Eastgate Introduces Real-Time Interpreters For Deaf Shoppers
Johannesburg, 22 May 2025 – In recognition of International Accessibility Day this May, Eastgate Shopping Centre has announced a progressive collaboration with Convo South Africa to improve accessibility for Deaf and hard-of-hearing shoppers. With around 4 million South Africans in this community, the timing for such a meaningful initiative is both urgent and commendable.
Real-Time Language Support At Customer Service Points
Through this partnership, Eastgate now offers on-demand access to South African Sign Language (SASL) interpreters via video call. Shoppers can simply scan QR codes placed at customer service points throughout the mall to connect instantly with a professional interpreter — a service offered at no cost to the customer. This initiative is now live and aims to foster an environment where inclusivity is non-negotiable.
“Inclusivity should not be an afterthought,” states Saadiyah Kahn, General Manager at Eastgate. “We’re reimagining how we accommodate shoppers with diverse needs, and this partnership is a critical first step towards that goal.”
Convo’s Accessible Communication Technology
Convo’s platform allows users to access interpreting services via smartphones, tablets, and laptops. In addition to SASL, it supports spoken languages including English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, isiZulu, and Sesotho, ensuring communication can happen seamlessly and respectfully on a shopper’s own terms.
For Eastgate, integrating this inclusive technology aligns with its broader ambition to create a welcoming space for all members of the community, setting a new standard for accessibility within the retail sector.
Setting An Industry Example
As one of Johannesburg’s largest shopping destinations, Eastgate boasts over 200 retailers, an array of dining options, entertainment venues like a multiplex cinema and go-kart track, and numerous lifestyle attractions. This move signals a broader industry call to action: public spaces must innovate to dismantle barriers and serve diverse communities better.
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