Top Gauteng Sign Language learner in the 2019 matric exams Lisa Msiza (20) expressed her delight in an interview with the Gazette following her invitation to breakfast with Gauteng’s top achievers.
Msiza completed her matric at St Vincent School for the Deaf, achieving 82 per cent for Sign Language. She placed second nationally and first provincially with this subject result.
“I’m really proud and happy. I’ve always seen hearing people achieve on TV and I’m proud that I can represent the deaf community in this way,” said Msiza.
Msiza hopes to study education this year at either Unisa or the University of Free State. “I have a passion for education. There are so many hearing teachers teaching deaf children, but hearing teachers sometimes don’t sign well and this becomes a barrier in the classroom.
“I’m good with Sign Language and understand deaf culture and identity. I want to become a role model to learners.”
Watch:
Msiza said she has struggled to get into university because many tertiary education institutions don’t have interpreters and don’t cater to deaf students. “The government should realise the need for Sign Language at universities and recognise all subjects offered at deaf schools so that deaf learners can access tertiary education.”
Msiza advised the Class of 2020 to ask questions if they don’t understand and be aware of the rules governing Sign Language.
She also thanked her Sign Language teacher Tamsin Thomas who motivated her to achieve such excellent results and resolve problems and weak areas.
Thomas said, “Lisa has always been a clever girl. She works hard and is always very involved in the classroom. She is also happy to make adjustments to improve.”
Lisa’s mother Phathi Msiza said, “I feel so proud of Lisa. This is a great achievement. She is always willing to go the extra mile. This will give deaf students the confidence they need. We need to have more deaf people in high positions in our country.”
Related articles:
Roedean Academy learners of Barnato achieve good matric results
