20/07/2026
Yesterday, 19 July 2026, DeafSA Western Cape successfully hosted the celebration of the 3rd Anniversary of South African Sign Language (SASL) as South Africa's 12th Official Language in Worcester. π€π½
Our sincere appreciation goes to our outstanding guest speakers who made the National South African Sign Language (SASL) Day 2026 celebration meaningful, educational, and inspiring.
π Stephen Lombard β Former PRO of the Deaf Community of Cape Town (DCCT) and Deaf icon in South Africa.
π Lizette Fitzpatrick β DeafSA Western Cape Provincial Council Member and Deaf Teacher at Delabat School for the Deaf.
π Jean-Claude Smit β Provincial Chairperson of DeafSA Western Cape and Member of the Western Cape Language Committee (Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport).
π Councillor Vernon Bedworth β Mayoral Committee Member, Breede Valley Municipality.
π Jabaar Mohamed β Provincial Director of DeafSA Western Cape, who presented on the History and Timeline of SASL, What is SASL, What Still Needs to be Done, and the Way Forward.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge, experience, and passion for the Deaf community and for promoting South African Sign Language (SASL).
A special thank you to all our partners and supporters:
π€ Deaf Community of Cape Town (DCCT)
π€ Boland College
π€ Western Cape Language Committee
π€ Western Cape Department of Health
π€ Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
π€ Delabat School for the Deaf
π€ Worcester Provincial Hospital
π€ Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)
π€ Breede Valley Municipality
A huge thank you to the DeafSA Western Cape Provincial Council (DPC) Members, staff, and volunteers for your outstanding teamwork.
We are proud of your passion and unwavering commitment to promoting SASL, Deaf rights, and inclusion.
Together, we proudly celebrate South African Sign Language as South Africa's 12th Official Language and remain committed to building a more inclusive, accessible, and equal society for all.
Finally, thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of this historic celebration. Your continued support and commitment to the Deaf community and the promotion of SASL are sincerely appreciated.
Happy 3rd Anniversary of South African Sign Language as South Africa's 12th Official Language! πΏπ¦π€π½