Tell me about the work you do.
I work in the Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) pitch department as an administrator. My responsibilities include completion of tender documents and collation of supporting documents. In addition to being the pitch's administrator, I manage CDH's BEE certificate database and I am also a team leader for the deaf employees in the firm.
My time at CDH has been an incredible journey for me. I have learnt a great deal over the past four years and I’m truly privileged to be part of CDH. I have received extensive training from my line manager and colleagues.
I want to keep learning so I can demonstrate to other deaf individuals that we can work in any industry as long as our respective employers provide us with the necessary communication tools.
Our deaf personnel have CDH’s full backing and support. The firm takes into account our requirements, such as offering an interpreter at events or meetings. I admire how CDH treats us like regular people; it is one of my favourite things. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that I am finally treated like a normal person. There is no discrimination.
What are some of the challenges you face as a deaf person in a hearing workplace, and how have you overcome them?
Being deaf in a hearing workplace comes with several challenges, with communication barriers being our biggest problem. Initially, it appears that people are afraid to approach deaf people because they do not know how to communicate or interact with them.
I was determined to overcome this issue and introduced deaf courses to CDH so that my colleagues could learn more about the deaf culture and how to communicate or work with deaf individuals. I also offer sign language lessons.
These initiatives, together with a willingness from CDH employees, have gone a long way in breaking down the barriers.
Sign language has been made an official language in South Africa. How do you expect this to change your experience?
My hope is now that sign language has been made an official language more businesses in South Africa will be sensitive to the needs of the deaf and offer the tools necessary for the deaf to interact and communicate with their colleagues in the workplace.
What advice do you have for your hearing colleagues as someone who is deaf?
Don't be afraid to approach and communicate with deaf people. There are many ways they can make the communication work. I encourage hearing colleagues to learn sign language and to interact more often with deaf people as there is a lot to be gained.
What do you think makes you good at what you do?
My tenacity, can-do attitude, humility and willingness to lend a hand and to work hard are what make me who I am.
What is your go-to career advice for young people at the beginning of their careers?
I encourage young people to pursue their aspirations. Nothing is standing in their way of success. I serve as living proof that anyone can accomplish anything.
As an example, last year I decided to study to become a counsellor for the deaf community because there are so many deaf people who have problems (gender-based violence, depression, abuse, rape, and so on) and they struggle to communicate effectively with hearing counsellors.
Many counsellors do not know sign language and not all deaf people can afford an interpreter. The average hourly rate for interpreters ranges between R500 and R800.
Thus far, we have three deaf counsellors (including me) in Johannesburg. Being a counsellor has been an eye-opening experience for me. I spent a year taking an online course with LifeLine, and I gained so much knowledge from this course — it changed my life.
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