Launch of Namibian Sign Language App

The ceremony was honored by the Vice President of the Republic of Namibia, Her Excellency Lucia Witbooi, who delivered the keynote address and officially launched the app. Remarks by Anna Hoffmann-Kwanga, Director of the KAS Namibia-Angola Office, as well as the Governor of Erongo, Hon. Natalia /Goagoses, and the Office of the Prime Minister and Walvis Bay Town Council, not to mention the Office of the President Disability Affairs Division and presentations by NNAD Chairperson, Peter Uushona, the app developers (Yobi Code), and EDeaf South Africa, emphasized inclusive literacy, equal access to education and employment, demonstrating the transformative potential of digital tools for social inclusion and a thriving inclusive democracy.
Highlights included a panel discussion on foundational literacy, inclusive rule of law, and inclusive private sector engagement. Testimonials from members of the Deaf Community on what it means to “live a day in the shoes of a Deaf Person” enriched the event further. The launch was also graced by entertainment rendered by deaf learners from the Walvis Bay Primary School, and a basic sign language training session, concluding with key insights on digital security presented by SALT Essentials. Overall, the event served to empower Namibia’s Deaf Community, offering practical networking and learning opportunities, with dedicated sign language interpreters supporting accessibility throughout.
The MCs, Jessica Gawachab, secretary of the National Disability Council of Namibia (NDCN) and Beatrice Schultz, Inclusive Education Consultant ensured for an inclusive spirit during the event. The practical skill-building sessions ensured that feedback from attendees and partners reflected strong appreciation for the NAMSLAP launch and 2025 Commemoration of the International Week of the Deaf. Suggestions for improvement centered on enhancing stakeholder communication and future inclusivity at mainstream events, but overall, objectives were met with positive public outreach and awareness, as well as sufficient media attention.
In October 2025, Namibia also reached a national milestone: the launch of its first comprehensive National Disability Policy, signifying concrete progress in safeguarding the rights and social participation of people with disabilities. Both initiatives—NAMSLAP and the National Disability Policy— continue to demonstrate Namibia’s commitment to empowering all citizens, nurturing public and private partnership, and promoting dignity and inclusion as foundations of social development and a democracy in action.