The Fake Sign Language Interpreter

Summary

The video script recounts the infamous incident of a fraudulent sign language interpreter at Nelson Mandela's memorial service in 2013. Thamsanqa Jantjie, who claimed to be schizophrenic, delivered nonsensical signs, sparking global outrage. Despite his mental health struggles and a history of violence, Jantjie had been hired for high-profile events by a company exploiting his disability. The South African government acknowledged their failure in vetting Jantjie, but no one was held accountable for the debacle.

Takeaways

• 😔 The memorial service for Nelson Mandela was marred by the presence of a fraudulent sign language interpreter, who performed nonsensical signs on live television.
• 👨‍🦳 Mandela was a pivotal figure in dismantling apartheid in South Africa, serving as a symbol of civil rights and receiving numerous honors, including the Nobel Peace Prize.
• 🌍 The memorial service was a global event, with leaders from approximately 190 countries in attendance and an estimated 2 billion viewers, making it the largest gathering of foreign leaders in history.
• 🤔 The interpreter, Thamsanqa Jantjie, was hired despite not knowing sign language, leading to widespread outrage and embarrassment for South Africa.
• 🗣️ Outrage over the interpreter's performance was initially confined to social media, with the deaf community expressing their anger and calling for his removal.
• 🤯 Jantjie claimed to have experienced auditory hallucinations and visions of angels during the event, attributing his bizarre behavior to his undiagnosed schizophrenia.
• 👮‍♂️ Serious security concerns were raised, questioning how someone with a history of violence and mental illness could be hired for such a high-profile event.
• 🔍 Investigations into Jantjie's background revealed a history of criminal charges, including theft, housebreaking, and attempted murder, with some cases resulting in prison time.
• 💼 The company that hired Jantjie, SA Interpreters, paid him significantly less than other employees and did not follow standard procedures for interpreter assignments.
• 🏆 Despite the scandal, Jantjie had been employed as an interpreter at other prestigious events, suggesting a systemic issue with vetting and oversight.
• 📜 The South African government acknowledged their failure to conduct a proper background check on Jantjie and the directors of SA Interpreters resigned, but no one was held accountable for the incident.

Q & A

Who was Nelson Mandela and what is his significance in South Africa's history?

Nelson Mandela was a South African politician and civil rights lawyer, credited with dismantling the country's apartheid system, which enforced segregation and discrimination against black people. He was imprisoned for a life sentence for treason but was pardoned and later became the first black president of South Africa in the country's first fully democratic election. His inspiring journey and leadership made him a world-renowned icon, receiving numerous honors including the Nobel Peace Prize.

What event led to the hiring of the fake sign language interpreter at Nelson Mandela's memorial service?

Following Nelson Mandela's death, South Africa held a 10-day national mourning period and organized an official memorial service, which was attended by leaders from approximately 190 countries and was televised to an estimated 2 billion viewers. To accommodate the disabled, a sign language interpreter was hired to translate the speeches at the event.

Why did the fake sign language interpreter become a topic of controversy?

The interpreter's hand gestures were nonsensical and did not follow the proper sign language structure, which led to outrage among the deaf community who recognized that he was not actually signing. This was brought to light on Twitter by Wilma Neuhaut, the first deaf woman elected into the South African parliament, and others who were watching the event.

Who was the fake sign language interpreter, and what was his explanation for his actions?

The fake interpreter was a 35-year-old man named Thamsanqa Jantjie. He claimed to have no recollection of signing and attributed his actions to hearing voices and seeing angels during the memorial service, which he said put him under duress. He was later revealed to be a diagnosed schizophrenic.

What was the reaction of the Deaf Federation of South Africa to the fake interpreter's performance?

The Deaf Federation of South Africa issued a statement denouncing the interpreter, describing his movements as unintelligible and a mockery, emphasizing that sign language involves more than just hand shapes but also facial expressions and body language.

What security concerns were raised following the revelation of the fake interpreter's identity?

Serious security concerns were raised because the interpreter had been on stage next to world leaders and had passed the security checks for such a high-profile event. Questions were asked about how someone so seemingly incompetent could have been given such access.

What was the background of Thamsanqa Jantjie, and did it reveal any relevant information about his capabilities?

Thamsanqa Jantjie had a history of criminal charges ranging from theft to housebreaking and was even accused of murder and kidnapping, although the outcome of that case is unknown. He was also forcibly institutionalized for 18 months due to his schizophrenia. However, he claimed to have worked as an interpreter for years, which raised questions about his actual knowledge of sign language.

How was Thamsanqa Jantjie contracted for the memorial service, and what was the role of the company involved?

Jantjie was contracted by a company named SA Interpreters, who paid him half the wage of their other employees. The South African deputy for disabled people defended him, stating that he was certified to sign and had attended a school for the deaf, suggesting that he may have been exploited by the company.

What were the consequences for Thamsanqa Jantjie and the company that hired him?

The directors of SA Interpreters resigned quietly, with their departure only made public a month later. The South African government admitted their mistake of failing to conduct a proper background check on Jantjie, but it remains unclear if anyone was held accountable for the incident.

What were the broader implications of the fake sign language interpreter incident for the South African government and the event?

The incident turned a unifying moment into one of national embarrassment for the South African government, which struggled to explain how such a blatant stunt could occur on a global stage. It highlighted the need for better vetting processes and raised awareness about the importance of accurate sign language interpretation.

How did the public and the media react to the story of the fake sign language interpreter?

The story spread quickly across the web, with the world in awe that someone would pretend to be a sign language interpreter on such a significant global stage. The incident became a topic of widespread discussion and speculation about the man's intentions and the failure of the event organizers.