The Miss Deaf SA pageant aims to see South Africa’s deaf society develop through the medium of the beauty and entertainment industry, by enhancing self-discipline, confidence, freedom of culture and presenting opportunities to empower people through competition. From left, Ms Deaf SA 2024, Andile Maseko, Lance Schultz – PanSALB CEO and Lisa Msiza-Miss Deaf SA 2024
By Simon Manda
The Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB), in partnership with the Department of Arts, Sport and Culture and the Department of Sport, Arts and Recreation of Gauteng Province, hosted a landmark celebration of the South African Sign Language (SASL) at the Malombo Auditorium, State Theatre, Pretoria, on Thursday, March 5, 2025.
The eventful occasion, entitled “MY LANGUAGE! MY CULTURE! MY RIGHTS!”, included practitioners, and stakeholders who came together to discuss implementation challenges since the SASL’s official recognition as South Africa’s 12th official language.
This milestone was a great step forward to develop the linguistic human rights of around 4 million Deaf and hearing-impaired persons, as SASL is now the main means of communication to this population.
The day was filled with performances and showcases of culture, discussions, and interactive engagements aimed at raising awareness of SASL and increasing access to quality information for deaf communities.
Sign language users, Ms Olga Blose and Pastor Jemane, were the programme directors which started with the national anthem sung and signed, as an introduction to an inclusive role model of national spirit.
Ms Lisa Combrinck, Chief Director: National Language Service at the Department of Arts, Sport and Culture, echoed this responsibility when she stated in her address that “the achievement of the recognition of South African Sign Language brings with it great responsibility for government, policy institutions, and indeed society in general. Action must be taken to make sure that the deaf community is fully included and integrated in all aspects of life, education, employment, public service, and social engagement. Because language is not simply a tool for communication; it’s the very essence of identity empowerment and energy. It is who we are.”
There was also a powerful message from Mrs Uyanda Sibiya (née Mbuli), Global Advocate for Social Justice with the South African National Deaf Association (SANDA), about how SASL is more than just a form of communication: “Language is more than a tool to communicate. For deaf persons, it is a basis of inclusion, dignity, and self-expression. South African Sign Language is not just a language to converse with, but an entrance to education, increased access to healthcare and ultimately being part of society. It is a human right that needs to be safeguarded.”
Uyanda Sibiya on disability advocacy
Also present, amongst notable guests, was Miss Deaf SA 2024, Lisa Msiza, on her mission to make South African Sign Language a registered form of communication. Msiza uses her platform to create more awareness and facilitate the acceptability of SASL as a part of life, bridging the gap between deaf and hearing persons in all nine provinces.
Lisa Msiza, Miss Deaf SA 2024
This unique programme included fundamental SASL training sessions facilitated on stage by PANSALB’s member, Ms. Olga Blose; informative workshops on deaf culture and communities presented by Ms. Atiyah Asmal (poet, SASL Linguist, and Community Manager at CONVO); and a very heartfelt sharing by Ms. Andiswa Gebashe about her journey and experiences of growing up as a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) in South Africa.
Atiyah Asmal on Deaf culture
Andiswa Gebashe on CODA Experiences
An important message on the growth of SASL was delivered by Mr Tshepo Maseko, the National Languages Board SASL Member, who spoke about the progress made towards official recognition and the work that still lies ahead to ensure total SASL implementation across all sectors.
Despite SASL being officially recognised, a recent report shows that just under 40% of South Africans have access to sign language interpreters in such basic services as healthcare and education. This number struggles to maintain above 25% in the justice system, creating massive barriers to equal justice.
This disparity highlights the need for these services to be implemented, as well as for SASL interpreters to be trained in public institutions and the private sector across the country.
Entertainment spots during this celebration included storytellers, songs, and dances that highlighted the cultural richness of the deaf community in South Africa.
The event ended with a vote of thanks from Mr Lance Schultz – PanSALB CEO – who reiterated the organisation’s commitment, as per its mandate, to protect and promote the linguistic human rights of SASL users throughout South Africa, committing to support educational initiatives and interpreter training programmes moving forward.
