By JOHANNESBURG — When thousands of participants lace up their running shoes and step out onto the grounds of the Rietvlei Zoo Farm this Sunday, they will be doing much more than logging kilometres. They will be stepping into a decade of powerful advocacy, unity, and social inclusion.
The Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation has officially partnered with the Neema Foundation for the Deaf to host the milestone 10th Annual #SilentWalkAndRun on Sunday, 13 September 2026.
Over the past ten years, this flagship event has evolved from a local community gathering into a premier fixture on Gauteng’s sporting calendar, successfully utilizing the universal language of physical activity to bridge societal gaps.
Held annually during Deaf Awareness Month, the event serves a vital dual purpose: promoting a greater, more profound understanding of the Deaf community while fiercely advocating for an inclusive society where persons with disabilities enjoy absolute equality in opportunities and access.
This year, the movement carries an even more poignant message under the banner: “Shine a Blue Light on Sign Languages.” Beyond championing Deaf culture, the event will also raise critical awareness and funds in the ongoing fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, emphasized the profound community impact of the initiative, urging citizens across the province to turn out in force.
“We encourage the people of Gauteng to join thousands of participants in marking the 10th edition of the Silent Walk and Run. This initiative not only amplifies awareness and advocacy for the Deaf community but also promotes healthy lifestyles through physical activity while fostering unity, understanding and social inclusion.” — MEC Lebogang Maile
From a sports administration perspective, the #SilentWalkAndRun stands as a shining example of how grassroots events can leverage recreation as an instrument for social cohesion. Funded through the Department’s support programme, the event directly aligns with the provincial mandate to create barrier-free sporting spaces where individuals of all abilities can participate actively.
As the event hits its historic ten-year milestone, organizers and stakeholders are looking back at a legacy of progress while keeping their eyes firmly fixed on the horizon. For MEC Maile, the ultimate goal remains a province that leaves no one behind.
“As we celebrate ten years of the Silent Walk and Run, we salute the organisers, participants and partners who continue to champion inclusion, accessibility and equal opportunities for persons living with disabilities. Together, we can build a Gauteng that leaves no one behind and where every voice, whether spoken or signed, is valued and respected.” — MEC Lebogang Maile
With entries open via the Neema Foundation portal, participants of all fitness levels are invited to be part of history. Whether walking, running, or communicating entirely through sign language, Sunday’s event promises to be an inspiring showcase of human resilience and athletic solidarity.
Event Quick Facts
- Event: 10th Annual #SilentWalkAndRun
- Date: Sunday, 13 September 2026
- Time: 08:30
- Venue: Rietvlei Zoo Farm, Alberton
- Theme: Shine a Blue Light on Sign Languages
- Registration: Neema Foundation Registration Portal
