"To Communicate More Easily": UKZN Graduate Builds AI That Translates SA Sign Language Into Speech

• Akhil Hansrajh, a UKZN computer engineering graduate, developed an AI system that translates South African Sign Language into speech in real time
• Hansrajh built the system as his final-year project, inspired by his parents, who were both born hard of hearing
• The project earned him a highly commended award from UKZN's engineering faculty despite him facing mental health and financial challenges along the way

Akhil Hansrajh, a University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) computer engineering graduate, has built an artificial intelligence system that converts South African Sign Language (SASL) into spoken words in real time. The story was shared by IOL News on Facebook on 17 September 2026 and quickly drew attention online.

Hansrajh created the SASL-to-Speech Translation System as his final-year design project while completing his BSc Engineering in Computer Engineering. The system uses a custom-built AI model combined with a machine learning framework to track body landmarks and identify signs as they happen. A text-to-speech component then converts those interpreted signs into audible speech.

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The personal motivation behind the tech

The project was not just an academic exercise. Both of Hansrajh's parents were born hard of hearing, and he grew up watching them struggle to communicate in everyday settings.

"My parents encounter communication barriers in everyday settings such as banks, government departments, and municipal offices. My sister and I have often had to accompany them to speak on their behalf."

He believes a fully developed version of the system could change that dynamic.

"A production-ready system would empower these individuals to communicate more easily and effectively, without requiring the other party to have learned SASL"

His supervisor, Dr Sulaiman Patel, noted the project was among the first in UKZN's Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering (EECE) discipline to focus specifically on the South African dialect of sign language, which was recently recognised as the country's 12th official language.

Overcoming setbacks to reach the finish line

The journey was not straightforward. Hansrajh dealt with mental health challenges during the second semester of 2025, requiring an extension on his first submission. With support from Patel, including referrals to student counselling, he steadied himself and pushed through.

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Financial pressure added another layer. With one outstanding module and mounting bills, he was recommended by Professor Tahmid Quazi for a job interview at a local company. He secured the role and worked full-time while finishing his studies.

His efforts paid off. The EECE awarded him a highly commended distinction for his final-year project.

Hansrajh now plans to keep refining the system, improving its word recognition and the fluency of the speech it produces. Longer term, he hopes to build a career in software, networking or artificial intelligence.

View the Facebook post here.

What South Africans are saying

Reactions on the page were largely celebratory, though some raised questions:

Dennis Harisunker wrote:

"Congratulations Genius..."

Nzuzo Maphumulo asked:

"Where can we access it... 🙌"

Sandhiya Beharee said:

"Well done, Akhil. Let the haters hate... 👌🏼👏🏼👏🏼"

Malibongwe Maphisa noted:

"Funny how a lot of people in the comment section are trying to discredit this guy by praising the AI and APIs, whereas they have not even done something close to what this guy has done."

Suzette Mouton raised a broader idea:

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"Can you translate all the SA languages into English while the conversation flows? That's needed urgently."

Siyabonga Makhosonke Mngomezulu wondered:

"I thought sign language was universal. Does SA have its own? Meaning other countries have their own? 🤔"

Qhaggen Cogäz added:

"Shout out to AI visual models."

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Source: Briefly News