DA in Ekurhuleni welcomes the unanimous passing of the Deaf Access Motion in the Ekurhuleni City Council

by Cllr Mike da Silva — DA Spokesperson for GCYPD Committee in Ekurhuleni and

Cllr Lucky Dinake — DA member for GCYPD Committee in Ekurhuleni

Date: 07 September 2023

Release: Immediate

Type: Media statement

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) proudly welcomes the unanimous passing of the Deaf Access Motion in the Ekurhuleni City Council.

The motion, sponsored by Councillors Mike da Silva and Lucky Dinake, was inspired by the recent Constitutional amendment which saw South African Sign Language recognised as South Africa’s 12th official language.

This milestone motion will increase access for Ekurhuleni residents who are Deaf or hard of hearing by making it compulsory for every customer care centre in the city to have at least one sign language translator on staff.

The Motion itself further called for a review of the language policy of the city, with an eye towards enhancing access for the Deaf and hard of hearing by January 2025.

We now call upon civil society, especially on organisations that represent the disabled to engage with the city throughout the process to ensure that the by-law is one that is truly inclusive.

The DA in Ekurhuleni commits itself to using its legislative functions to do the same, and to ensure that the timelines stipulated in the motion are adhered to.

Cllr Mike da Silva

DA Spokesperson for GCYPD

072 963 2654