BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE
MBABANE – Government has declared sign language interpretation a basic public service as Eswatini officially launched International Week of Deaf People 2026, running from 21–27 September under the theme, “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights.”
The launch, held at the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, brought together members of the Deaf community, organisations of persons with disabilities, parents, teachers, service providers, government officials and the media.
Acting Deputy Prime Minister Hon Skhumbuzo Dlamini, representing Deputy Prime Minister Hon Thulisile Dladla, said the commemoration was an opportunity for government to renew its commitment to the rights, dignity, identity and participation of Deaf people.
“It is my honour, on behalf of the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini, to join the Deaf community and the international community in commemorating the International Week of Deaf People 2026,” Dlamini said.
He said the theme was a powerful call for action, emphasising that the rights of Deaf people are human rights and must translate into practical measures that enable their full and equal participation in society.
The Acting Deputy Prime Minister noted that 2026 marks 20 years since the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and 75 years of the World Federation of the Deaf.
Dlamini said government was prioritising improved access to sign language communication and interpretation across essential services, including education, healthcare, justice, employment, social protection and public information.
“A Deaf person should not be denied a service simply because a service provider cannot communicate with them,” he said.
He stressed that sign language interpretation should no longer be viewed as an exceptional arrangement made specifically for Deaf people.
“It should not be a favour but a basic service to ensure equal access for all to basic services,” Dlamini said.
He added that the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office would continue working with ministries, institutions, organisations of persons with disabilities and development partners to strengthen the recruitment, deployment, training and retention of sign language interpreters.
Government further reaffirmed that disability inclusion should not be treated as the responsibility of the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office alone, but must be integrated across all sectors of national development.
“Disability inclusion is everyone’s responsibility,” Dlamini said.
He called on ministries, departments and public institutions to incorporate disability inclusion into their planning and budgeting, including accessible communication, public infrastructure, healthcare, education, employment, justice, social protection, sports, culture and recreation.
The Acting Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of quality, inclusive and equitable education for Deaf children.
He called on parents and families of Deaf children to embrace sign language as an important means of communication, saying children should grow up knowing that they are “valued, capable and equal members of society.”
Dlamini said government remained committed to advocating for accessible public services, inclusive education, disability-responsive budgeting, accessible justice and healthcare, inclusive employment and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in national development.
“As we observe the International Week of Deaf People under the theme ‘Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights,’ let us ensure that this is not merely a week of awareness, but a renewed commitment to action,” he said.
He urged the country to move “from awareness to accessibility, from accessibility to participation, and from participation to equality.”
Dlamini officially declared International Week of Deaf People 2026 launched, calling for renewed commitment to communication, inclusion, dignity and equal participation for Deaf people in Eswatini.
The week runs from 21–27 September 2026, providing an opportunity to raise awareness, promote the rights of Deaf people, strengthen the use of sign language and encourage all sectors to remove communication barriers.
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