Rising Sun on the North Coast | May 27, 2025
Although sign language in South Africa is currently the official language, there are few or no practical accommodations for the deaf for medical, employment or basic daily communication.
Phoenix's Deaf Club was established in November 2024 to address the long-standing challenges facing the deaf community. It was founded by veteran sign language interpreter Kevn Govender.
There are only eight members in the company's founding, and the club has since grown and continues to expand to 39 active participants. The organization is overseen by a passionate team led by Govender and a leadership panel for the deaf, 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 sign language in South Africa is currently the official language, there are few or no practical accommodations for the deaf for medical, employment or basic daily communication. Phoenix's Deaf Club was formed to fill this gap and has already made impressive progress. Members have participated in four successful blood drives, many of which have been donated for the first time.
The club promoted full health checks, access to glasses, driver's license support and interpreted it for South Africa's National Blood Services on a variety of communication issues. They also supported the deaf community through church services, baptism, biblical studies, affidavits and private events by providing interpretations of sign language.
Beyond advocacy and community support, the club is committed to empowering the deaf financially. Their core mission is to ensure that members are self-sufficient and not dependent on social grants. From plumbing and painting to laptop repairs and care for the elderly, skills advertised on social media platforms such as Facebook attract jobs. Each employment opportunity is supported by an interpreter to ensure effective communication and work compliance.
“We want the world to see the capabilities of the deaf, not the disability. This club is not just about support. It's about empowerment,” Govender says. To further improve our community, the Phoenix Deaf Club offers sign language workshops to religious institutions, medical and government staff, and interested groups.
They also run individual sign language lessons aimed at breaking down communication barriers and saving lives in emergency scenarios. But as it grows, the need is increasing. The club appeals to the public, businesses and community groups for support in the form of food hampers, sponsorships, tools and equipment. These contributions not only feed the struggling deaf families, but also equip members to better serve the community through their dealings.
The club also creates a comprehensive database of all members, documenting career skills, medical needs, and services offered. The dedicated WhatsApp group will provide members with updates on employment opportunities, grant dates, new laws and other important information.
Anyone interested in supporting or partnering with the Phoenix Deaf Club can contact Keven Govender on 062-033-2403, or govenderkeven5@gmail.com. You can also follow and get involved with Facebook clubs by searching for Deaf Clubs in Phoenix.
“Disclaimer – the views and opinions expressed in this article are the views of the author and are not necessarily those of the Bee Room.”
