Why hundreds of South Africans are asked not to speak this Sunday
ALBERTON — South Africans will be challenged to complete a walk and run in silence on Sunday as the Neema Foundation for the Deaf marks 10 years of an initiative designed to expose hearing participants to some of the communication barriers experienced by Deaf and hard of hearing people.
The 10th annual Silent Walk and Run will take place at Rietvlei Zoo Farm in Alberton during Deaf Awareness Month, bringing Deaf and hearing communities together around accessibility, South African Sign Language and equal opportunities.
Gates open at 8am and the walk begins at 9am. Hearing participants are encouraged to complete the event without speaking, creating a temporary experience of communicating without the spoken language on which much of everyday South African life still depends.
Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Lebogang Maile is expected to lead the event alongside City of Johannesburg Executive Deputy Mayor Loyiso Masuku and Health MMC Ennie Makhafola.
The anniversary comes at an important point for Deaf rights in South Africa. South African Sign Language was recognised as the country’s 12th official language in 2023, but recognition alone has not eliminated practical barriers faced by Deaf people.
The Neema Foundation says its work particularly focuses on Deaf and hard of hearing women, young people and children, who can encounter obstacles accessing education, employment, business opportunities and essential services.
The Silent Walk has consequently developed beyond an annual awareness event. Its objectives include promoting Deaf culture and South African Sign Language, improving accessibility, raising funds for Deaf community programmes and drawing attention to gender based violence affecting Deaf and hard of hearing people.
The Safer South Africa Foundation, which has supported the initiative since 2018, has also highlighted difficulties Deaf people can encounter in the criminal justice system when sign language interpreters are unavailable.
That makes communication more than a question of convenience. Access to an interpreter can determine whether a Deaf person can properly report a crime, understand proceedings or communicate effectively with police and other public institutions.
The 2026 event is expected to attract participants from across Gauteng and will also include the launch of the Neema Soccer Cup as the organisation expands activities around its decade milestone.
For hearing South Africans taking part on Sunday, the silence lasts only for the duration of the event. The larger purpose of the walk is to draw attention to the communication barriers that many Deaf South Africans cannot simply leave behind when the event ends.
Anyone with additional information can contact the press desk at press@townpress.co.za.