10th Annual #SilentWalkAndRun2026

2026 marks a powerful milestone, the 10th Annual #SilentWalkAndRun, a movement that continues to bring communities together in unity, amplifying Deaf voices, promoting equality, and reminding us that inclusion is everyone’s responsibility.

Scheduled to place on Sunday, 13 September 2026, this impactful event is hosted in commemoration of Deaf Awareness Month — a month dedicated to celebrating Deaf culture, promoting inclusion, and raising awareness about the rights and lived experiences of Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. This global initiative traces back to September 1951, when the World Federation for the Deaf launched efforts to advance awareness and advocacy worldwide.
 
Led by the Neema Foundation for the Deaf www.foundationneema.org , in partnership with key stakeholders including the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation, the City of Johannesburg, Gender Based Violence Response Fund, Safer South Africa Foundation, just to mention a few, the Annual #SilentWalkAndRun has grown into a meaningful annual family event that blends purpose with participation.

More than just a walk or run, this experience invites members of the hearing community to step into the “world of silence” — participating in silence to gain a deeper understanding of the daily realities of Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. It is a moment of empathy, connection, and shared humanity.

This year’s international theme, “Shine a Blue Light on Sign Languages,” calls on all of us to stand in solidarity with Deaf communities across the globe by supporting and promoting the use of sign languages in all areas of life. The colour blue symbolizes unity, visibility, and a collective commitment to human rights and equality.

As we celebrate 10 years of impact, the #SilentWalk&Run 2026 also highlights the ongoing work of the Neema Foundation under the banner of #10YearsOfImpact*reflecting a decade of advocacy, empowerment, and community transformation.

Importantly, the event also serves as a platform to raise awareness and funds in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing Communities, reinforcing the need for inclusive support systems across all communities.

Join us. Walk in silence. Stand for inclusion. Be part of the movement.

Secure your ticket and be part of a decade of impact.