Allexer Namundjembo
Sign language interpretation services in Namibia remain inadequate despite recent progress, the National Association of Deaf Adults (NNAD) has said.
Responding to questions on the status of sign language integration last week, NNAD said initiatives such as the Namibian Sign Language App (NAMSLAP) have improved access, especially in schools.
It said many deaf Namibians still face barriers when accessing public services.
“The landscape of sign language interpretation in Namibia presents both progress and persistent challenges,” the association said, noting that NAMSLAP was rolled out with support from the UN Democracy Fund and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS).
NNAD said Namibia faces a serious shortage of qualified sign language interpreters.
It said most government offices, schools and public service institutions do not have regular interpretation services.
“Most public services, educational institutions and government offices lack consistent interpretation provisions, creating significant barriers to access for the deaf community,” NNAD said.
To address the skills gap, the association has sent two master trainers to South Africa for advanced training, funded by the National Training Authority (NTA).
The trainers are expected to support local interpreter training and professional development on their return.
NNAD also highlighted the lack of legal recognition of Namibian Sign Language (NSL) as a major challenge.
“The legal recognition of Namibian Sign Language as an official language remains pending, which fundamentally undermines systematic integration efforts,” the association said.
It said it hopes the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture will act on recommendations from a parliamentary standing committee to formalise NSL through policy or legislation.
In schools, NNAD said inclusive education policies are not fully implemented.
It said many deaf learners in mainstream schools attend classes without adequate interpretation support.
“Our recent research has documented these lived experiences, revealing the gap between policy rhetoric and classroom reality,” the association said.
Looking to 2026, NNAD said it will focus on sustaining and expanding NAMSLAP as funding from the UN Democracy Fund ends in April.
It plans to continue developing the app and rolling it out to more regions through roadshows, with hosting support from Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.
Another priority is creating permanent positions for sign language interpreters across government ministries, schools, hospitals and courts.
“The current situation where interpretation services are contracted ad hoc or provided voluntarily is unsustainable and unprofessional,” NNAD said.
“We need formalised, permanent and pensionable positions with clear job descriptions and career pathways.”
The association said it will also prioritise capacity building and certification standards. This includes the establishment of accredited training programmes and national competency frameworks.
The master trainers currently studying at the University of the Witwatersrand are expected to present a national training programme after completing their studies.
Advocacy groups have long raised concerns about limited access to sign language interpretation in schools, healthcare facilities, courts and government offices.
While initiatives such as NAMSLAP have improved communication, Namibian Sign Language has not yet been formally recognised through legislation.
Stakeholders contend that to guarantee equal access to public services for deaf Namibians, they require legal recognition, qualified interpreters, and structured training programmes.
