Siphumelele Fortune Madlala

Fortune Madlala is the founder and CEO of Forch Communications, a company that provides comprehensive social and human development services with a particular focus on the Deaf community and the youth.

Her contributions have enabled the Deaf community to access and engage with music, fostering inclusivity and accessibility. Madlala’s pioneering efforts in South Africa’s music industry are evident in her involvement as an integral part of the first sign language lyric music video by Afro pop artist Sjava, titled “Umcebo.” This collaboration aligned with commitment to inclusivity and marked the beginning of a strong partnership which extended to various other projects, with their recent work being “Peace be with you.” Additionally, she collaborated with Venda Boy on the groundbreaking music video “Avhana Ndavha” as a SASL interpreter, the first of its kind in Tshivenda. Her multifaceted contributions across various sectors exemplify her passion, leadership, and positive influence in the field. Furthermore, Madlala has extended her efforts beyond formal settings by integrating SASL interpretation into various industries. Her work has brought attention to the rights of the Deaf community, advocating for equal access to information and freedom of expression. Utilising her platform and resources, Madlala collaborates with radio stations such as Radio Kwezi and engages with projects such as Isicathamiya infotainment projects where she advocates for the inclusion of interpretation in the isicathamiya genre, fostering a culture of accessibility and communication for all.

With over a decade of experience as a SASL interpreter, she has established herself as a formidable force which is evident as her work has garnered recognition for various awards, including the Vita Basadi Awards, the Standard Bank Rising Star Awards, South African Youth Awards amongst others. Her overarching goal is to challenge perceptions which will lead to awareness and inclusivity of SASL in music.