In the heart of South Africa, at the Westonaria Agri-Park near Johannesburg, farm workers can be seen planting tomatoes, lettuce, and other crops. Despite the busy work on the farm, the atmosphere is remarkably quiet. That’s because most of the workers here are deaf and communicate using sign language.
This innovative agricultural project, the Voiceout Deaf farming collective, was started by Matebogo Victoria, a former corporate banker with a hearing disability. The initiative is transforming the lives of the deaf community by providing agricultural training, employment opportunities, and a space where communication is accessible. This project is not just about farming—it’s about empowering individuals and breaking down the communication barriers that have often held back the deaf community in South Africa.
Let’s explore how this remarkable project is giving a voice to the deaf through farming.
The Birth of Voiceout: Overcoming Barriers to Employment
Matebogo Victoria’s personal experiences as a person with a hearing disability led her to launch Voiceout Deaf farming collective. While studying at university, she faced numerous challenges. Because of her disability, she was forced to attend lectures with a hearing partner, as the university was unable to make the content accessible.
Her professional journey in the corporate sector also highlighted the difficulties that deaf people face when it comes to finding work. “Before I left my job, I saw a lot of deaf people staying at home, unemployed,” she recalls. “They have accessibility challenges. Communication is the biggest challenge in the deaf community.”
Victoria observed that many deaf people either didn’t finish school or were unable to attend one of the country’s 44 specialised schools for the deaf due to financial constraints and the long distances involved. This led to a cycle of unemployment and isolation. Determined to break that cycle, Victoria decided to turn to farming, a sector where she could provide both training and jobs that were inclusive for the deaf community.
Her goal was simple but powerful: to teach deaf people how to farm, and by doing so, give them the opportunity to gain practical skills and earn a living. This initiative not only offered a sustainable livelihood but also created a community where workers could communicate freely, without fear of misunderstanding.
Transforming Lives Through Agriculture
One of the farm’s employees, Sibongile Maake, shared how transformative her experience at the Voiceout Deaf farm has been. Before joining the collective, Maake struggled to find work due to communication challenges. However, working at the farm has given her a sense of purpose and independence.
“I’m happy working here. It’s a pleasure working here on the farm. I’m working slowly but surely. And I am learning while also getting a salary,” Maake says. “I can do things for myself, I can afford to pay for things myself.”
For Maake and many others, the farm offers not just a job but a chance to learn and grow. By teaching deaf workers the skills they need to succeed in agriculture, the project is opening doors to new opportunities. It’s a space where they are not just employees—they are contributors to the agricultural community.
Another worker, John, explains how Voiceout has been a lifeline for him. “Communication is always a barrier, so coming here at the farm is much better because they are able to communicate in my own language,” John says. For John, being able to work in an environment where communication is accessible makes a huge difference in his ability to succeed.
The Growing Impact of Voiceout Deaf Farming Collective
The success of the Voiceout Deaf farming collective has led to its expansion. The demand for their fresh produce is so high that they’ve been able to acquire two additional farms. Now, they supply local supermarkets and chain stores with vegetables grown on their farms.
This growth is not only a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Voiceout team but also a reflection of the increasing recognition of the deaf community’s potential in various industries. With South Africa’s parliament recently approving sign language as the country’s 12th official language, there is a growing movement towards greater inclusion and accessibility.
For the workers at Voiceout, this isn’t just about farming. It’s about shifting perceptions, showing that deaf people have valuable skills to offer. And as the collective grows, it’s clear that the impact of this project will continue to ripple outwards, offering more opportunities for the deaf community across the country.
Breaking Down Communication Barriers in the Workplace
One of the biggest hurdles for deaf individuals in any industry is the communication barrier. In most workplaces, hearing employees can communicate easily, but for those with hearing impairments, it often feels isolating. The Voiceout Deaf farming collective provides an environment where communication is straightforward, and workers can collaborate without frustration or misunderstandings. This model could serve as a blueprint for other organisations looking to create more inclusive workspaces for people with disabilities.
Moreover, by focusing on farming, the collective is helping to fill a gap in the agricultural sector. Many young people in South Africa are seeking new ways to earn a living, and agriculture offers a sustainable, practical option. By providing deaf individuals with the tools to succeed in this field, Voiceout is helping to create a more inclusive and diverse workforce.
The Road Ahead: Empowering the Deaf Community
The journey of the Voiceout Deaf farming collective is far from over. Victoria’s dream of creating a space where deaf individuals can thrive is now a reality, but there is still much work to be done. The collective is expanding, and more deaf people are gaining the skills they need to build fulfilling careers in agriculture.
For South Africa’s deaf community, this project is a beacon of hope. It is proving that with the right support, resources, and opportunities, deaf individuals can succeed in any field. As Matebogo Victoria said, “I want to create a future where deaf people are not seen as disadvantaged, but as capable individuals with skills that are valuable to the economy.”
This movement is only the beginning. By building inclusive communities where communication is accessible, Voiceout is not only changing lives—it’s changing perceptions, one tomato at a time.
Relevant Links for Further Reading:
- Voiceout Deaf Farming Collective
- Deaf Employment Opportunities in South Africa
- Agricultural Training for the Deaf
- Sign Language as an Official Language
- Challenges Facing the Deaf Community
Photo credit: AP News
