Joburg marks Deaf Awareness Month
This significant event celebrates the International Month for Deaf People and aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the deaf community.
The eight annual Silent Walk & Run took place on September 14 in Johannesburg.
This significant event celebrates the International Month for Deaf People and aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the deaf community.
Organised by the City of Joburg’s Social Development Department in partnership with the Neema Foundation for the Deaf, the event featured a 5km silent walk through the streets of Emmarentia, followed by a day of fun activities.
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MMC for health and social development, Ennie Makhafola, welcomed participants and emphasised the importance of supporting the deaf community, especially as sign language has recently been recognised as the country’s 12th official language.
“We are urging city residents to continue supporting the #Annual #SilentWalk&Run the city hold annually.
“We appreciate everyone who is here and the support they have been giving to the deaf people.
“Let us ensure we have deaf interpreters in all government facilities to ensure they access with ease for all their needs,” said Makhafola.
Fatima Cele, CEO of the Neema Foundation, expressed her excitement about the event’s success and the support received from African Bank, which offers sign language services to help the deaf community manage their finances.
“We still have issues like opening cases at SAPS for GBV and access to community clinics. It comes with barriers relating to the deaf community. We are hopeful government will finally listen to us to find possible solutions to the challenges.”
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The Deputy Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, committed national government support for future events and urged the hearing community to give the needed support to the deaf community.
“I can assure you that in the next coming event the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton Mc Kenzie will be here.
“As the national government we are on board, we will be supporting and participating in the Silent Walk & Run events. I am here to urge the hearing community to give the needed support to the deaf community.”
