Meyersdal resident advocates for deaf community

Ms Deaf South Africa 2020 finalist Megan Holmes (33) is proof that despite your disability everything is possible if you set your mind to it.

She is one of 11 finalists in Ms, Mr and Mrs Deaf South Africa (MDSA), an independent deaf empowerment organisation founded in 1995.

Originally from Cape Town, the Meyersdal resident relocated into the area four years ago. Despite her disability, she is passionate about sport and is actively involved in cycling. Megan’s disability is hereditary, over the years she realised her four-year-old child was also born deaf.

She proudly told the RECORD she finds inspiration from her enthusiastic daughter. The deaf community often finds it hard to communicate and express messages but Megan tends to put her creativity at play.

“I’m a very emotional person who loves writing poetry, so I express myself through writing and that is part of my therapy. During the early phases of the country’s lockdown I spent more time writing and it helped in calming me down,” she said.

Modelling journey

In 2013, Megan’s modelling journey kicked off where she initially contested for Ms Deaf South Africa. There, she gained popularity by winning awards in categories such as best talent for poetry.

“I was then asked to enter for Ms Deaf SA the previous year. I was a bit reluctant because of my workload. But I had to reconsider because I enjoy empowering the deaf community. I simply took part because I wanted people to be aware of us and know that we are able as well,” she said.

Her biggest wish is to have sign language authorised as an official language in South Africa. Megan is studying financial accounting at the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) and works as a financial officer.

She has years of experience in the finance industry, and has also worked at Standard Bank where she was recognised monthly for her excellent skills.

Rise above challenges

She said her life’s challenges contributed greatly into moulding her into the kind of person that is she today. Apart from social challenges, she has reportedly faced a pile of work-related obstacles, but she rose above them.

Upon completing matric, she had great plans for her future and had everything planned out. Initially, she had hoped to become one of South Africa’s most talented fashion designers; however, her ambition did not materialise.
She enrolled at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) with the hope of attaining her qualification, but later dropped out because of the communication barrier.

“When I first joined the university everything was okay. With time I struggled with lectures because it was a big course. Lecturers would just communicate and I would forever ask to read their lips. I couldn’t take the pressure and the stress was not good for me at all,” said Megan.

Activism

Having impaired hearing has never set Megan apart from the able community. She strongly advocates for self-independence and bringing change in every way possible.

“People may identify me as not being normal because of my speech, but I see myself as perfectly fine. Those who are disabled should embrace themselves and not put a title to their disability.  “Whenever I meet people I don’t feel left out, instead I feel that I’m part of society and I’m a proud deaf person with a capital ‘D’,” said Megan.

She also said her victory as Ms Deaf South Africa 2020 would mean that she would be able to positively impact a lot of people’s lives.

To offer support to her campaigns and charity work, visit her Facebook page on Megan Holmes – Ms Deaf South Africa Finalist 2020.