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Record attendance #SilentWalkAndRun to promotes deaf awareness

By Johnathan Paoli

The event drew a diverse crowd of learners from local schools for the deaf, including Ekurhuleni, Sizwile, St Vincent, and Dominican schools, as well as Filadelfia Secondary and MCK Special School.

Organised by the Neema Foundation for the Deaf, this year’s event was distinguished by its impressive turnout and the presence of the Sport, Arts, and Culture Deputy Minister Peace Mabe, whose attendance highlighted the event’s
significance in promoting Deaf Awareness Month and underscored the importance of inclusivity and support for the Deaf community.

Neema Foundation chairperson Itumeleng Motaung expressed her gratitude for Mabe’s participation.

“Their presence at the #SilentWalkAndRun underscores the importance of Deaf Awareness Month and aligns perfectly with our mission to foster a society where the deaf community is not only included but celebrated,” Motaung said.

The event saw growing support from major corporate sponsors, including African Bank, Telkom, the Ancora Group, Workerslife Insurance Solutions, HCI Resources and Prestige Clothing.

Motaung praised the corporate involvement, noting that it significantly contributed to the support and empowerment of the deaf community.

“We are grateful for the unwavering support from both the corporate sector and the government. This commitment plays a crucial role in our efforts to support and uplift the Deaf community,” she added.

The #SilentWalkAndRun, coordinated in collaboration with the City of Johannesburg, City of Ekurhuleni, Safer South Africa Foundation, eDeaf and other stakeholders, aims to foster unity and understanding between deaf and hearing individuals.

It also serves as both a platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the deaf community and a celebration of their contributions to society.

African Bank chief marketing officer Sbusiso Kumalo emphasised the bank’s dedication to financial inclusion.

“As a bank committed to serving all people, we are proud to support the Neema Foundation’s initiative. Financial literacy and access to resources are vital for everyone, including the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Our partnership aims
to enhance their access to essential financial services,” Kumalo said.

In conjunction with Deaf Awareness Month, City of Johannesburg’s MMC for health and social development, Ennie Makhafola, urged attendees to learn South African Sign Language (SASL).

“Learning SASL is a step towards greater inclusion of the deaf community in mainstream society. We must support deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, especially those affected by gender-based violence,” Makhafola said.

Telkom’s executive of group communications, Mooketsi Mocumi, highlighted the company’s commitment to inclusivity.

“Our involvement in the #SilentWalkAndRun reflects our belief in creating a society where everyone is valued. We hope our support will strengthen the Deaf community and inspire others to advocate for inclusivity,” Mocumi said.

A significant development from this year’s event is the launch of a new WhatsApp chatbot by the Neema Foundation, designed to provide the deaf community with real-time access to vital information.

Developed with support from African Bank and the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Response Fund, the chatbot will assist deaf victims of GBV by offering instant access to services such as police support, safe homes, legal aid and psychosocial help.

Motaung emphasised the importance of this platform in assisting the hearing impaired with a range of challenges.

“The chatbot will provide crucial support to deaf victims of GBV, offering them immediate assistance when it is most needed. It will also help address issues of financial abuse within the deaf community, empowering individuals to take control of their financial wellbeing,” she explained.

She said that despite SASL being recognised as the country’s 12th official language, many essential services and communications remained inaccessible to the deaf community.

Platforms like the chatbot were vital in closing these gaps and providing broader opportunities and support.

The #SilentWalkAndRun event not only celebrated the achievements and resilience of the deaf community, but also served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need for awareness, inclusion, and support.

INSIDE EDUCATION

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