In the field of agriculture in South Africa, an innovative and inclusive initiative is emerging, highlighting an inspiring example of empowerment and adaptation. In the heart of the Westonaria Agri-Park, east of Johannesburg, a collective of deaf workers, members of Voiceout Deaf, stand out for their commitment and talent in growing tomatoes and lettuce.
The apparent silence that reigns among these workers is none other than a reflection of their mode of communication based on sign language. It was under the impetus of entrepreneur Matebogo Victoria, herself hard of hearing, that this project came to life. Aware of the challenges faced by deaf people, particularly in terms of accessibility and communication, she decided to create this agricultural business to enable these individuals to acquire agricultural skills.
Matebogo Victoria’s initiative responds to a crucial need within the deaf community in South Africa. Many find themselves unemployed, often forced to drop out of school due to lack of accessibility. By providing agricultural training and work opportunities tailored to their skills, Voiceout Deaf helps these individuals find their place in the job market.
For workers like Sibongile Maake, this experience has been transformative. Not only does it provide her with the opportunity to learn a farming trade, it also allows her to support herself without relying entirely on government disability benefits.
John, for his part, describes the challenges he faced due to communication barriers, which limited his employment opportunities. Voiceout Deaf has been a real support for him, providing a work environment that is adapted to his sign language and facilitating his professional integration.
Voiceout Deaf’s positive impact goes beyond the individual empowerment of its workers. By meeting a growing demand for fresh vegetables, the company also contributes to the supply of local supermarkets and retail chains. This success story not only demonstrates the potential of deaf inclusion in the agricultural sector, but also the added value they bring to the local economy.
Alongside these advances, the recent listing of sign language as South Africa’s 12th official language by parliament underlines the importance of recognising and promoting linguistic diversity within the country.
The Voiceout Deaf story is an inspiring example of entrepreneurial success and social inclusion, demonstrating the potential and creativity of deaf people in the workplaceThis initiative highlights the importance of creating inclusive and adapted environments to enable everyone to flourish and contribute fully to society.