Footage emerges of 'fake' Nelson Mandela memorial interpreter signing at Jacob Zuma speech last year

 
Signs: Thamsanqa Jantjie, right, interprets for President Zuma at an African National Congress event
Published on 14 Mar 2012 President Jacob Zuma sings "Kill the Boer" at ANC Centenery Celebrations in Bloemfontein, South Africa in January 2012. YOUTUBE
Robin de Peyer12 December 2013

Fresh footage of the interpreter who "made up signs" alongside Barack Obama at Nelson Mandela's memorial service shows him apparently translating a speech by South Africa's president.

The video shows Thamsanqa Jantjie signing as South Africa President Jacob Zuma sings anti-apartheid song 'Kill the Boer'.

Mr Jantjie stands next to the President making the same machine gun motion again and again as he sings during an African National Congress rally last year.

He also copies the president exactly as he makes a hand gesture at the start of the speech, and stands motionless in parts while Zuma is talking.

President Zuma has since pledged not to sing the song amid fears it could fuel racial tensions in South Africa.

The translator was thrust into the spotlight after deaf people watching Tuesday's memorial service for Mr Mandela revealed he repeatedly signed the words for "prawn" and "rocking horse" as world leaders addressed the crowd.

Mr Jantjie, who is 34, has since claimed he was suffering a schizophrenic episode during the service, and voices in his head caused him to sign nonsense.

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