The 9th edition of the #SilentWalk&Run is happening this coming Saturday.
Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike to Lead 9th Annual #SilentWalk&Run During Deaf Awareness Month
By Simon Manda
Johannesburg, 17 September 2025 – The vibrant streets of Johannesburg will witness a remarkable display of unity and inclusion this Saturday, 20 September 2025, as over 2,000 participants gather for the 9th Annual #SilentWalk&Run at Marks Park, Emmarentia. This flagship event, taking place during Deaf Awareness Month, represents the largest gathering of deaf and hearing communities in South Africa, symbolising a nation’s commitment to breaking down communication barriers.
The #SilentWalk&Run event will be led by Ms Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, marking a significant moment of governmental support for deaf inclusion. Her participation highlights the significance of the Deaf community in South Africa’s democratic journey toward true equality.
A Milestone Year for South African Sign Language Rights
This year’s #SilentWalk&Run carries special significance, coming just over two years after South Africa made history by becoming the fourth African nation to recognise sign language as an official language. In July 2023, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law the Constitutional Amendment Bill, making South African Sign Language (SASL) the country’s 12th official language. The legislation, unanimously approved by the National Assembly in May 2023, aims to advance cultural acceptance of SASL, ensure equal protection and human dignity for deaf and hard-of-hearing people, and eliminate discrimination based on disability.
The recognition of SASL promotes wider inclusion and deepens participation in South Africa’s democracy, bringing the nation closer to Nelson Mandela’s vision of a society where all persons live together in harmony with equal opportunities.
Addressing a Critical Health Challenge
The importance of this legislation cannot be overstated, particularly given South Africa’s significant deaf and hard-of-hearing population. Research indicates that hearing impairment prevalence in South Africa is estimated at 5.5 in 100 live births – approximately five times higher than in high-income countries. The South African National Deaf Association (SANDA) estimates there are over four million deaf and hard-of-hearing people in the country, representing a substantial portion of South Africa’s 62 million population.
These statistics highlight why events like the #SilentWalk&Run are not just symbolic – they’re essential. Cebisile Ndebele, Chairperson of the Neema Foundation, emphasises that having over 2,000 people walk side-by-side, led by the Deputy Minister, sends a powerful message about the necessity of including deaf people in mainstream society and addressing challenges such as gender-based violence within the community.
Beyond Symbolism: Practical Implementation
Deputy Minister Letsike has emphasised that whilst SASL’s constitutional recognition affirms the identity, dignity, and culture of the deaf community, “this is not enough.” The focus must now shift to “practical implementation in schools, workplaces, courts, health facilities, and across public life”.
Fatima Cele, CEO of the Neema Foundation, highlighted the ongoing challenges: “There is still much work to be done to ensure that deaf South Africans can access quality education, secure employment, or start their own businesses. Saturday’s #SilentWalk&Run represents our commitment to changing that reality.”
A Day of Education and Empowerment
The 2025 edition promises an immersive experience designed to bridge communication gaps:
- 5km #SilentWalk&Run with sign language learning stations
- Deaf Masterclass featuring deaf leaders and educators
- Silent Aerobics & Yoga demonstrating fitness without verbal cues
- Arts & Crafts Market by learners with special educational needs
- Live performances by deaf artists
- Children’s Play Zone and family activities
- Information exhibitions from advocacy organisations
September: National Deaf Awareness Month
This year’s #SilentWalk&Run takes place during September, which is officially recognised as Deaf Awareness Month in South Africa. September holds particular significance as it commemorates the first Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf held in September 1951, marking decades of global advocacy for deaf rights. The month serves as a dedicated time for raising awareness about deaf culture, celebrating achievements within the deaf community, and highlighting ongoing challenges that require societal attention and action.
During September, South Africa joins the international community in observing the United Nations International Day of Sign Languages on 23 September, with the International Week of the Deaf celebrated during the final full week of the month. These observances create momentum for continued advocacy and provide platforms for deaf voices to be heard and valued in national conversations about inclusion and equality.
The City of Johannesburg’s MMC for Health and Social Development has issued a call to action: “Learn SASL. Walk with us. Stand with the deaf community. Together, we can create a city where no one is left out of the conversation.”
Looking Forward
Organised by the Neema Foundation for the Deaf in partnership with the City of Johannesburg and powered by African Bank, the #SilentWalk&Run represents South Africa’s evolving understanding of inclusion. As the nation implements its groundbreaking SASL legislation, events like these demonstrate the practical commitment to ensuring that constitutional rights translate into lived reality for South Africa’s deaf and hard-of-hearing citizens.
Driving Change Through Comprehensive Support
The Neema Foundation’s vision extends far beyond awareness-raising events. The organisation focuses on comprehensive empowerment through multiple strategic initiatives designed to address the multifaceted challenges facing the deaf community. Their work encompasses advocacy for policy implementation, educational support programmes, economic empowerment initiatives, and social integration projects that create tangible pathways to inclusion.
Central to their mission is the recognition that deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, particularly women, youth, and children, face compounded vulnerabilities that require targeted interventions. The Foundation actively works to prevent discrimination, create awareness about deaf culture and capabilities, and establish support networks that enable community members to thrive in all spheres of society.
The organisation’s activities include facilitating access to quality education through SASL advocacy in schools, supporting entrepreneurship development within the deaf community, providing platforms for deaf voices in policy discussions, and creating bridges between the deaf and hearing communities through events like the #SilentWalk&Run. Their holistic approach addresses immediate needs whilst building long-term capacity for systemic change.
Through partnerships with government entities, corporate sponsors like African Bank, and community organisations, the Neema Foundation continues to champion a future where South Africa’s deaf community enjoys full participation in economic, social, and cultural life. Their work embodies the constitutional promise that every South African, regardless of hearing ability, deserves dignity, opportunity, and respect.
The #SilentWalk&Run Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, 20 September 2025
- Venue: Marks Park, Emmarentia, Johannesburg
- Time: 07:00 – 14:00
- Registration: www.foundationneema.org
