The event to be led by Ms Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, Deputy Minister in the Presidency For Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.
Johannesburg, September 2025 – The streets of Johannesburg will once again come alive as more than 2,000 participants join the 9th Annual #SilentWalk&Run this Saturday, 20 September 2025 at Marks Park, Emmarentia.
This year’s #SilentWalk&Run, the largest event involving the Deaf and hearing communities, will be led by Ms Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities in a moving show of solidarity.
The event is a flagship moment in Deaf Awareness Month, a time dedicated to breaking down barriers, amplifying inclusion, and celebrating the rich culture of the Deaf community.
“When we walk together we the Deaf Community, we speak the loudest about unity, dignity, and respect,” said Deputy Minister Steve. “This is a statement that the Deaf community belongs at the centre of our national conversation on inclusion.”
The Deputy Minister calls on both the Deaf and hearing communities to support the initiative and embrace other forms of communication, especially South African Sign Language.
Organised by the Neema Foundation for the Deaf in partnership with the City of Johannesburg, and powered by African Bank the #SilentWalk&Run has grown into one of South Africa’s most impactful inclusion events, bridging the gap between the Deaf and hearing communities through shared experience.
Cebisile Ndebele, Chairperson of the Neema Foundation is delighted about this weekend’s #SilentWalkAndRun. “As a key highlight of #DeafAwarenessMonth, this event shines a light on Deaf inclusion, celebrates Deaf culture, and raises awareness about critical social issues including unemployment, access to quality education, and gender-based violence”.
“We are deeply thankful to our partners, from government to community organisations, whose continued support fuels this movement,” she added.
The Neema Foundation’s WhatsApp Chatbot (060 019 1981) designed with the support of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Response Fund1, African Bank and the has now received an additional boost from the Hollywood Foundation.
“This has enabled us to expand the chatbot’s resources with vital information about Cancer, HIV aids, TB further empowering the Deaf community,” Ndebele explained.
What to Expect on the Day
The 2025 edition promises an immersive and interactive experience for all ages, including:
- 5km Silent Walk/Run with sign language learning stations along the route
- Deaf Masterclass – Learn from Deaf leaders and educators
- Silent Aerobics & Yoga – Fitness without verbal cues
- Arts & Crafts Market by Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN)
- Live Performances by Deaf artists
- Children’s Play Zone and family activities
- Information Exhibitions from advocacy and support organisations
📅 Event Details
Date: Saturday, 20 September 2025
Venue: Marks Park, Emmarentia, Johannesburg
Time: 07:00 – 14:00
Registration: