North West Legislature Speaker, Hon. Ntsetsao Viola Motsumi Receives Memorandum from Deaf Community during Deaf Awareness Month

Mmabatho – The Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature, Hon. Ntsetsao Viola Motsumi, this morning officially received a memorandum from the Deaf Community during a march held to launch Deaf Awareness Month – September. The march, organized by the Deaf Community in collaboration with the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) North West Provincial Language Committee (PLC), chaired by Adv. T. Mokaleng, and supported by the North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, converged at the North West Provincial Legislature at 10h00.

The memorandum was received on behalf of the Legislature by the Speaker, Hon. Motsumi, following a formal request dated 28 August 2026 from PanSALB PLC through the Secretary to the Legislature, Adv. L.I Netshitumbu. According to PanSALB, the memorandum highlights critical issues affecting the Deaf community in the North West Province and advocates for the promotion, protection and development of linguistic human rights of Deaf persons, with specific emphasis on the effective implementation and use of South African Sign Language (SASL) across all public institutions.

The march forms part of the national launch of Deaf Awareness Month, observed annually in September to celebrate Deaf culture and promote SASL as an official language, under the theme _”One nation, many languages.”_

Speaker’s Commitment on receiving the memorandum, Hon. Motsumi committed that the Legislature will not treat the memorandum as symbolic. “Language rights are human rights. Today you reminded us that true democracy must be seen, heard, and signed. This memorandum will be formally tabled and referred to the relevant Portfolio Committee for processing and a formal response within 14 working days,” said Hon. Motsumi.

The Speaker further committed to three interventions:Visibility – Ensuring SASL is visible in House sittings, public hearings and oversight programmes. Accessibility Auditing the accessibility of the Legislature to Deaf persons.Accountability – Tracking implementation of the issues raised. The Legislature thanked PanSALB, its North West PLC, the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, and all stakeholders who supported the Deaf Community.

The Legislature reiterates its commitment to inclusive governance and language rights for all.
Issued by the Office of the Speaker – Hon Ntsetsao Viola Motsumi.
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