KIMBERLEY – The Safer South Africa Foundation (SSAF), working with the Neema Foundation for the Deaf, recently joined the Kimberley community and learners of the Re Tlameleng Special School for the visually impaired and hearing impaired for the inaugural #SilentWalkAndRun event to raise awareness about issues affecting the Deaf community.

“Excluding the Deaf community inflicts deep emotional and psychological damage,” said Gen. (Ret.) Riah Phiyega, CEO of SSAF. “We are bringing attention to systemic failures, including substandard schooling for Deaf children, gender-based violence, and widespread communication barriers at police stations, clinics, courts and transit hubs.

“By bringing people together through interactive events, we create an open environment where participants can voice their struggles and solve problems.”

Learners of Thabang and Vuyolwethu Secondary School showed their support alongside officers and officials of the South African Police Service, National Prosecuting Authority, Department of Correctional Services and Traffic Department. They met with learners to explain legal processes and personal safety.

“Safety and constitutional rights belong to every learner. Mainstream society routinely excludes the Deaf community, leaving many individuals without access to vital information about their human rights and civic responsibilities. Today’s sessions directly addressed this gap,” said Col. (Ret.) Abram Tsoone, Northern Cape Provincial Coordinator for SSAF. “Our job is to make sure Deaf learners get clear information and equal support when dealing with law enforcement.”

SSAF works with under-resourced communities to build safety awareness and improve working relationships with law enforcement agencies. SSAF runs youth education, research and community security campaigns.

This year’s International Week of the Deaf took place from 21 to 27 September under the global theme “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights.”

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