MIDVAAL – In a powerful effort to bridge the gap between the deaf community and those who can hear, DEAF SA, in collaboration with stakeholders from the Midvaal Community Safety Forum, recently led a meaningful 5km walk through the streets of Meyerton. Held on September 12, the event carried a clear message that unity is power.
The walk began with an exceptional performance of the national anthem by learners from the School of the Deaf, setting the tone for a day dedicated to inclusivity. Participants then proceeded from the Americano Shopping Complex to White House Sicelo, guided and protected by the Meyerton SAPS bike squad, the Midvaal Traffic Department, and dedicated marshals who managed traffic and ensured the safety of all walkers.
The event drew strong support from a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from government departments, law enforcement, emergency services, NGOs, and community organisations.
These included the Gauteng Legislature, Cogta, Sedibeng Community Safety, the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, Sedibeng Disaster Management, and the Department of Health. Also present were teams from Midvaal Fire, Gauteng Communications, Siyabangena Patrollers, Community Police Forums, Red Cross SA, ER24, CERT SA, Rand Water, and the Midvaal Local Council, along with Youth Crime Prevention organisations and the Gauteng Traffic Police.
According to police spokesperson Constable Nompumelelo Zazini, one of the most impactful elements of the walk was the use of earplugs by participants, allowing them to experience what it is like to live without hearing.
“Many participants were amazed by the experience, as they never fully understood the daily challenges faced by the deaf community. This led to a genuine interest in learning sign language and a greater appreciation for the difference between formal sign language used by the deaf and informal gestures commonly used by hearing individuals.”
Meyerton Station Commander Senzangakona Christopher Mohale offered a message of support, calling on the community to unite in promoting and protecting deaf rights. His words reinforced the spirit of inclusivity and solidarity that defined the day.
Councillor Lilian Molakeng, chairperson of the Gender, Elderly, Youth, and People with Disabilities (GEYODI) Committee in the Midvaal Local Municipality, emphasised that the walk was far more than just a physical activity.
“It is a journey of awareness, empathy, and solidarity,” she said. “By walking in silence with earplugs, we stepped into the lived reality of deaf individuals, experiencing, even for a brief moment, the world as they do. This is not only humbling but also an invitation for all of us to listen beyond sound and actively bridge the gap between the hearing and the deaf.”
Molakeng added that the walk should serve as a reminder that the journey toward true inclusivity is ongoing. It requires not just understanding, but continuous action, advocacy, and accountability.
