‘Fake' Sign Language Interpreter At Mandela Memorial Outrages Deaf: Who Was The Bogus Interpreter? [VIDEO]

Deaf viewers of Nelson Mandela's globally broadcast memorial service on Wednesday might have been in for an unpleasant surprise. As dignitary after dignitary stepped to the podium in South Africa to pay their last respects to Mandela -- including President Barack Obama -- a sign-language interpreter stood beside them, moving his hands. One problem: he wasn't actually signing anything. Bruno Druchen, director of the Deaf Federation of South Africa, told the Associated Press that the fake interpreter "was moving his hands around but there was no meaning in what he used his hands for".

The man, who has yet to be identified, also reportedly acted as a sign language interpreter at an event last year which was attended by South African President Jacob Zuma. At that appearance, the fake interpreter apparently angered one deaf person in the audience, who videotaped the event and gave it to the Deaf Federation, which ended up submitting a formal complaint to the African National Congress (ANC), the party to which Zuma belongs. ANC spokesman Jackson Mthembu said the party had no knowledge of the man. "I don't know this guy. He doesn't work for the ANC. It was a government event. Ask them," said Mthembu.

South Africa's Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane told members of the press that the administration was looking into the incident in response to uproar from advocates for the deaf and deaf viewers of the event. "Government has noted concern expressed in some quarters about the alleged incorrect use of sign language in the national memorial service," he said at a press briefing, according to NBC News. "Government is looking into this matter but has not been able to conclude this inquiry due to the demanding schedule of organizing events relating to the state funeral. Government will report publicly on information it establishes but wishes to assure South Africans that we are clear in defending the rights and dignity of people with disabilities."

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