Original Author: Tyler Vivier
Original Publications: Good Things Guy
Date: November 6, 2019
Limpopo, South Africa – Lucky Netshidzati was born to two deaf parents. He was sent to live with his grandmother as he was unable to communicate with his parents. He couldn’t understand the situation when he was young.
As Lucky grew up, it became clear why there was a communication divide between himself and his parents. He began to think of ways to make a difference in the lives of the deaf community and their loved ones. He knew first hand the anguish of not being able to communicate with his parents.
He spent years brainstorming ways to do something. Eventually, he came up with the concept of smart gloves. The gloves translate sign language into speech via the use of sensors and an app.
Lucky has been praised for his invention, and while he says it may be similar to another device in Kenya, this one is more advanced and focusses solely on South African sign language.
In an interview with John Maytham, Lucky explains how his experiences as a child inspired him to invent the Smart Glove.
“A deaf person wears the gloves. When they sign in South African sign language, it translates sign language into voice.
It creates a real-time communication between deaf people and hearing people.” – Lucky Netshidzati, CEO and co-founder of Rudzambilu Holdings.
