South Africa's Clearwater Mall taps QR codes for on-demand sign language interpreting service
Clearwater Mall in South Africa has launched a sign language interpreting service.
In partnership with CONVO South Africa, the West Rand centre now offers instant access to qualified South African sign language interpreters by scanning QR codes located at information points and customer service desks throughout the mall.
“We’re here to serve our whole community, and that means responding by taking action when we can do better,” says Prianka Singh Rodgers, Marketing Manager at Clearwater Mall. “CONVO means that we are removing a communication barrier.”
There are no downloads, no registration, and no cost to customers. 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, says: “Clearwater Mall understands that accessibility isn’t a nice to have feature. When deaf customers can communicate freely with staff, everyone benefits.”
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
QR codes were a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
We received a record number of entries and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.
For a full rundown of all of the shortlisted entries, click here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC in Central London on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
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