Meet Miss Deaf SA finalist Christi Greeff

Why did you decide to enter Miss Deaf SA?
I want to be an inspiration to all deaf woman in South Africa. I also want to make people aware that our disability doesn’t mean we are unable to live a normal life or communicate with hearing people.

What do you hope to achieve with the title if you win?
My biggest dream is to have sign language recognised as an official language in South Africa. I want it to become part of the SA school curriculum, and not only in deaf schools. I would like normal-hearing people to be able to understand sign language as well as be able to use it to communicate with deaf people.

Tell us more about yourself? Who is Christi Greeff?
I am 21 years of age and was born deaf as a result of Rubella during pregnancy. I’m currently working at Neasa in Pretoria as an Office Assistant. I love listening to music and even singing and dancing along – music relaxes me and brings out the happiness inside. I love to make music videos with sign language and feature in Lay all your love on me with Jasper Louw – the video can be viewed on YouTube.

I’m a kind-hearted person that cares a lot about animals and children. My friendships are very important to me and I love to read, ice skate and go shopping.

What is your top fashion tip?
Always have a black number in your closet. Dress it up by adding jewellery, jackets and scarfs for some colour.

Which spa in Pretoria is your favourite one?
I would strongly recommend Susca Watts Hair and Beauty Academy – Susca is a wonderful lady with a real passion for beauty. She not only delivers an excellent service with lots of pampering for her clients, but also does training for future beauticians. She also trains deaf girls and therefore her academy is close to my heart.

What philosophy do you live by?
Always be kind to others; be caring and compassionate and smile every day, believe in yourself and make your dreams happen – only YOU can create a bright future for yourself. Never go to bed angry and always say I love you to at least to one person every day, that way you leave behind good memories.

What inspires you to keep on keeping on in tough times?
I have never allowed my deafness to affect my way of life. I believe in myself and my dreams and live each day so that I will be able to see myself accomplish what I dream for in my future. I want to see myself succeed and be able to look back and say: You DID it!

What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
I hope that I can be part of the process to get the hearing world to communicate and understand deaf people by making Sign language a recognised official language in South Africa.

How can people vote for you and follow your journey?
To vote for me, sms MDS 10 to 47439. Voting line closes 25 September. Visit Miss Deaf SA’s Facebook page for regular updates on events and the pageant. They have several fund raising events coming up – the support will help a lot. Visit my personal Facebook page Hermina Christi Greeff to follow my journey.

*The judging for Miss Deaf SA kicks off on on 26 September with a week long publicity tour, culminating in a crowning and gala evening that takes place on 2 October in Pretoria.