Latest news with #SouthAfricanSignLanguage
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.'
The Citizen
08-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Amanzimtoti one step closer to inclusion with sign language lessons
CLASS is in session at Amanzimtoti Main Beach, where the KZN Blind and Deaf Society (KZNBDS) are teaching lifeguards and establishments South African Sign Language at the Amanzimtoti Surf Lifesaving Club. Also read: Umkhomazi water tender sparks legal battle Making good on his ambitious plans to make Amanzimtoti an inclusive and accommodating haven for disabled individuals is Wheels on Waves founder, Wesley Smith, the facilitator of the project. 'Deaf people live in a silent prison and I want to bridge the divide so that they can come around and make friends. It's a battle when they can only communicate with people who know sign language. This forms part of the foundation of future plans to start inviting local schools for the hearing impaired to have fun days on the beach surfing, fishing, learning a bit of life saving and playing games on the beach,' said Smith. KZNBDS instructors, Khanyisile Nzimande and Thembeka Chili, recapped previous lessons to bring a new learner, Matthew Kearns, up to speed and refresh the memory of the other learners. Nzimande's energy was infectious and she passionately taught the learners. The jovial lesson was fully practical and interactive, with participants signing along. The learners each have a practical use for sign language, from assisting lifesavers carry out their duties to service staff being equipped to assist customers more inclusively. As such, the lessons progressed from basic greetings, questions and answers, to signs specific to lifeguarding and assisting customers. Sign language is deeply expressive and in many ways, can be seen as simplified English. Your body as a whole is used to communicate, including your fingers, hands, arms, head and chest. It leverages how people think about things, for example, to sign 'deaf', you would use two fingers and gesture towards your ear. Beach superintendent, Jace Govender, said the project is a collaborative effort among the businesses along Amanzimtoti Main Beach, including Thirsty Whale, Spur, The Surfing Bean and Amanzimtoti Surf Lifesaving Club. 'The people that are here for seven days a week will now hopefully have basic knowledge of South African Sign Language. When a person with a disability comes around, sometimes they can feel totally lost and cannot find their way around. Now, hopefully everyone learning will have the basics down to be able to assist beachgoers with disabilities. I think this sort of project should be rolled out to all public areas. It's a fantastic bit of progress towards inclusivity in Amanzimtoti. Thanks to all the partners who have come together to learn, and to Amanzimtoti Surf Lifesaving Club for the venue,' said Govender. Smith will be providing free sign language lessons based on everything he learns from KZNBDS to everyone interested every Monday at The Surfing Bean from 13:00 until 15:00. For more information, contact Smith on 082 802 1349. For more South Coast Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Deaf Miss SA talks about music after MetroFM awards question stirs debate
Miss South Africa Mia Le Roux has responded to the growing conversation online after an interview at the MetroFM Music Awards sparked debate regarding sensitivity and inclusion. In response to the debate, Le Roux issued a heartfelt statement via Instagram, opening up about her relationship with music and the complexities of navigating public life as a deaf person. 'I want to take a moment to address the conversation happening online about my experience with music. I've had moments where I've played music in the background just to feel less alone, but that doesn't mean I've always understood it fully. Even now, I can't confidently identify genres, artists, or instruments. And because of that, I've never felt comfortable expressing music preferences — especially in a public setting,' she said. This after Le Roux was interviewed on the red carpet by Mpumi Mlambo, who asked who Le Roux's favourite South African music artist was. 'Within the music industry I don't have a favourite South African artist as I am deaf, so I do not listen to music' she said in response. This quickly sparked a debate on social media as some praised her honesty, while others questioned the appropriateness of the question. One X user, Thabiso Lesoetsa said 'Wasn't the red carpet host supposed to know that our Miss SA is deaf? I think the question was insensitive.' Another commenter, Bhavna Maharaj, raised concerns about the preparation of Le Roux for the event, saying, 'Mia was on the SABC, indicating she can hear to a certain extent since she has cochlear implants. Why was Mia not adequately prepared to speak to the media by the Miss SA PR team? Why was she at a music show otherwise?' Le Roux clarified that her response at the awards show was rooted in respect, not deflection. 'At the Metro Awards when asked about my favourite artist or song, I didn't want to give a superficial answer or name an artist I couldn't fully appreciate in the way they deserve. I was trying to be respectful — not evasive,' said Le Roux. She acknowledged that her experience with music is unique, shaped by the use of cochlear implants and her own personal journey. 'My experience is my own, and it does not represent the entire deaf community as everyone is different. I acknowledge the harm that can come when stories are shared without full context. I'm learning too. And I believe in inclusion that's rooted in truth, not performance,' she said. 'This is, in fact, one of my biggest insecurities,' she continued. '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 who I am in awe of, because I can imagine how much dedication it takes,' she said. She further reflected on her personal experience. 'My own relationship with music is unique. 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,' said Le Roux She shared a poignant memory from her childhood. '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. But to be honest, I often struggle with music. I can't always hear lyrics. Some songs sound unclear to me,' she said. Closing her statement with a message of solidarity and growth, she said: 'To the deaf community: I hear you. I see you. I respect the diversity within our community. And I will continue to grow.'
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.'
