At Westonaria Agri-Park, near Johannesburg, a unique farming initiative is making a profound difference. Among rows of tomatoes and lettuce, workers silently collaborate, communicating through sign language. These farmers are part of the Voiceout Deaf farming collective, founded by entrepreneur Matebogo Victoria, who herself is deaf.
Victoria’s own struggles with accessibility during her education and career inspired her to create Voiceout. “Many deaf people remain unemployed and isolated due to communication barriers,” she explains. Her goal was to equip the deaf community with agricultural skills and meaningful employment opportunities.
For workers like Sibongile Maake, the initiative has been life-changing. “Here, I can communicate, earn a salary, and gain skills that help me support myself,” she shares. Similarly, John, another member, appreciates working in an environment where his language is understood, making life significantly easier.
The collective has grown rapidly, with demand for its fresh produce leading to expansion across two additional farms. They now supply local supermarkets and chain stores, proving the success of this inclusive model.
The initiative aligns with South Africa’s recent recognition of sign language as the nation’s 12th official language, a step toward greater inclusivity and accessibility.
Voiceout Deaf farming collective is not only transforming lives but also setting a precedent for inclusive employment in agriculture.