Lisa Nondumiso Msiza has taken up the challenge to break barriers in communication as a deaf person.
This model and second-year Linguistics and Sign Language student at the University of the Free State (UFS) has received the prestigious Abe Bailey Travel Bursary to visit the United Kingdom (UK).
Msiza will embark on an educational tour spanning three weeks in late November. This ties in with her aspirations to break the stigma that deaf people are incapable of doing certain things.
“I want to show through action that deaf people can do anything. We have the required skills; we can read and write too – just like hearing people can,” said Msiza.
She aims to also create awareness that the UFS has the facilities to accommodate deaf people. Msiza is part of the group of 12 deaf students currently enrolled at this institution. She will be accompanied by interpreter Charity Morrison of the Centre for Universal Access and Disability Support (CUADS).
Msiza said the UK tour would provide lifelong lessons to complement her passion for teaching and facilitating sign language.
“I want to observe different businesses and programmes in the UK in order to learn how to start projects and develop myself and my community, as deaf people get limited opportunities. I want to teach people the use, culture and history of sign language.”
Msiza describes herself as a kind, understanding and loving person. She was born in Johannesburg, from Zulu and Ndebele speaking parents. She says that, although sign language is different in every spoken language, she quickly adapts and communicates in it as soon as she grasps the structure of the new form.
Msiza is living proof that beauty and brains can coexist. She was named top achiever of her school’s 2020 matric class and she obtained fifth position at the World Deaf Model 2021 modelling contest.
“I am passionate about being a teacher, facilitator or lecturer. I love sign language and I am always trying to inform people about the importance of learning about deaf people – and to help others understand the nature of language and communication.”
Her dreams for the future include becoming a lecturer at the UFS or to continue her studies abroad to gain insight that will ultimately benefit her in aiding her community.
“I want our country to prosper and would like to have every news bulletin interpreted for the deaf,” said Msiza.
