By: Londiwe Maphumulo
Councillors from ten municipalities in Gauteng gathered on 6-10 July 2026 in Pretoria for basic South African Sign Language (SASL) workshop held by the PanSALB Gauteng Provincial Office. Merafong City, Mogale City, Mid Vaal, City of Tshwane, Lesedi, City of Johannesburg, Sedibeng, Emfuleni, West Rand, and City of Ekurhuleni were all represented, as well as a few staff members from SALGA. Councillors enjoyed the workshop, with some indicating that the signs learned would enable them to communicate with the Deaf community during upcoming elections.
This was the third workshop that PanSALB conducted for SALGA. The workshop was facilitated by Ms Olga Blose, SASL Chief Language Practitioner. She took councillors through Deaf culture, the SASL alphabet, and basic signs for various themes, such as provinces, political parties, and work. On the last day of the workshop, the Gauteng Senior Provincial Manager Dr Sally Maepa emphasised the importance of learning SASL, as well as the importance of at least having basic SASL communication skills as a starting point. All councillors appreciated the opportunity and were enthusiastic about going back to their communities and practicing what they have learned.
