Andiswa Gebashe Breaks Boundaries While Delivering Miss SA News to the Deaf
- Andiswa Gebashe, a deaf sign language interpreter, played a crucial role in making Miss South Africa 2024 accessible, marking a milestone for inclusivity
- Raised in a unique household with both a deaf and a hearing parent, Andiswa's journey reflects resilience and advocacy for South African Sign Language (SASL)
- Her involvement in the event underscores the importance of accessibility, especially after SASL was recognised as an official language in 2023
Source: Instagram
Deaf sign language interpreter Andiswa Gebashe will go down in pageant history after she played a pivotal role in the Miss South Africa 2024 competition.
Gebashe marked a significant milestone for inclusivity and accessibility in the nation after she signed the event for thousands of deaf people nationwide.
Miss SA announced Gebashe as their official sign language interpreter:
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Andiswa's background and work as an interpreter
Gebashe, who uses the handle @andi_signs, is known as President Cyril Ramaphosa's interpreter for the work she did during the pandemic.
However, she is also known for her research work for Beyond on SABC 2, and even earned a South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA) nomination.
Her work with Andi_signs, an interpreting company advocating for accessibility, reflects on the profound experience and journey that led to this historic moment.
From Durban to breaking boundaries for the deaf community
Born and raised in Umlazi, Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, Gebashe noted that her roots hailed from Umzimkhulu with her mother, father and sister.
Speaking to Briefly News, she said her educational journey was inspired not just by her parents but also by her background.
This included a year at a deaf school after she felt the need to find a community where she would feel a sense of belonging.
According to Gebashe, this was one of the most significant experiences in her life because her choice was partly influenced by the mocking she faced due to her father's deafness.
"My home language is South African Sign Language."
Andiswa was raised in a unique household. Andiswa's father, who was deaf, and mother, who was hearing, instilled in her the importance of independence and self-reliance.
Her parents allowed her to make significant life decisions, always encouraging them to weigh the pros and cons and have a Plan B.
Navigating challenges and embracing diversity
Andiswa's upbringing was anything but conventional. Her parents, having faced societal isolation due to their intermarriage, raised their children with the freedom to choose their paths yet with a strong understanding of responsibility.
"My parents are super amazing. My mom is hearing and my dad is deaf. Whenever we change schools or make any life decision, they make you come and do a presentation explaining why you want to do that.
"Weigh the pros and cons of your decision, and if it doesn't work out, what's your Plan B? So they always guided us or raised us independently."
This unconventional upbringing taught the interpreter to adapt to different environments and embrace people from diverse backgrounds.
A historic moment at Miss South Africa 2024
Andiswa noted that her involvement with Miss South Africa 2024 came through her work with Andi_signs, which advocates for promoting SA Sign Language (SASL) on mainstream platforms.
The production team of Miss South Africa recognised the importance of accessibility and contacted them, which aligned perfectly with her advocacy work.
"This was such an amazing experience. It's something that I had dreamt of—a day where Miss South Africa would be accessible to everyone, including the deaf community."
Her role in the event was not just about interpreting; it was about ensuring the production was accessible, from lighting and background choices to placing interpreters.
Andiswa praised the production team for their commitment, noting that this was not just a box-ticking exercise but a genuine effort to include SASL in the event.
She also highlighted the significance of this achievement, especially given that SASL was recognised as an official language in July 2023.
"This will go in the history books. South Africa made history by making Miss South Africa accessible in SASL in 2024."
A message of unity and representation
She emphasised that Miss South Africa 2024 was a win for all South Africans, not just the deaf community.
"She represents all of us. Whether you've been discriminated against or faced challenges in life, she is representing you."
She believes this event is an opportunity for the nation to unite, learn SASL, and become more inclusive.
"We have a chance to see ourselves in her success and to believe that if she can make it, so can we. Working hard is just one part of the journey. Believing in yourself and embracing who you are will take you to the next level."
Kamo Mphela set to perform at Miss SA finale
Briefly News reported that Kamo Mphela performed at the Miss South Africa finale, joined by Jesse Clegg, Zoë Modiga, Andiswa Gebashe and Lebo Mashile, who will dazzle the crowd with their talents.
The Amapiano sensation joins several local entertainers who are set to blaze the stage with their talents as Mzansi eagerly waits to see who is crowned.
However, South Africans are still pressed about the latest developments in the Chidimma Adetshina scandal and called for action from the organisation.
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Source: Briefly News
