BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE – The Deputy Prime Minister’s Office together with the National Association of the Deaf launched the International Week of the Deaf at the DPM’s Office. The celebration will continue from 22 to 28 September under the theme “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights.”
Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister, Principal Secretary Siboniso Nkambule said Eswatini is proud to join the international community in commemorating this important week. He said the event will raise awareness about the rights of Deaf people, highlight their achievements, and call for greater inclusion in all sectors of society.
The main national event will be held on 23 September at the Headquarters of the National Association of the Deaf in Mahlanya. Activities for the week include Deaf Education programs, a Deaf Art Festival, a Workshop on Deaf Women and Youth Empowerment, the Mayors Deaf Cup, and a Deaf Prayer service on the final Sunday.
Nkambule explained that Government, through the DPM’s Office, is working with the Association to promote the recognition of Eswatini Sign Language as an official language. He said communication is key to ensure Deaf people are heard and understood without barriers. He also urged both public and private sectors to make efforts to learn and use sign language.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the National Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities, Ncamsile Buthelezi commended Government for establishing Siteki Primary School for the Deaf and Matsetsa High School for the Deaf. She also praised the programme that teaches parents of Deaf children sign language.
The National Association of the Deaf Makhosini Makhubu applauded the DPM’s Office for making sure that the Deaf community was embraced and for advocating for Sign Language to be an official language in the country.
However, Buthelezi noted that there is still a shortage of sign language interpreters in tertiary institutions, which creates challenges for Deaf students. She appealed for more investment in interpreters so that Deaf learners can succeed at higher levels of education.
The Council also encouraged media houses to amplify the voices of Deaf people by highlighting their concerns, rights, and aspirations.
Both the DPM’s Office and the Advisory Council made a call to action for all Emaswati to support inclusion by learning sign language, promoting diversity, and recognising the rights of Deaf people.
