18 Aug 2026

Kgatleng Central MP Mpho Morolong, on Friday tabled a motion in Parliament urging government to recognise and adopt sign language as an official language in Botswana, saying it would advance human rights, inclusivity and equal access to services for the deaf community.Tabling the motion, Mr Morolong argued that language was ‘more than a tool for communication,  it is a vehicle for identity, culture and inclusion. 

For the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, he said, sign language was a natural, fully-fledged language with its own grammar and cultural significance, yet it remains one of the most marginalised languages globally.

“Botswana prides itself on commitment to democracy, inclusivity and social development, yet for many members of the deaf community, full participation in national life remains a daily struggle,” he told Parliament.

Mr Morolong said the lack of official recognition left many facing barriers in healthcare, education, employment and access to justice. Without sign language in official systems, he added, hearing impaired citizens could not fully access courts, hospitals and emergency services in their primary language.

He noted Botswana has an estimated 990 individuals with hearing impairement, alongside about 6 480 people with varying levels of hearing challenges who rely on sign language for daily communication. 

“This recognition fosters inclusivity, equality and cultural participation. It enhances access to public services as it ensures that the deaf community can access essential services such as health care, legal system and emergency responses in their primary language,” said Morolong.

He pointed to South Africa as an example, where formal acknowledgement of sign language has improved communication in courts, hospitals and police stations, thereby promoting justice and safety for deaf people.

The MP said official status could also transform education. Incorporating sign language into the curriculum, he explained, would allow deaf learners to study in their native language, improving comprehension and academic performance. Countries with official sign language, he noted, have institutions better equipped to support deaf learners through tailored teaching and assessment.

Beyond education, Mr Morolong said proficiency in sign language would open employment opportunities for deaf people and for interpreters, while strengthening community engagement.

He further stressed that recognising sign language upholds rights to equality, dignity and cultural identity, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which emphasises that sign languages are vital for full participation in social, economic and political life.

“Sign language does not belong to any tribe, hence Botswana qualifies to adopt it as an official language,” he added. 

The motion calls on government to align national policy with international human rights standards and reflect the nation’s commitment to social justice by granting sign language official status. ENDS