The National Federation of People with Disabilities in Namibia has called on the government to recognise sign language as an official language.
This is to ensure the inclusion of rights for the deaf community.
Chairperson of the organisation Matheus Hashoongo made this call during the observance of International Week of Deaf People and International Day of Sign Languages in Windhoek on Monday.
Hashoongo said people with disabilities should be empowered in various ways rather than merely increasing disability social grants.
“I am dissatisfied that political party manifestos only focus on increasing disability grants, while the priority should be on social protection and empowerment,” he said.
Hashoongo further said there is a need for sign language interpreters at public gatherings and events because deaf people are being excluded from accessing important information.
He highlighted the absence of sign language interpreters at events where politicians presented their manifestos ahead of the November elections.
Speaking at the same event, the Namibian National Association of the Deaf founder Martin Tjivera said accessing basic services, such as healthcare and police assistance, as well as employment, remains a challenge for the deaf community.
Tjivera, speaking through sign language interpreter Selma Moses, called on the corporate sector and the government to offer support to deaf students and aspiring entrepreneurs in the deaf community.
He emphasised that the deaf community has been excluded and is not supported enough.
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