CHANIKA Viljoen (21) of Kempton Park is one of 10 finalists in this year’s Miss Deaf South Africa Pageant.
On October 2, these inspiring young women will take to the stage and compete for the title of Miss Deaf South Africa 2015. The contestants, all with varying levels of hearing impairment, have been working incredibly hard to raise awareness about the deaf community and deaf culture.
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A number of the girls want to see Sign Language introduced as both a subject at schools and as one of South Africa’s official languages. All the contestants have some wonderful ideas to inspire, empower and encourage not only the deaf community but the hearing community too.
Chanika was born deaf and is studying towards her diploma in accounting. She enjoys dancing and painting and hopes to raise funds for disadvantaged communities, so that all who experience hardships may find success.
She wants to influence the lives of disabled people and make a contribution to the lives of those living in disadvantaged communities.
The event will take place at The Barnyard Theatre Parkview from 6.30pm.
