TALKING RUBBISH: The man has been accused of 'just flapping his arms around' [GETTY]
Experts in the skill said the man, who stood on stage next to world leaders including Barack Obama, just “made it up as he went along” in a series of nonsense gestures.
His bizarre antics confused millions of deaf TV viewers around the world who tuned in to watch the tribute to the former South African president, who died on Thursday.
It also raised major concerns over security at the service, which was attended by 91 world leaders including British PM David Cameron.
MEMORIAL: The imposter 'translated' Mandela's memorial service [GETTY]
Jan Sheldon, chief executive of the UK’s Royal Association for Deaf People, said: “We consider this to be an absolute disgrace and an insult to deaf people. It represents one of the most public mockeries of deaf people and sign language that we’ve ever seen.”
Concerns were raised over the interpreter by deaf people watching the service held at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium on Tuesday.
“Fake interpreter on stage at the Mandela memorial service. Just some random person flapping arms about”
Deaf activist Alison Bryan
Deaf activist Alison Bryan wrote: “Fake interpreter on stage at the Mandela memorial service. Just some random person flapping arms about.”
A South African government spokesman said they were investigating.
It also emerged yesterday that peace icon Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s Cape Town home was burgled as he attended the memorial, the 82-year-old’s aide Roger Friedman revealed.
Meanwhile supermodel Naomi Campbell, 43, wept as she joined mourners in viewing Mandela’s body lying in state in Pretoria.
The legend will be buried on Sunday in his home town of Qunu.
FAKE: Spectators said the interpreter wasn't making any sense [AP]
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