Clearwater Mall has launched an on-demand sign language interpreting service. In partnership with CONVO South Africa, the West Rand of Johannesburg shoping centre now offers instant access to qualified South African Sign Language interpreters by scanning QR codes conveniently located at information points and customer service desks throughout the mall.

The service launches following research that revealed a significant Deaf community in the area. Shoppers can scan a QR code to connect via video call with an interpreter, making communication quick and simple, Clearwater's management said.

"We're here to serve our whole community, and that means responding by taking action when we can do better," said Prianka Singh Rodgers, Marketing Manager at Clearwater Mall.

"CONVO means that we are removing a communication barrier," she said.

The service works across phones, tablets and laptops, and supports SASL alongside English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, isiZulu and Sesotho.

Chelsea Williamson, General Manager at CONVO South Africa, said more shopping centres were embracing accessible communication.

"Clearwater Mall understands that accessibility isn't a nice-to-have feature. When Deaf customers can communicate freely with staff, everyone benefits," she said.

CONVO South Africa is a Deaf-owned and Deaf-led company that launched in 2022. The team received recognition at the Pan South African Language Board's Multilingualism Awards in the Technology and Business category.

With approximately 4-million South Africans who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing, the service addresses a need in the retail space. Mall staff have been trained on the technology to ensure a smooth experience from day one.