PHOTOSPEAKS
Outrage over ‘fake’ interpreter at Nelson Mandela memorial
To those outside the deaf community, the sign language interpreter for Nelson Mandela’s memorial may have looked like he was working very hard, translating the spoken words into gestures for four hours.
But he was a complete fake, and his actions outraged deaf people around the world, according to an association for the deaf community in South Africa.
From CNN
The service to commemorate the revered statesman, who died last week at the age of 95, was broadcast to millions of viewers around the world.
While dignitaries addressed the crowd Tuesday at Johannesburg’s FNB stadium, the suited man with a security pass produced a series of hand signals that experts say meant nothing.
The Deaf Federation of South Africa (DeafSA) said the “interpreter” — whom it did not identify — was not a recognized professional, nor was he known by the deaf community in the country.
“The so-called ‘interpreter’ who interpreted at the official memorial service for late former president Nelson Mandela at FNB stadium has been dubbed the ‘fake interpreter’ and the deaf community is in outrage,” DeafSA said in a statement.
The man did not use facial expressions, which in South African sign language are an important part of communication, and the hand signals he used were meaningless, it said.
“The signs (self-invented signs) the interpreter used are not used in South African Sign Language and it is a total mockery of the language,” DeafSA said.
He also did not use the established, recognized signs for the names of Mandela, South African President Jacob Zuma and his predecessor, Thabo Mbeki, among others, DeafSA added.
“This proves that he is not involved in the deaf community and doesn’t know South African Sign Language,” it said.
“To the best of our knowledge, he has not undergone any formal training in South African Sign Language or Interpreting offered by any recognized institution which offers these training courses.”
South African government spokeswoman Phumla Williams said she could not immediately comment on the allegations.
“I am still trying to get the feedback from the people who hired him. I am not in a position to respond,” she told CNN.
“Once I have that information I will respond.”
World leaders from President Barack Obama to Cuba’s Raul Castro joined celebrities, religious figures and tens of thousands of ordinary South Africans to pay tribute to Mandela at the Tuesday service.
News7 hours ago
Nigerian Senate Denies Fighting Over Sitting Arrangement During Plenary Session
News8 hours ago
FG Declares Wednesday As Public Holiday To Celebrate Workers’ Day
Politics8 hours ago
Rowdy Session As Nigerian Senators Fight Over Seats In Refurbished Chamber
Entertainment10 hours ago
“Find One Place And Sit Down” – Wizkid Slams Cubana Chief Priest Over Davido
!["Men Should Help Their Gender More Than Females" - Apostle Suleman [Video]](https://media.kanyidaily.com/2024/04/30124642/Apostle-Suleman-4-80x80.jpeg "\"Men Should Help Their Gender More Than Females\" - Apostle Suleman [Video] 20")
Celebrities13 hours ago
“Men Should Help Their Gender More Than Females” – Apostle Suleman [Video]
Tech and Gadgets13 hours ago
Kaduna State Collaborates with Google to Launch Pioneering Hausa Language AI Learning Series to Expand Tech Education and Empower Women
Entertainment14 hours ago
“Olamide Is My Idol But I Rap Better Than Him” – Oladips
Education15 hours ago
JAMB Reveals Why It Won’t Announce Names Of 2024 UTME Top Scorers
Celebrities15 hours ago
MMA Fighter And Boxer, Francis Ngannou Loses His 15-month-Old Son Kobe
Entertainment17 hours ago
“I Can Retire Today And You’ll Still Not Be On My Level” – Wizkid Replies Davido
Entertainment17 hours ago
“Your Career Is Dead, Dem No Know Your Gbedu Again” – Davido Fires Back At Wizkid
Education1 day ago
UTME 2024: How To Check Your JAMB Results Through Phone, Portal
Entertainment1 day ago
“If Not For Wizkid, The Likes Of Davido Wouldn’t Have A Platform” – Samklef
News1 day ago
Fuel Scarcity Hits Nigeria As Petrol Sells Above N700/Per Liter In Lagos, Abuja
Entertainment2 days ago
Wizkid Shades Don Jazzy Over Ladipoe’s Post, Calls Him An Influencer
Entertainment2 days ago
Wizkid Trolls Davido With Video Of Him Crying And Begging On His Knees
Politics2 days ago
Gunmen Kill Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Campaign Coordinator In Ondo
Metro2 days ago
Police Probe Death Of VGC Chairman, Gihan Mbelu Found Dead In His Car In Lagos
![“I Will Marry Wizkid, Kiss Omah Lay And Kill Davido” - Tacha Akide Reveals [Video]](https://media.kanyidaily.com/2024/04/27184500/PhotoCollageMaker_20240427_161622773-768x384-1-80x80.jpg "“I Will Marry Wizkid, Kiss Omah Lay And Kill Davido” - Tacha Akide Reveals [Video] 34")
Entertainment3 days ago
“I Will Marry Wizkid, Kiss Omah Lay And Kill Davido” – Tacha Akide Reveals [Video]
Entertainment3 days ago
Real Warri Pikin And Her Husband Celebrate 11th Wedding Anniversary
Entertainment9 months ago
Rihanna And ASAP Rocky Reportedly Welcomes Their Second Child, A Baby Girl
![Tunde Ednut Reacts As Child Comedian, Kiriku Rains Money On Fans From Moving Car [Video]](https://media.kanyidaily.com/2023/05/18112339/Kiriku-80x80.jpg "Tunde Ednut Reacts As Child Comedian, Kiriku Rains Money On Fans From Moving Car [Video] 37")
Entertainment12 months ago
Tunde Ednut Reacts As Child Comedian, Kiriku Rains Money On Fans From Moving Car [Video]
!["She Ignored Me Despite Being A Star" – Davido Recounts First Time He Met Chioma [Video]](https://media.kanyidaily.com/2023/06/04111700/Davido-Chioma-80x80.jpg "\"She Ignored Me Despite Being A Star\" – Davido Recounts First Time He Met Chioma [Video] 38")
Entertainment11 months ago
“She Ignored Me Despite Being A Star” – Davido Recounts First Time He Met Chioma [Video]
Celebrities12 months ago
Hilda Baci Defends Her Dressing, Urges Nigerians To Recognize Her Talents Beyond Appearance
Entertainment8 months ago