BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – In a landmark move towards inclusivity, Eswatini TV has committed to expanding the use of sign language in its programming, ensuring that the Deaf community is not left behind in accessing national television content.
The pledge was sealed on 22 August 2025 at the broadcaster’s Hospital Hill premises in Mbabane, through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Association for the Deaf Eswatini (NADE).
Representing Eswatini TV was Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Simise Mamba, who signed on behalf of CEO Mlamuli Dlamini, while NADE Executive Director Makhosini Makhubu represented the Deaf community.
Mamba described the agreement as a “step in the right direction” for the national broadcaster, adding that it was a demonstration of Eswatini TV’s commitment to serving its diverse audience.
“Today we are making ourselves accountable to the promises we give,” she said. “We are happy to walk this journey with the Deaf Community, and we believe this partnership will unlock many more opportunities for inclusivity.”
The event was directed by Eswatini TV Marketing Manager Nomcebo Malinga, who emphasised that the initiative aligns with His Majesty King Mswati III’s call to ensure no one is left behind in the Kingdom’s transformation journey.
On behalf of the Deaf community, Makhubu welcomed the broadcaster’s move, noting that it was long overdue. He stressed that Eswatini should work towards making sign language an official language in the Constitution, alongside English and SiSwati.
“We are lagging behind,” he said. “Neighbouring Lesotho has already recognised sign language as one of its official languages. What is ironic is that, years ago, they used to invite us from Eswatini to train them on how to make this progress. Today, they are ahead of us.”
Makhubu noted though that Eswatini News bulletins usually catered for the Deaf Community, stating that they would see sign language interpreters whenever they watched the bulletins. This is a good move, according to Makhubu, as it gave them an opportunity to be informed of what is happening in the country and in the world. He hoped the signing of the MoU would be an improvement from that.
The agreement was also witnessed by the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office (DPMO), which is mandated to safeguard the welfare of vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities. Representing the office was Fikile Shongwe, Programmes Manager within the Ministry’s Social Welfare Department.
Shongwe commended both parties for formalising the partnership, stating that access to information was a fundamental right.
“Beyond food, healthcare, clean water and education, the ability to access information is vital for every person,” she said. “Today, we celebrate a milestone for the Deaf Community, who will now benefit from a more inclusive national broadcaster.”
Senior officials from both organisations also attended the ceremony, marking what many described as a “historic day” for disability rights in Eswatini.
With this MoU, Eswatini TV joins a growing movement across the region to integrate sign language into mainstream broadcasting, bridging information gaps and opening doors for the Deaf community to participate more fully in national life.
