The Deaf-and-hard-of-hearing community will use September Deaf Awareness Month to continue celebrating the Government’s decision to make SA Sign Language (SASL) the 12th official language.
Cebisile Ndebele, Chairperson of the Neema Foundation for the Deaf, says SASL being an official language is a monumental victory for the Deaf community. It will ensure that their rights to equality, dignity and social inclusion are not only recognised but implemented.
“As we celebrate, we must realise that the battle for equality, dignity and social inclusion for Deaf people is far from over,” says Ndebele.
Ndebele says the struggle for Deaf equality and inclusion will only be won when there is quality education. It will further require increased employment and SASL interpreters are available at all public places, such as police stations, hospitals, clinics, banks, and courts.
However, the Government and private sector have responded positively to the plight of the Deaf community in the recent past.
We applaud Government departments, religious organisations and private companies who train their employees in SASL or hire Deaf employees.
It is in this spirit of building an inclusive society, that we take our hats off to African Bank, one of the country’s leading retail banks, for taking the lead to become the first corporate partner of the 7th Annual #SilentWalk&Run.
Sbusiso Kumalo, Marketing Officer at African Bank says the issue of marginalisation of people is of enormous concern to African Bank.
“Through our partnership with the #SilentWalk&Run, we empower silent voices to be heard, acknowledged, and valued, contributing to a more inclusive and harmonious community,” Kumalo says.
“As a financial institution, we are dedicated to serving our people, valuing diversity, and inclusiveness, we aspire to ensure accessibility for all, including members of the Deaf and hearing-impaired community. We need to make sure that as a bank for the people, everyone has equal access to all aspects of society, including financial services”.
Neema Foundation for the Deaf also appreciates the support from the City of Johannesburg, Gauteng Provincial Department Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, the City of Ekurhuleni, GBVF Response Fund, Safer South Africa Foundation and eDeaf as well as Petra Diamond Mining who have contributed to making this event a reality for the Deaf Community as it aims to bring awareness to the disability.
In addition to the partnership, African Bank is proud to host a masterclass in deaf culture, further exemplifying its commitment that extends beyond the #SilentWalk.
“There is just over 4 million of us out there who are denied our rights daily,” Ndebele adds, with the primary concern being the double stigmatisation of Deaf women based on their gender and disability.
As part of activities aimed at commemorating the International Week of Deaf People and raising awareness about the plight of the Deaf community, the 7th Annual #SilentWalk&Run will be held on Saturday, 16 September 2023.
The family fun event, which includes a Silent 5km walk, Silent aerobics, Silent tennis, Entertainment by Deaf Choir, and many other activities, will take place at the Marks Park Sports Club, in Emmarentia, Johannesburg.
To participate in the event, register here:
https://entrytime.co.za/EventDetails.aspx?EventId=7294 or download entry form on www.foundationneema.org
