Sign language could soon become SA’s 12th official language as Parliament’s constitutional review committee has recommended it be given official status. The Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) said the move was not only positive for deaf communities but also for the entire country‚ particularly for those who wish to study sign language. "The committee is recommending that Section 6(1) and (5)(a) be amended to include South African Sign Language (SASL) as an official language. The committee accepted that addressing the proposal for declaring SASL an official language was long overdue," PanSALB said on Thursday. "It is expected that the necessary formalities [shall] be made by Parliament to ensure the amendment of the Constitution to accommodate this."

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.