Erfan Kouchari / Tasnim News Agency · Wikimedia Commons · Crop: TDKR Chicago 101 · CC BY 4.0
Two stages in the legal record
The Constitution Eighteenth Amendment Act adds SASL to section 6’s list of official languages. Its commencement clause requires a separate presidential proclamation. Proclamation 321, published on 26 June 2026, provides for the Act to start immediately. An official correction published on 2 July states that the proclamation was signed on 26 March 2026. The signing ceremony in 2023 should therefore be distinguished from these later commencement documents. [1][2][3]
A milestone welcomed by Deaf advocates
At the 2023 ceremony, Deaf Federation of South Africa national director Bruno Druchen welcomed the signing as historic. In remarks recorded by the government news service, he expressed hope for Deaf people’s inclusion in courts, schools and universities, and encouraged others to communicate with Deaf people. These were an advocate’s expectations at that moment, rather than a report of services already delivered. [4]
“Do not be afraid of communicating with deaf people.”
What recognition needs in practice
The same ceremony identified practical responsibilities. Ramaphosa said interpreter shortages in courts, police stations and health services had obstructed access, and called for implementation plans backed by resources. That connects language status with everyday encounters: explaining a medical concern, understanding legal proceedings or participating in education. [4]
The picture described in 2026
In a government commentary dated 16 September 2026, GCIS official Sandile Nene described training for frontline public workers and continued barriers to services and information. This provides a recent official account, not an independent nationwide evaluation. [5]