To deliver inclusive and effective communication for all its residents, including people with disabilities, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality introduced sign language as an official language during Council meetings.
The use of sign language seeks to facilitate equitable access to services and information and promote multi-lingualism; thus the municipality will now have sign language interpreters for all council meetings, said municipal spokesperson, Sithembiso Soyaya.
On a medium to long-term basis, the municipality will seek to introduce the sign language interpreting services at other municipal meetings, such as IDP and Budget Public Participation, Council Committee and By-law public participation meetings.
“The meetings of council and its committees are important legislative decision-making meetings, where all members of the public must have full access. This is a progressive decision to make sure that we improve our communication and access to information to all citizens,” said council speaker, Gary van Niekerk, adding that this is a constitutional mandate.
