Almost a quarter of the world’s countries recognise sign language as an official language.

Four African countries – Kenya, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe – have given the language, which uses hand movements and facial expressions to communicate, official recognition. It was signed into law as South Africa’s 12th official language in July 2023.

Almost 40-million people in Africa have moderate or higher levels of hearing loss, according to the World Health Organization. Of these, 4-million live in South Africa.

An official language has legal status and must be integrated into day-to-day state business and the education system.