DeafNET (NGO), in collaboration with the Unobuntu Thusong Service Centre (UTSC), is offering a free one-week basic-training course in South African Sign Language (SASL) in Zwelethemba. The Department of Social Development (DSD) is the proud sponsor of the training, which has been conducted since 2018 as a part of the DSD’s youth empowerment project in the Western Cape.
Eddie “Mighty” Tsubella, a trainer and facilitator, praised young people for their keen interest in being a part of the project in an exclusive interview with the publication. He expressed the hope that more work opportunities may arise to accommodate some of the initiative’s beneficiaries. “I’m thrilled to see young people in the Zwelethemba showing a strong interest in and participation in SASL training. Every department or public entity must have an interpreter because it is an official 12th language in South Africa.”
Commenting on their experiences participating in the initiative, local community developer and entrepreneur Thobile Sondlo said: “I’ve learnt so much from the training so far, particularly some of the fundamental topics to discuss with a deaf person. I hope these kinds of activities can lead to career opportunities so we can put what we’ve learnt into practice.”
Echoing his remarks, Zanele Sukani also applauded the attempt by DeafNet to empower people of all ages, not just the young, particularly in a municipality where there is a significant deaf population. “This training has broadened my knowledge and understanding of SASL” stated Nwabisa Tloti, “and I can confidently do basics and I am definitely looking forward to more opportunities to enhance my SASL ability to communicate effectively. Additionally, I’m hopeful that DeafNET can help people who can teach and learn sign language find work.
To accommodate deaf people, not just in Zwelethemba, UTSC coordinator Lizo Paul was keen that SASL training be implemented in all departments that focus on providing services to the deaf community. He said: “It will be imperative to implement this significant communication initiative across our municipality, and I am confident it will generate more positive feedback. It is imperative that young people take advantage of these opportunities to develop effective communication skills with deaf individuals, be they friends or family.”
