Latest news with #SASL
IOL News
16-05-2025
- General
- IOL News
Khadeejah Hansrod: a trailblazer in deaf education
Khadeejah Hansrod, a 24-year-old graduate from UKZN, has overcome significant challenges as a deaf individual to excel in her education. Ranked among the top achievers in South African Sign Language (SASL), she advocates for improved deaf education and aims to inspire others in her community. Hansrod, 24, of Isipingo Beach, graduated with a Bachelor of education in foundation phase teaching. The top achiever placed third nationally in SASL and second among students in special schools in KwaZulu-Natal. She was born deaf and throughout her life she faced numerous challenges that shaped her today. Hansrod attended the Fulton School for the Deaf before joining mainstream university. 'While the school provided a supportive environment, it was sometimes challenging because some teachers did not know sign language. This occasionally led to communication difficulties. Additionally, deaf schools often have limited subjects, such as biology, life sciences, and physical science, due to departmental limitations on employing qualified teachers for these areas. 'Teachers at deaf schools in South Africa, not just at Fulton School for the Deaf, lack fluency in South African Sign Language. I've received complaints from the deaf community about this issue. Establishing a deaf education associate programme for training teachers who are not proficient in sign language is crucial for improving deaf education." She said as a result, she was passionate about teaching. 'My passion for education and advocacy led me to study at UKZN. I wanted to become a qualified deaf teacher. I was motivated by the desire to support deaf pupils and ensure their educational progress is not delayed by communication barriers. I pursued a Bachelor of education in the foundation phase, a choice driven by my love for studying and the importance of inclusive education." In 2020, Hansrod ranked second in special needs in KZN and third in SASL HL nationally. 'My goal is to promote the development of deaf education and ensure it progresses without delay because some teachers still lack sign language skills. In deaf schools, South African Sign Language is the primary language of instruction by Bella Act.' She said her university experience was enriching and added to her love for teaching pupils with disabilities. 'Studying inclusive education raises awareness that both hearing and disabled individuals face similar challenges in learning. UKZN provided sign language interpreters, and the Disability Unit staff offered vital support during difficult periods. These experiences strengthened my resolve and commitment to the field.' She said graduating from UKZN was a moment of pride. 'I am the first Edgewooian (Edgewood) graduate to represent pride deaf and proudly hold the deaf flag. I am not ashamed of my deaf identity. I am grateful to UKZN for accepting me, and I strongly encourage more deaf individuals to pursue higher education, as our community still faces communication barriers and discrimination. 'Looking ahead, I intend to pursue an honours degree in educational leadership and management. My vision is to motivate deaf people to realise that we are capable of achieving anything that hearing people can - except hearing. Sadly, many deaf individuals in South Africa remain unemployed, and I am committed to advocating for our community's rights and opportunities. 'My ultimate career goal is to become a teacher for deaf children. I want to encourage parents to learn sign language so they can read stories and develop their deaf children's language skills. I believe that with proper support and education, deaf children can thrive and reach their full potential,' said Hansrod. 'For fellow deaf students, never give up despite setbacks, be resilient against discrimination.' THE POST
TimesLIVE
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
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.'
IOL News
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Miss SA Mia Le Roux addresses online conversation about her experience with music
Miss SA Mia Le Roux has opened up about her unique relationship with music. Picture: Supplied Image: Supplied Miss South Africa 2024 Mia Le Roux attended the Metro FM Music Awards, where she made a red-carpet appearance. During her interview on SABC1's black carpet program for the music awards, she was asked by presenter Mpumi Mlambo who's her favourite artist. Her answer and the question itself opened up a huge online discussion. In a statement, Le Roux addressed the online talk that has been happening since the awards took place on May 3, revealing that this is one of her 'biggest insecurities.' 'Within the deaf community, everyone experiences music differently. Some perform entire songs in South African Sign Language (SASL). Others feel music through rhythm and vibration. 'Some dance by counting beats. There are Deaf musicians and artists which I am in awe of, because I can imagine how much dedication it takes.' Le Roux, responded when asked by Mlambo, "Within the music industry I don't have a favourite South African artists as I am deaf, so I do not listen to music." Le Roux is the first deaf woman to be crowned Miss South Africa. She was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of one and has a cochlear implant to help her perceive sound. In her statement, she went on to explain her unique relationship with music. 'I use cochlear implants which help me perceive sound - but I have nothing to compare it to, as I'll never truly know what someone without a device hears. 'Growing up music was always something I tried to connect with - especially because of my family. I remember my dad playing 'Love Gets Old' by Wouter Kellerman. 'I could see how it moved him. That memory stayed with me - not just because of the sound, but because of the emotion and meaning behind it. That's what I connected to.'
