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In a move to align the City of Tshwane with the National imperatives embedded in the constitution, ActionSA fought for the inclusion of languages spoken by the majority of residents - including sign-language - in the city’s language policy. 

This will go a long way to ensuring that those who are differently abled receive the support and services they deserve, in line with a commitment ActionSA made at our Disability Forum held in Laudium Civic Centre a week ago. 

During a council sitting on Thursday, ActionSA submitted amendments to the report which overlooked the languages spoken by the larger majority of the residents of Tshwane, including people living with speech and hearing impairments. 

The amendments demanded that the official languages of the country be included in the language policy of the city, including sign language, to accommodate all residents.

These amendments are in line with the South African constitution which specifies that effort must be made to advance indigenous languages, and that municipalities must take into account the languages and language preference of its residents. 

ActionSA remains relentless in our social justice pursuit in advocating for access to the necessary specialised services and support for the residents of the Metro Councils in which we are government, especially persons living with disabilities who currently do not receive adequate support to fulfil their full potential.

Issued by ActionSA Caucus Leader – City of Tshwane Alderman Anniruth (Derrick) Kissoonduth