Restoration Evangelical Ministry hosts Deaf Awareness campaign in Mamelodi East
A church initiative provides basic sign language training and social support to local residents while advocating for reforms in primary school education.
Restoration Evangelical Ministry hosted its third Deaf Awareness campaign in Mamelodi East on Saturday, September 26, calling on government to introduce sign language in primary schools.
Pastor Irene Mokgonuana said government should consider employing sign language interpreters in every institution to improve service delivery for deaf people.
September is observed annually as Deaf Awareness Month, dedicated to celebrating Deaf culture, promoting sign language visibility, and advocating for the rights of deaf individuals.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about deaf people living in local communities and highlight the lack of adequate services.
Mokgonuana said deaf individuals often struggle to access essential services at police stations, clinics, and hospitals because nobody understands them, leaving them unable to open cases or explain medical symptoms.
She urged parents not to hide children who are deaf or hard of hearing, warning that many end up dropping out of school.
“The church saw it fit that we must also accommodate them, so that they can feel part of the community and know that God loves them,” Mokgonuana added.
Refilwe Malapela, a social auxiliary worker and Deaf community member with specialised training in deaf community support who attends the church, ensures deaf members do not feel left out during services.
She also teaches basic sign language to both adult members and children to improve communication.
Malapela volunteers at Mamelodi East Police Station, hosting deaf awareness workshops and providing accompaniment services for deaf individuals while addressing social issues such as gender-based violence and substance abuse.
Blind residents also attended the event.
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