Calls to officialise sign language overdue

The Monitor Editor | Wednesday August 19, 2026 06:00

At home, Botswana is still lagging in many aspects despite some steps taken to fix the situation. Those living with disabilities are often ignored and shut out from basic rights, access to services, or social participation. A motion tabled in Parliament by Kgatleng Central Member of Parliament, Mpho Morolong, calling for the introduction and adoption of sign language as an official language in Botswana is indeed a welcome development.

The deaf community and people with hearing impairments have been ignored for a long time. Yes, there are efforts here and there for inclusivity, but there is a lot that still needs to be done.

The Btv news cast usually has sign language interpreters, which is commendable, but there are many other areas that still leave a lot to be desired.

Morolong presented that sign language is a fully developed natural language with its own grammatical structures and cultural significance.

He, however, bemoaned that deaf people and people with hearing impairment continue to face challenges accessing essential services and participating fully in matters that affect their livelihoods.

There is a saying that ‘disability is not inability’, hence the urgent need to offer inclusive education opportunities, access to health care and other services.

Botswana does not have enough teachers who are trained in sign language. That also goes for health care professionals, workers in the public service and private companies that provide crucial and essential services.

It is a struggle for the deaf community to communicate with health professionals to access proper medical attention, as most facilities will not have a trained sign language interpreter.

The same goes for most of the classrooms in the country, as apart from not have enough teachers who are trained in sign language, most classrooms are not adapted to their needs.

Many are likely to drop out of school out of frustration or not bother to attend classes.

These issues, however, do not only affect the deaf community, but all people living with disabilities. Those who rely on wheelchairs to get around are also amongst those who experience difficulties in accessing many building that they are supposed to seek services.

The government developed its first disability legislation, the Persons with Disability Act of 2024, meant to eliminate barriers to the active participation of persons with disabilities in the different sectors of the economy.

Yes, this indeed is a welcome development, but let's now treat the issue with the urgency it deserves!