OFFERING A LIFELINE TO THE DEAF COMMUNITY
- BEE NEWS
- May 27
- 3 min read
North Coast Rising Sun | 27 May 2025
Although South African Sign Language is now an official language, little to no practical accommodation has been made for the deaf in healthcare, employment, or basic daily communication.
In a bid to address the longstanding challenges faced by the deaf community, the Phoenix Deaf Club was established in November 2024. Founded by seasoned sign language interpreter, Keven Govender, who has spent over 35 years working closely with the deaf, the club is quickly becoming a beacon of hope and empowerment for a group that remains underserved despite sign language being officially recognised in South Africa.
With just eight members at its inception, the club has since grown to 39 active participants and continues to expand. The organisation is overseen by a passionate team led by Govender and a deaf leadership panel including president, Yogaveli Shunmugam, secretary, Dayadran Naidoo, and treasurer, Applesamy Naidoo. Together, they are changing lives – one sign, one skill, and one act of kindness at a time.
Although South African Sign Language is now an official language, little to no practical accommodation has been made for the deaf in healthcare, employment, or basic daily communication. The Phoenix Deaf Club was formed to bridge this gap and has already made impressive strides. Members have taken part in four successful blood drives, with many donating for the first time.
The club has facilitated full health checks, access to spectacles, assistance with driver’s licences, and interpreted for the South African National Blood Service on various communication issues. They’ve also supported the deaf community through church services, baptisms, Bible studies, affidavits, and private events by offering sign language interpretation.
Beyond advocacy and community support, the club is working to economically empower deaf individuals. Their core mission is to help members become self-sufficient and less reliant on social grants. Skills ranging from plumbing and painting to laptop repair and elderly care are advertised on social media platforms like Facebook to attract employment. Each job opportunity is supported with an interpreter to ensure effective communication and work compliance.
“We want the world to see the ability in the deaf, not the disability. This club is not just about assistance – it’s about empowerment,” Govender said. To further uplift the community, the Phoenix Deaf Club offers sign language workshops to religious institutions, medical and government staff, and any interested groups.
They also run personal sign language lessons aimed at breaking down communication barriers and saving lives in emergency scenarios. However, with its growing outreach comes increasing needs. The club is appealing to the public, businesses, and community groups for assistance in the form of food hampers, sponsorships, tools, and equipment. These contributions will not only help feed struggling deaf families but also equip members to better serve their communities through their trades.
The club is also creating a comprehensive database of all members, recording their career skills, medical needs, and services offered. A dedicated WhatsApp group provides members with updates on job opportunities, grant dates, new laws, and other vital information.
Anyone interested in supporting or partnering with the Phoenix Deaf Club can contact Keven Govender on 062-033-2403 or email govenderkeven5@gmail.com. You can also follow and engage with the club on Facebook by searching for the Phoenix Deaf Club.
‘Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the BEE CHAMBER’.