Flapping Your Arms About To Make A Few Bucks.

An ANC youth cadre official at Nelson Mandela's internationally televised memorial was only pretending to interpret remarks, including Barack Obama's, into sign language.

Sign language frauds are common in South Africa. People who know a few signs often try to pass themselves off as professionals to make some quick cash.

The hand-flapping phony, Thami Jantjie, simply made up motions as he went along – and couldn’t even muster up one real word, sign language experts say.
He has “interpreted” speeches for South African president President Jacob Zuma in the past, and people have complained, to no avail.

Update: It's interesting how this story is being spun. The reports are suggesting the guy had a mental breakdown on stage, and that was the reason for the hand waving gibberish. He also gave a fake name and referenced a phone number and an employer that does not exist.

My internet surfing indicates this guy is well connected to the ANC, and had "interpreted" with hand-waving nonsense numerous times, for the government courts and also for the current South African President. HE DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO SIGN.