16-05-2025
Uyanda Mbuli slams Farieda Metsileng for misuse of sign language
Media personality Uyanda Mbuli has lambasted comedian and social media star Farieda Metsileng for misusing sign language in attempt to make a joke.
In a recent episode of PNC podcast, Farieda plays the role of sign language interpreter in a comedy news report segment where she deliberately signs incorrectly.
Uyanda, who is the ambassador for the South African National Deaf Association, took to her timeline demanding an apology from Farieda.
'For the undying love of God — we cannot continue to allow the SASL [SA Sign Language] deaf community to endure humiliation so others can chase flimsy relevance. Enough is enough. We will not allow a historically marginalised community to become anyone's punchline. Let's be clear: Farieda — the deaf community is not your gimmick. We are not here to validate your precarious comedy career. We are not your content. We are not your joke. South African Sign Language is a legally recognised language. It carries dignity, history and identity.
'Mocking it is not comedy — it is crimen injuria, a criminal offence. You do not get to ridicule our language and expect silence in return. This ends now. We are working to rebuild a community that has been excluded — long after 1994. This is not a moment. It's a movement. And those of you who are laughing and encouraging her — you should be ashamed of yourselves. You are complicit in the violation of a language, a people and a fight for justice that predates your performance culture. To everyone reading this: Take the baton. Speak up. Share the truth. Because justice in sign is justice for us all.'
