Recognition of South African Sign Language as an Official Language

The Department of Justice published a draft proposal to amend section 6 of the Constitution to provide for the recognition of South African sign language as an Official Language.

The invitation for comments, background note, and draft Constitution Eighteenth Amendment Bill, 2022 were published under general notice number 1156 in government gazette number 47049 on 19 July 2022. Comments must be submitted not later than 30 working days after the date of publication of this invitation.

A copy of the gazette notice is available at: https://www.gov.za/documents/constitution-republic-south-africa-section-6-amendment-recognition-south-african-sign

According to the Background Note : "The recognition of South African Sign Language as an official language of the Republic of South Africa will result in the cultural acceptance of sign language and the deaf culture. Moreover, it is a step towards realising persons with

hearing disabilities’ rights to equal enjoyment of rights and human dignity. The deaf community will finally have a voice and become an integral part of their own country and communities. It will promote inclusion, substantive equality and prevent or eliminate unfair discrimination on the ground of disability. Effect will also be given to the right to equality in terms of section 9 of the Constitution, which includes the full and equal enjoyment of all rights and freedoms."

Image: Wix

Date posted: 21 July 2022

#ConstitutionalLaw #SignLanguage #OfficialLanguages