CLASS is in session at Amanzimtoti Main Beach, where the KZN Blind and Deaf Society (KZNBDS) are teaching lifeguards and establishments South African Sign Language at the Amanzimtoti Surf Lifesaving Club.

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Making good on his ambitious plans to make Amanzimtoti an inclusive and accommodating haven for disabled individuals is Wheels on Waves founder, Wesley Smith, the facilitator of the project.

“Deaf people live in a silent prison and I want to bridge the divide so that they can come around and make friends. It’s a battle when they can only communicate with people who know sign language. This forms part of the foundation of future plans to start inviting local schools for the hearing impaired to have fun days on the beach surfing, fishing, learning a bit of life saving and playing games on the beach,” said Smith.

KZNBDS instructors, Khanyisile Nzimande and Thembeka Chili, recapped previous lessons to bring a new learner, Matthew Kearns, up to speed and refresh the memory of the other learners. Nzimande’s energy was infectious and she passionately taught the learners. The jovial lesson was fully practical and interactive, with participants signing along. The learners each have a practical use for sign language, from assisting lifesavers carry out their duties to service staff being equipped to assist customers more inclusively. As such, the lessons progressed from basic greetings, questions and answers, to signs specific to lifeguarding and assisting customers.

Sign language is deeply expressive and in many ways, can be seen as simplified English. Your body as a whole is used to communicate, including your fingers, hands, arms, head and chest. It leverages how people think about things, for example, to sign ‘deaf’, you would use two fingers and gesture towards your ear.

Beach superintendent, Jace Govender, said the project is a collaborative effort among the businesses along Amanzimtoti Main Beach, including Thirsty Whale, Spur, The Surfing Bean and Amanzimtoti Surf Lifesaving Club.

“The people that are here for seven days a week will now hopefully have basic knowledge of South African Sign Language. When a person with a disability comes around, sometimes they can feel totally lost and cannot find their way around. Now, hopefully everyone learning will have the basics down to be able to assist beachgoers with disabilities. I think this sort of project should be rolled out to all public areas. It’s a fantastic bit of progress towards inclusivity in Amanzimtoti. Thanks to all the partners who have come together to learn, and to Amanzimtoti Surf Lifesaving Club for the venue,” said Govender.

Smith will be providing free sign language lessons based on everything he learns from KZNBDS to everyone interested every Monday at The Surfing Bean from 13:00 until 15:00. For more information, contact Smith on 082 802 1349.

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