Tommy Motswai is an internationally acclaimed artist who was born deaf. He was a Standard Bank Young Artist Awards winner in 1992 for his contribution to the arts and for his passion for educating deaf children on how art can help them express themselves. The only language he’s ever spoken is South African Sign Language. He has always been passionate about his craft and the way bright colours seem to make a sound in his mind when he paints. 

As part of our Standard Bank Brand relaunch campaign, we wanted to tell Tommy’s story. In fact, using gloves that can translate Tommy’s sign language into spoken words, we’ve given Tommy the ability to tell us his story himself; To talk to the world about his challenges and passions, and be understood, in his first language, for the very first time. 

This is Tommy’s dream, and Standard Bank’s mission is to find new ways to make dreams possible.

The world’s first radio advert delivered in sign language? 

It Can Be.