Day: September 4, 2024

South Africans have been encouraged to learn South African Sign Language as the country joins the global community in commemorating International Month for Deaf People.

International Month for Deaf People is observed annually in September to promote awareness of the rights of deaf people around the world, and bring to the fore challenges faced by deaf people.

The month is used to promote the understanding of the deaf community, and to encourage people to take steps to be more inclusive and celebrate diversity. This includes learning sign language so that people can communicate with the deaf community.

This year’s International Month for Deaf People is commemorated under the theme: ‘Sign up for Sign Language Rights’.

In celebrating Deaf Awareness Month, the Minister of Women Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, called on South Africans to learn Sign Language, as ‘it is the most effective way to communicate with and connect with deaf individuals’.

‘Public activities should be focused o
n mainstream and advocacy for the rights of the deaf community, to foster social cohesion, and education on disability inclusive language to eliminate any form of unfair discrimination,’ Chikunga said.

She noted that South Africa’s deaf community is well established, with over four million deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

The amendment of section 6 of the Constitution Eighteenth Amendment Bill to include South African Sign Language as the 12th official language in the country is a major stride towards effective protection and promotion of the linguistic rights of the deaf community.

‘The year 2024 stands out as a significant year in South Africa, as Mia Le Roux made history by becoming the first individual with a hearing impairment to be crowned Miss South Africa. This month-long celebration aims to encourage inclusivity, advance Sign Language education, and cultivate a deeper understanding of deaf culture,’ Chikunga said.

In leading socio-economic transformation and the implementation of empowerment and
participation of people with disabilities through mainstreaming and advocacy, the department further called upon all sectors of society to develop initiatives to commemorate this month and afford the deaf community the dignity they deserve.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Beijing, China – President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa is working towards transforming the economy by turning the country into a ‘manufacturing hub’.

‘We plan to move from being a large importer of manufactured products to being a major exporter,’ the President said on Wednesday.

Addressing the South Africa-China Business Forum on the occasion of the State Visit to China, President Cyril Ramaphosa said Chinese companies will find there are innumerable business opportunities to manufacture products in South Africa using the country’s excellent industrial experience.

‘We have seen this happen in our automotive industry. We have ambitious plans to modernise our infrastructure by investing in the expansion of ports, rail and road networks.

‘We are on a path to revolutionise our energy sector in pursuit of low-carbon, climate resilient development,’ the President said.

He said South Africa is actively seeking investment in the energy sector, with a particular focus on renewables and green hydrogen.

‘C
hina has a proven track record in developing innovative renewable energy solutions.

‘Together, we can create sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solutions that benefit both our countries.

‘By working together, we can create value chains that are mutually beneficial, leading to job creation and economic growth.

There is also vast untapped potential in technology,’ President Ramaphosa said.

He said South Africa and China can collaborate to promote innovation, technology transfer and skills development.

‘By leveraging our respective strengths and exploring new avenues of collaboration, we can create mutually beneficial partnerships.

‘Our focus must now be on building stronger business relationships, promoting cultural exchanges and tourism, and creating a favourable business environment.

‘The growth of the South African economy will support the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which opens access to a market of over 1.3 billion people,’ the President said.

He said African ec
onomic integration is fast becoming a reality that creates enormous opportunities to expand production on the continent and to stimulate much greater economic activity.

‘We are a country with enormous potential for growth and development. We are advantageously placed for companies looking to expand into the rest of the African continent.

‘South Africa and China have vibrant, diverse and growing economies, with a wealth of opportunities for businesses wishing to expand into new markets,’ the President said.

China is currently South Africa’s largest trading partner.

Bilateral trade between China and South Africa has increased by a third since 2019.

South Africa exports mainly minerals and agricultural products to China, and imports largely manufactured products from China.

‘We are seeking to shift the structure of our trade profile and deepen our investment relationship.

‘South Africa has one of the most advanced and diversified economies on the African continent. It has a vibrant business environment an
d a strong regulatory framework. It has a diverse, competitive and well-regulated financial sector,’ the President said.

Since the start of South Africa’s major investment drive in 2018, Chinese companies have made investment pledges to the value of over R18 billion in the manufacturing, resources, finance and agro-processing sectors. This is the equivalent of US $1 billion.

‘In the last six weeks, a number of Chinese companies have increased investments to support the expansion of their operations.

‘These investment commitments are testament to the resilience of the South African economy and the many opportunities for foreign and domestic investors.

‘It is up to us to seize these opportunities and take the economic relationship between our two countries to the next level,’ the President said.

He said South Africa has investment opportunities in the electric vehicle sector, renewable energy, green hydrogen and energy storage.

It has further opportunities in infrastructure, manufacturing, mining, benefic
iation of critical minerals, and the digital economy.

‘Let us work together to seize this opportunity and continue to build a more prosperous future for our respective countries,’ the President said.

Source: South African Government News Agency