On Saturday, Loftus Versfeld Stadium played host to a mesmerising rendition of the national anthem.
Lisa Mkandla, a 12-year-old pupil at St Vincent School for the Deaf, singer KB Motsilanyane and 60 000 Springbok fans sang Nkosi Sikelele iAfrika, with KB performing in South African Sign Language alongside Mkandla.
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South African Sign Language became the country’s 12th official language in May last year, following a year-long process in Parliament. IOL reports that South Africa became the fourth African country to recognise sign language.
Nenio Mbazima, the director of interpreting services company Strong Winds, says it was the first time a deaf person performed the anthem in sign language at such a major sports event.
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Mkandla’s interpreter, Mmatlou Moloto, accompanied her. ‘Lisa’s performance was met with overwhelming applause and admiration from the audience, transcending language barriers and uniting the crowd in a shared sense of patriotism,’ Mbazima said.
‘For many in the South African deaf community, this moment was a profound acknowledgement of their culture and language, fostering a sense of inclusion and representation.’
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@mammahutch #SAMA28 #springboks #ProudlySA ♬ original sound – Mamma Hutch
KB Motsilanyane shared an Instagram post to express her gratitude for the opportunity. ‘With gratitude 🙏🏾 I am grateful for this moment. The messages I am receiving are heartwarming and inspiring. I’m thankful to @bokrugby for the opportunity and congratulate the Champions on their victory. Thank you again. I’m truly honoured.’
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Picture: Erin.DeVos / Gallo Images