Johannesburg, July 2025 – Organisers of the #SilentWalk&Run are pleased to announce the opening of entries for the 9th Annual #SilentWalk&Run, scheduled to take place on Saturday, 20 September 2025, at Marks Park Sports Club in Emmarentia, Johannesburg.
Tickets to the event can be purchased at https://foundationneema.org/silent-walk-run/. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 20 September 2025 at Marks Park Sports Club in Emmarentia, Johannesburg and attracted more than 2500 participants last year and it is expected to continue to grow with each year.
Hosted as part of Deaf Awareness Month that is commemorated in September Annually also part of commemorating the International Week of Deaf People themed “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights” (22 to 28 September 2025) in remembrance of the first World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf, held in September 1951. The #SilentWalk&Run2025 continues to bringing the Awareness the disability of Deaf & Hard of hearing Person, through a family friendly walk&run that brings both the Deaf and hearing communities together to promote awareness, inclusivity and unity. The event further encourages everyone to learn South African Sign Language, promoting the inclusion of the Deaf community in mainstream society, and fostering a better understanding of Deafness and Deaf culture to improve communication between Deaf and hearing communities.
The event is being hosted in partnership and collaboration with Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, City of Johannesburg, Africanbank, Safer South African Foundation, GBVF Response Fund, Aspen Pharmaceutical amongst other partners. The partnerships underscore the importance of inclusivity and accessibility for the Deaf community with their continued support.
“The public learning South African Sign Language would be a massive boost for inclusivity and connection with the Deaf community by breaking down communication barriers and allowing for more interactions, understanding and empathy between the Deaf and hearing communities – the #SilentWalk&Run is impactful by fostering inclusive environments.” says Ms Cebisile Ndebele, Neema Foundation Chairperson.
Event Highlights
The #SilentWalk&Run 2025 promises a comprehensive and engaging experience, incorporating a fun walk/run with opportunities for participants to acquire sign language skills through various activities situated along the route. The event’s activities include:
- Fun Walk/Run: A silent walk/run where participants from the hearing community walk alongside their Deaf peers to raise awareness and reduce barriers.
- Deaf Masterclasses: Sessions likely focused on deaf culture, sign language, or related topics.
- Silent Aerobics & Yoga: Fitness activities done in silence to promote participation and inclusivity.
- Disability Information Expo: A showcase of services and products from various organisations supporting the disability sector.
- Entertainment by Deaf Persons: Various performances by Deaf individuals, choirs, comedians and more.
Despite slow progress in recognising South African Sign Language as an official language, the Deaf community in South Africa continues to face significant challenges. These challenges include limited access to education and employment opportunities, heightened vulnerability to violence and Gender-Based Violence and obstacles in daily interactions with public services due to communication barriers.
The #SilentWalk&Run is a positive stride towards addressing these challenges. By fostering inclusivity, raising awareness and promoting interaction between the Deaf and hearing communities, the event promotes awareness by highlighting challenges faced by the Deaf community, encourages inclusivity by bringing together Deaf and hearing participants for a collaborative walk/run that builds connections.
Proceeds from the 9th Annual #SilentWalk&Run will go towards Neema Foundation for the Deaf support of Deaf victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV),