Suvana says deaf people have a place in society

September was International Month for Deaf People, in commemoration of the first World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf during September 1951.

International Week of Deaf People is celebrated between September 20 and 26.

This week focused on recognising that deaf people have their communities, cultures, languages and sign languages that unites them. This year’s theme was Celebrating Thriving Deaf Communities.

The aim was to celebrate how the deaf communities have been expanding and thriving throughout the years and now is the time to celebrate their incredible endurance at local, national and international levels.

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GCN spoke to Primrose resident Suvana Majiarewho, who recently participated in the Ms Deaf SA (MDSA) competition. Suvana made it to the top five.

“When I entered it was for self-discovery and growth and not about the crown.

“But when I was called onto the stage it was such a shock and I was not prepared for the question they asked the top five. I walked away with my head held high and realised every struggle I have been through during and before my journey as a finalist made me walk onto that stage boasting my own invisible crown.

“I am beyond proud of myself and never thought I would be able to walk onto such a platform as MDSA and not have an ounce of nerves,” said Suvana.

She said she had always hidden her disability, fearing discrimination when she was young.

“All my life I have depended on lip-reading out of a fear of rejection, being teased and other challenges that come with being deaf. But the competition offered me the space to embrace all of me.

“Apart from meeting so many amazing people, I have completed my level one in sign language training with a company called E-Deaf and I am looking forward to doing the next level.

“I have also learned to hold high standards for myself regarding my well-being and happiness,” said Suvana.

She said she may not have walked away with the crown but she walked away with so much more.

“I was extremely shy in front of people I did not know and also had major stage freight. My self-confidence was so low and I didn’t believe I was worthy of being in such a pageant due to past experiences.

“But this journey has taught me how to love myself first. I now know my worth. Community projects have taught me all kinds of skills and have increased my self-confidence.

“It has taught me to own my story, think on my feet and work with others to create something from nothing. It is in owning our stories that we touch lives that need it the most,” said Suvana.

We asked Suvana if enough is being done for deaf people in the entertainment industry.

“In all honesty, I am not sure if enough is being done but it is widely known that there is a lack of understanding of the deaf; therefore, hearing people are often hesitant or unwilling to hire or involve those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

“I will encourage all media companies to include basic sign language on all platforms and encourage their staff to do a basic course in SASL (South African Sign Language) to help bridge the gap between the deaf and the hearing.

“This should become a reality not just in media but on all platforms, in our schools, churches, hospitals and so on, but most importantly the entertainment space,” said Suvana.

She encouraged deaf people not to deny themselves opportunities.

“Create the idea of what’s possible for yourself instead of living by other people’s limitations and don’t allow anyone to ever tell you that you cannot do something because you are deaf.

“You speak a beautiful language that everyone can see and that in itself is already a head start on your bright future,” said Suvana.

Contact the newsroom by emailing: 
Marietta Lombard (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za,  or (Journalists) Busi Vilakazi busiv@caxton.co.za