also stresses the significance of regular reviews and ongoing development in its implementation. This approach ensures that the Charter remains relevant and effective while offering opportunities for continuous improvement based on input from stakeholders and the public. In this manner, the government can guarantee that the Deaf community’s needs are consistently prioritized in policy development and execution.

Towards a More Inclusive Society

In summary, the South African Sign Language Charter Workshop signifies a major step forward in the country’s journey toward inclusivity and social justice. By uniting government representatives, language specialists, and stakeholders from diverse sectors, the workshop acts as a powerful platform for joint action to support the Deaf community and guarantee equal opportunities for everyone. As the South African government continues to implement the SASL Charter and strive toward the constitutional ideal of multilingualism, it sets an inspiring precedent for other countries to follow in promoting fairness, accessibility, and dignity for all members of society.