February 7, 2025
IMG_7935

Some of the participants at the 2023 edition of the Silent Walk

Share

The organisers of the #SilentWalk&Run are pleased to announce that the entries for the eighth edition of South Africa’s largest and most popular event that unites the Deaf and hearing communities are now open.

The event attracted more than 1500 participants last year and it is expected to continue to grow.

Tickets to the event can be purchased at https://foundationneema.org/silent-walk-run. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 14 September 2024, at Marks Park Sports Club in Emmarentia, Johannesburg.

“September is Deaf Awareness month. The aim is to encourage everyone to learn SA Sign Language, include the Deaf community in mainstream society, and support Deaf victims of GBV,” says Ms Itumeleng Motaung, Neema Foundation Chairperson.

The event is also part of commemorating the International Week of Deaf People (23 to 29 September 2024) in remembrance of the first World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf, held in September 1951. The goal is to promote understanding of Deafness and Deaf culture to improve the communication gap between Deaf and hearing communities.

Support and Participation
The #SilentWalk&Run is hosted by City of Johannesburg in collaboration with Neema Foundation for the Deaf. The event is supported by the Gauteng Department of Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, along with the City of Ekurhuleni, Safer South African Foundation and the GBVF Response Fund.

“Sports remains one of the primary vehicles for breaking down barriers that separate us from one another. The #SilentWalk&Run is an excellent initiative that teaches us to embrace each other, ultimately fostering trust and unity as we forge ahead in building a socially cohesive Gauteng for all. I am calling on everyone to participate in this great initiative,” says Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Matome Chiloane.

Furthermore, African Bank has confirmed its support for the #SilentWalk&Run 2024 for the second consecutive year. “As a bank for the people, we are proud to once again support the Neema Foundation’s #SilentWalk&Run,” says Sbusiso Kumalo, Group Chief Marketing Officer at African Bank.

“Financial inclusion is a key pillar of our mission, and we believe everyone deserves access to the tools and resources they need to thrive. Through partnering with the Neema Foundation, we can empower the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community by enhancing their access to essential financial services and promoting financial literacy.”

The Gauteng Department of Health will facilitate a Health Check Day, offering convenient vital health screenings for Deaf participants with the support of sign language interpreters. For the first time, hearing health screenings will be conducted for the hearing community.

The #SilentWalk&Run start 08:00am to accommodate participants coming from afar.

Event Highlights
The #SilentWalk&Run 2024 promises a fun-filled experience, including a fun walk/run with opportunities to learn sign language through activities along the route. Event activities include:
• Deaf Masterclasses
• Silent Aerobics & Yoga
• Information Exhibition
• Arts and Crafts Market by Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN)
• Various Entertainment by Deaf Persons
• Children’s Play Area and Many More

Participants from the hearing community are encouraged to walk alongside their Deaf peers to raise awareness and reduce barriers and stereotypes within communities and organisations.

Story: Neema Foundation

Skip to content