On 15 September 2025, the OR Tambo District Municipality has placed inclusivity at the centre of Deaf Awareness Month in Mthatha. Executive Mayor Mesuli Ngqondwana emphasised that the deaf community must never again be left behind in government communication, calling sign language a symbol of dignity and belonging.
What Happened
Throughout September, OR Tambo District is using its platforms including its official Facebook page – to promote sign language learning. The campaign encourages residents and staff to embrace basic greetings such as “hello” and “thank you” in sign language, as a way of dismantling exclusion.
The initiative will culminate in a Sign Language Competition later this month, where leaders and frontline staff will be tested and guided by experts from the deaf community.
Official Response
Executive Mayor Mesuli Ngqondwana said the effort goes beyond communication tools:
“Inclusivity is not something we postpone to a programme or a budget line. It is how we live, every day, in how we treat each other. When we ignore the deaf community, we are ignoring our own brothers and sisters.”
He further explained that while formal training for staff is still upcoming, the municipality is acting now to change behaviour and attitudes.
Community Impact
The campaign has been welcomed as a progressive step in ensuring dignity for deaf residents of OR Tambo. By embracing sign language, the district hopes to lead by example and inspire other municipalities to do the same.
Officials said the initiative aligns with the municipality’s broader vision of ensuring that no citizen is unseen, no voice is unheard, and no community is left behind.
