The Legacy of Exclusion

Despite progressive laws, Deaf learners in South Africa and elsewhere continue to face systemic barriers to quality education. Schools for the Deaf are often underfunded, teachers lack proficiency in South African Sign Language (SASL), and curricula remain inaccessible. Many Deaf children are placed in mainstream schools without adequate interpreting services or Deaf role models.

Youth Day: A Platform for Change

On Tuesday, June 4, 2024, Deaf youth from across Gauteng gathered to honour the 1976 Soweto students and draw attention to the ongoing challenges they face in education. Carrying banners like “Access Is a Right, Not a Request” and “Teach Us in Our Language,” they marched together with pride and determination.

A stage was set up with live SASL interpretation. Deaf speakers, including Thabiso Ndlovu from the Deaf Youth Empowerment Collective, shared their stories in sign language, interpreted for the hearing audience. The crowd responded with visual applause—hands raised and shaking.

“For many of us,” said Lerato Mokoena, a 19-year-old Deaf student and youth activist, “school is where exclusion starts—not because we can’t learn, but because no one is willing to teach us properly in our language.”

“This is our Soweto,” Thabiso signed. “Every year we walk for equality. But equality must include Deaf learners.”

Youth Day: Still Not Fully Inclusive

Although Youth Day is meant to celebrate and uplift the voices of young people, many Deaf youth still feel left out. National celebrations are rarely inclusive, and live broadcasts often do not include SASL interpretation. There’s no clear record of whether Deaf learners participated in the 1976 uprising, which makes Youth Day feel disconnected from Deaf identity and experience.

“As a Deaf person, I often feel disconnected from Youth Day,” says Unathi Nkhensani Maphophe. “Though we learn about its history, it seldom reflects our experience. We don’t feel seen or heard—not in schools, and not even during national celebrations.”

Deaf Youth by the Numbers

The numbers tell a clear story. A 2024 report by Equal Education found that fewer than 40% of Deaf learners complete Grade 12, and only a small percentage go on to tertiary studies. Language barriers, poor classroom support, and the lack of trained SASL educators all play a role in these outcomes.

Beyond school, the challenge continues. According to the South African Human Rights Commission, more than 70% of Deaf youth are unemployed—a shocking figure that reflects the lack of accessible training and education opportunities.

The Struggle for SASL in Schools

One of the biggest calls to action from the Deaf community is for SASL to be used as a full Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT)—not just taught as a subject. While SASL became South Africa’s 12th official language in 2023, many schools still lack fluent sign language users and Deaf educators.

Deaf learners often sit through lessons they don’t fully understand, delivered by hearing teachers who aren’t fluent in SASL. Without proper support, many fall behind—not because they lack ability, but because the system isn’t designed to support their success.

Building an Inclusive Future

Youth Month always reminds us of the strength and vision of young people—but it also shows us how many still feel invisible. Several marches were held in June, including one organised by the Johannesburg Junior Council on June 16, 2025, from Mary Fitzgerald Square to Constitution Hill. While this event focused broadly on education, the Deaf youth event stood out with SASL-led speeches, art, and outreach based on the message: “Nothing About Us Without Us.”

“We’re tired of just being included in photos and pamphlets,” said 17-year-old Nosipho Dlamini, who dreams of becoming a lawyer. “We want classrooms that speak our language and teachers who understand our world.”

A Call for Action

The Deaf community is not asking for favours. They are raising a strong call for action—a call to build an education system that truly works for everyone. Their priorities include:

• Full implementation of SASL as a Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT)
• More Deaf teachers and educators fluent in SASL at all levels
• The inclusion of Deaf culture and history in the school curriculum
• Consistent and reliable interpreting services at public and educational events
• Equal access to tertiary and vocational education for Deaf youth

“What we’re calling for,” says SANDA director Mandla Khumalo, “is not just access—but equity, dignity, and recognition.”

A Silent Revolution, Loud and Clear

As the sun set on Youth Day, the Deaf community stood proud—not silent, but united in their call for justice and real inclusion.

For many Deaf South Africans, June 16 is a reminder of the progress still needed. Until language rights and accessible education are guaranteed for all, the journey to equality remains incomplete.

This Youth Day, may we not only honour the past but also act with purpose—so that every learner, Deaf or hearing, can grow, succeed, and be heard.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author and do not represent the official stance or policies of the University of Pretoria.