Fake sign language interpreter at Mandela memorial
A phony sign language interpreter caused a stir Tuesday at the Nelson Mandela memorial service. While most people were moved by the words of world leaders that paid their respects to the antiapartheid hero, others couldn’t help but notice that something was awry with the man doing sign language in the background.
“It was horrible, an absolute circus, really really bad,” Nicole Du Toit, an official sign language interpreter, told the Associated Press about the fraud. “Only he can understand those gestures.”
The man, who has yet to be identified, was not signing in South African or American sign languages.
He has since been blasted by numerous organizations for the hearing impaired.
The South African government is said to be preparing a statement on the fake Mandela sign language interpreter.
A “hunt” is said to be ongoing for the very bold impostor.
-danielle canada
