by MTHULISI SUBANDA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – THE Vodacom Group is advancing efforts to make digital services more accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing people across its African footprint.
It is working to remove communication barriers that can prevent people from accessing essential and financial services, as well as customer support.
The focus coincides with International Week of Deaf People, ongoing from September 21–27, under the theme “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights.”
“Africa’s digital transformation cannot be regarded as inclusive if people still encounter barriers when they try to use the services that are increasingly shaping everyday life,” Ayman Essam, Chief External Affairs Officer, Vodacom Group, said.
“Our purpose to connect for a better future is not just about who has connectivity, but whether people can meaningfully use it. Accessibility must be part of that conversation from the beginning.”
Vodacom Group is already translating this approach into practical initiatives across all eight of its operating markets on the continent.
In South Africa, it operates a Relay Contact Centre with agents who communicate in South African Sign Language (SASL), while its free Vodacom 112 Emergency Service App enables customers with communication barriers to communicate with the ER24 Emergency Services Contact Centre and access ambulance, police, fire, traffic and sea rescue services.
In Kenya, through Safaricom, the company has partnered with Signs Media Kenya to integrate the assistALL Mini-App into the M-PESA App, providing on-demand sign-language interpretation.
Vodacom Tanzania operates a contact centre with agents who can assist customers using sign language.
Vodafone Egypt provides dedicated solutions for deaf and hard-of-hearing customers, including a prepaid plan and sign-language customer service.
“Accessibility is really about designing technology and services that respond to different needs,” Dr Karen Smit, Accessibility Lead at Vodacom, said.
Vodacom has also embedded accessibility within its workplace.
In South Africa, it has enabled an SASL font across Microsoft 365 and launched a 12-module SASL learning pathway developed with deaf educators and the National Institute for the Deaf.
– CAJ News