Ukzn Graduate Develops Technology to Bridge SA Sign Language Communication Gap

Using technology to address a real-world challenge resulted in Mr Akhil Hansrajh graduating with a BSc Engineering (Computer Engineering) degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).

For his final-year design project, Hansrajh developed a South African Sign Language (SASL) to Speech Translation System. The computer vision-based system used a custom-built artificial intelligence model alongside an established machine learning framework to track a person’s body landmarks and identify signs in real time.

The system was trained using a completely custom dataset relevant to SASL and was able to recognise individual letters and words before converting the interpreted signs into speech using a text-to-speech model.

According to Hansrajh’s supervisor, Dr Sulaiman Patel, the project was among the first assistive technology projects in UKZN’s Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering (EECE) discipline to focus specifically on the South African dialect of sign language. SASL has recently been recognised as South Africa’s 12th official language, while globally, most comparable systems focus on American Sign Language.

The project was particularly meaningful to Hansrajh because both his parents were born “hard of hearing”.

“My parents encounter communication barriers in everyday settings such as banks, government departments, and municipal offices,” said Hansrajh. “My sister and I have often had to accompany them to speak on their behalf.”

The significance of his research lies in its potential to help break down this communication barrier.

“A production-ready system would empower these individuals to communicate more easily and effectively, without requiring the other party to have learned SASL,” he said.

Despite the personal significance of his project, Hansrajh’s journey to graduation was not without difficulties. Patel described Hansrajh’s achievement as a story of grit and perseverance, as Hansrajh had experienced mental health challenges during the second semester of 2025 and required an extension on his first project submission. With support from Patel, including referrals to student counselling and regular wellness check-ins, he worked to regain momentum.

His determination ultimately saw him receive a highly commended award from EECE for his final-year project.

Hansrajh said that during his undergraduate studies, he particularly enjoyed the design modules, which allowed him to apply theoretical knowledge to substantial projects. He also singled out Data Communications and Internet Engineering, taught by Professor Tahmid Quazi, as his favourite modules.

With one outstanding module to complete in 2026 and facing financial difficulties, Hansrajh was recommended by Quazi to a local company for an interview. He secured a job and worked full-time while completing his studies.

With his BSc Engineering degree now under his belt, his immediate plans are to continue developing his sign language translation project, particularly improving its ability to recognise words and produce cohesive, fluent speech. Long-term, he hopes to pursue a career in software, networking, or artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Hansrajh credited his parents, uncle, sister, Patel, friend Aamil Maharaj, and his roommate, girlfriend, and university colleagues for supporting him throughout his journey.

Away from his studies, he enjoys gaming, following technology developments, and working on programming side projects.

“Through UKZN, I was able to experience university life to the fullest and meet people who share my interests,” he said. “My lecturers taught me not only the theory and methods, but also how to apply them, and that knowledge will form the foundation of my career ahead.

“Thank you, UKZN!”

Words: Hlengiwe Khwela

Photos: Sethu Dlamini