Benonian in the running for Mr Deaf SA
To vote for Faeem, SMS MDS12 to 47439 to help him achieve his dream.
Actonville resident Faeem Karodia will contest the 2022 Mr Deaf South Africa (MDSA) to educate people about the deaf community and to stop negative attitudes and discrimination against deaf people.
“I want to break the stigma. I want to show the world that deaf people can do anything.
“It is fun being involved in deaf communities, to meet lots of other deaf people, learning sign language and getting to know them so that together we can achieve greater things,” he said.
Faeem first entered the competition last year and was crowned as the first prince. The pageant was won by Darren Archer.
“MDSA opened doors for me to follow my passion and helped to grow my confidence. I got to know more about deaf communities in South Africa.
“It was great to meet new people and learn where I can visit organisations and offer support. Also, I learnt a lot about charity and fundraising,” he said.
He explained that if he were to win the competition, he would lobby for sign language to be recognised as one of the country’s official languages.
Also Read: Actonville resident advocates for deaf community
“This will then allow sign language to be the 12th official language and emphasise the rights of deaf people in South Africa. Language should not be a barrier, it should be embraced.
“I will represent the deaf community in better ways to get more support and access to an easier and more deaf-friendly environment.
“I wish to create more job opportunities and help individuals to gain higher education – universities and colleges with SASL interpreters available for deaf people and get more access to communication with the hearing world.”
Faeem said one of his motivations for re-entering the competition was to become a motivational speaker.
“My dream is to visit deaf schools in all provinces to give a motivational speech to the pupils about deaf culture and that everyone has a future if we stand together.
“I want to be a role model to the deaf community in South Africa as we have few deaf role models already inspiring the younger generations. “
The 37-year-old matriculated from St Vincent School for the Deaf in 2003. He’s been a pastry chef for the past 15 years.
He encourages young people in the deaf community to pursue education as it is their key to success.
“No excuses, put your mind to it and achieve,” he said.
His message to the youth is, “Believe in yourself, achieve your dreams to create a better future for deaf communities and be proud of being deaf”.
The pageant will take place on September 3 at the Playhouse Company in Durban.
To vote for Faeem, SMS MDS12 to 47439 (R3.00 per SMS) to help him achieve his dream.
Also Read: Faeem takes Mr Deaf SA first prince title
