03 Oct 2017

Assistant Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr Dikgang Makgalemele says time is now to start recognising sign language and encourage its widespread usage. 

Officiating at the International Deaf Awareness Day recently, Mr Makgalemele said the theme, Full Inclusion with Sign Language was befitting, arguing that it would help those with hearing impairment have access to all services and opportunities in the country. He said the hearing impaired would be able to unleash their talent and potential noting that they were losing out on opportunities not because of lack of capability but because of language barrier. 

Also, he said limited public knowledge on issues affecting those with hearing impairment and their needs worsened the situation. 

Mr Makgalemele cited the likes of Patrick Kitsi, national softball empire, Christopher Mbochwa, dental therapist, Keipheditse Kelebeng a teacher, Poloko Qubose, disability awareness officer at the University of Botswana as testimony that disability had never been inability. 

He said interactions such as these would assist in mainstreaming the hearing impaired and for society to acknowledge and appreciate their experiences and problems. 

Mr Makgalemele said he would walk the talk by making it a point to have a sign language interpreter in his kgotla meetings and would enroll for a sign language course. He challenged communities to learn sign language and added that those dealing with procurement in government institution should also learn sign language. 

Mr Makgalemele praised Botswana Society for the Deaf and Ghanzi leadership to have organised a week long sign language workshop prior to the commemoration day saying it was a step in the right direction.

Botswana Society for the Deaf programmes manager, Mr Kabelo Seadimo was concerned that the hearing impaired still experienced challenges in life, lagged behind in accessing information all of which was as a result of lack of sign language. 

Mr Seadimo said the hearing impaired were unable to fully access services because sign language was not known by service providers and society at large. He said if the community could learn sign language, those with hearing impairement would feel tolerated and accepted by society because they would appreciate their environment and be willing to participate in the development of the country. 

He said all should make an effort in learning sign language to ease communication and interaction with the hearing impaired. 

“It is up to us as a compassionate and caring nation to learn sign language. The deaf cannot change how they communicate with us but we as a nation can change this by learning their language,” he stated. Mr Jabulane Blose and Ms Neo Mmipi shared their experience as people living with hearing impairment. 

Mr Blose shared that he lost his hearing at the age of 10, stayed home for five years and “one day someone came to me and told me that I can continue with my education,” he stated. 

Ms Mmipi said she dreamt of becoming a model because they too had dreams like any members of the community. Member of Parliament for Ghanzi North constituency, Mr Noah Salakae urged the public to attend events like this one in large numbers because they were important.ENDS