EMPD and partners empowering the deaf
The deaf community is one of the most marginalised groups in South Africa.
According to Supt Wilfred Kgasago, spokesperson for the EMPD, because of the fact that they cannot communicate freely with the hearing world, they are often regarded as incompetent or not intelligent, and not fit to be employed.
“Several companies such as Altech Radio Holdings, and EMPD, working hand-in-hand with eDeaf, have taken the brave step of employing deaf persons with great success, proving that in some career fields the Deaf can be just as good, or even better than hearing employees,” he says.
Kgasago adds that it is a documented fact that deaf employees are more effective in certain disciplines due to the fact that they are not easily distracted.
“EMPD, Altech Radio Holdings and eDeaf appropriately celebrated the International Week of the Deaf, on September 26, which is about increasing solidarity among the deaf people and their allies, and is used to stimulate greater efforts to promote the rights of deaf people.
“The deaf employees related their experiences in their respective work environments by way of presentations, which are vital in enhancing communication and providing understanding between them and the hearing staff members,” says Kgasago.
Altech Radio Holdings, who are contracted to EMPD in the administration of prosecution processes, have jointly, with EMPD, 14 deaf persons in their employs.
