Silent Walk in Cape Town celebrates SA Sign Language as 12th Official Language

This year's Silent Walk, held by the Deaf Federation of South Africa (DeafSA) in the Western Cape, holds extra importance, marking the declaration of South African Sign Language (SASL) as the 12th official language. The event is part of the yearly activities during the Deaf Awareness Month.

In the annual silent walk, hearing participants journeyed through Newlands in Cape Town equipped with earplugs, helping raise funds for DeafSA. Both hearing and deaf participants braved the rainy weather in solidarity.

The annual five-kilometer walk, now in its seventh year, is a significant fundraiser for DeafSA, a not-for-profit organization committed to serving the deaf community in the Western Cape.

Participants expressed jubilation over the advocacy success, noting the many opportunities it will avail the deaf community, as emphasized by Jabaar Mohamed, Western Cape Director for DeafSA. About 300 participants trod the streets showing their support. The event allowed hearing participants to experience the deaf world, promoting empathy and understanding.

Challenges persist in the deaf community, notably in job seeking and day-to-day communication, as reflected by walkers Ghivann Fortuin and Emmy Parenzee.

The significance of the silent walk extends beyond fundraising. It helps bridge the gap between the hearing and deaf communities, fostering a sense of solidarity.