The Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, together with the Neema Foundation for the Deaf, will commemorate the 10th Annual Silent Walk And Run on Sunday 13 September 2026.
This as the country commemorates Deaf Awareness Month.
The walk will be held at Rietvlei Zoo Farm in Alberton.
“The Silent Walk and Run promotes greater understanding of the Deaf community, encourages the use of sign language, and advocates for a more inclusive society where persons with disabilities enjoy equal opportunities and access.
“This year’s event is held under the theme: Shine a Blue Light on Sign Languages and will additionally raise awareness and funds in the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide,” the department said in a statement.
Department MEC Lebogang Maile threw his support behind the initiative, encouraging citizens to take part in the walk.
“This initiative not only amplifies awareness and advocacy for the Deaf community but also promotes healthy lifestyles through physical activity while fostering unity, understanding and social inclusion.
“The Silent Walk and Run is one of several community-driven initiatives supported by the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation through its funding assistance programme.
“It aligns directly with our mandate to create inclusive spaces where all people, including persons living with disabilities, can actively participate in sport, recreation and community pogrammes,” Maile said.
Entries for the Silent Walk And Run are available at: https://foundationneema.org/silent-walk-run/.
“As we celebrate ten years of the Silent Walk and Run, we salute the organisers, participants and partners who continue to champion inclusion, accessibility and equal opportunities for persons living with disabilities. Together, we can build a Gauteng that leaves no one behind and where every voice, whether spoken or signed, is valued and respected,” Maile said. - SAnews.gov.za
