- South African Sign Language (SASL) is now the nation’s 12th official language, underscoring the theme “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights".
- Over 2 000 participants are expected at the 9th Annual #SilentWalk&Run, led by Deputy Minister Steve Letsike.
- The Skills Information Base urges urgent reform in education and career access for Deaf youth.
September 2025 marks a watershed moment in South Africa’s journey towards inclusive justice. Deaf Awareness Month, observed nationwide from 1 to 30 September, arrives with renewed energy following the constitutional recognition of South African Sign Language (SASL) as the country’s 12th official language in 2023.
This year, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has declared the theme, “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights”, as a national imperative, moving beyond symbolism to action.
The recognition of SASL is more than a legal achievement. It asserts that deaf South Africans are not on the margins, but at the heart of the nation’s democratic and cultural life. Real inclusion begins with communication, and elevating SASL affirms every person’s right to be heard, understood, and respected.
#SilentWalk&Run: A living statement of solidarity
On Saturday, 20 September 2025, Johannesburg’s streets will fill with silent strength as more than 2 000 people gather at Marks Park, Emmarentia, for the 9th Annual #SilentWalk&Run. Organised by the Neema Foundation for the Deaf, in partnership with the City of Johannesburg and powered by African Bank, the event stands as the nation’s largest gathering of Deaf and hearing communities in unity.
Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, who will lead the walk, reflected: “When we walk together with the Deaf community, we speak the loudest about unity, dignity, and respect. This is a statement that the Deaf community belongs at the centre of our national conversation on inclusion.”
The walk’s immersive programme features SASL learning stations, Deaf-led masterclasses, silent aerobics and yoga, live performances, and advocacy exhibitions. More than a celebration, it is a vibrant call to break down barriers and build bridges.
Skills information base: Bridging the gap
For the Skills Information Base (SIB), Deaf Awareness Month is a time to confront persistent exclusion. “Too often, the Deaf community is left behind, without the resources they need to thrive,” SIB notes. Their work connecting young people to career opportunities has revealed a stubborn gap: Deaf learners are routinely denied quality education, vocational training, and employment pathways.
With SASL now an official language, SIB is calling on all organisations and educational institutions to integrate sign language into mainstream curricula. “Let’s introduce sign language in schools, universities, and colleges. The more we embrace our new official language in our classrooms and workplaces, the more doors we open for the Deaf community.”
Digital empowerment and expanded resources
The Neema Foundation’s WhatsApp Chatbot (060 019 1981), developed with support from the GBVF Response Fund1 and African Bank, and now boosted by the Hollywood Foundation, provides vital information on cancer, HIV/AIDS, and TB, empowering deaf individuals with accessible, life-saving resources.
Cebisile Ndebele, chairperson of Neema Foundation, emphasises the broader mission: “This event shines a light on deaf inclusion, celebrates deaf culture, and raises awareness about critical social issues, including unemployment, access to quality education, and gender-based violence.”
A national call to action
The DWYPD, Neema Foundation, and SIB are united in their demand to let Deaf inclusion be more than a campaign, let it be a commitment. Whether through SASL interpretation, captioning, curriculum reform, or workplace integration, every institution has a role to play.
South Africans are urged to move from awareness to action. Civil society, businesses, and institutions of higher learning must embrace SASL not just as a language, but as a right. This month and every month, the message is clear: inclusion is not optional, but it is constitutional.
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