The South African deaf community is not too thrilled with Limpopo popstar Makhadzi, after she was seen mocking SA Sign Language in a recent video.
Members of the deaf community have expressed their unhappiness with Makhadzi, saying they find her behaviour unacceptable and harmful.
In the video, Makhadzi whose real name is Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona is seen next to TikToker Andile Ngidi (space_andaz0) making hand gestures doing what looks like a mockery of SASL.
The deaf community has expressed their concerns regarding the video, stating that they found it offensive as they feel it is disrespectful and harmful to the community members.
https://www.tiktok.com/@space_andza0/video/7411219862946860294?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7394736577979270661Makhadzi’s actions are a painful reminder of the struggle that the community has to go through to fight for understanding and respect.
She is seen to be undermining the efforts to close the communication gap between those who are deaf and hearing.
To the deaf community, SASL and deaf culture is important to them as any other language is to people of different tribes, they have taken measures such as marching to the streets for inclusivity, supported by those who are hearing.
They strive to be seen as functioning members of society and it is incidents like these that set them back.
In order to further the rights of those who are deaf and hard of hearing, the National Assembly passed an amendment to Section 6 of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 Constitution that includes SASL as an official language.
In July last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the SASL Bill during a ceremony at the Union Buildings.
Recently, South Africa crowned its first ever hearing-impaired Miss SA which further highlights the work of inclusion for the community.
This incident also disappointed some of her fans who were surprised by her actions, sharing that the mockery belittles the deaf community.
“Sign language is a vital part of Deaf culture and identity, as it is not something to be used as a punchline or a way to mock others,’’ said Dieumerci Assani on Facebook.
Please announce people that we are very angry with artist Miss Makhadzi mocked our sign language. Please stop joke with sign language, remember our home language pic.twitter.com/Z5mEOFGWNQ
The singer is supported by some of her fans who insist that she was only joking and the video should not be taken seriously.
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