By Lloyd Mangoh
Hundreds of Deaf Zimbabweans from across the country gathered in Mt Pleasant Heights on May 24 to commemorate Deaf African Culture Day, an annual event aimed at celebrating Deaf heritage and advocating for greater social inclusion.
Held under the theme “Celebrating Deaf African Heritage and Identity,” the event brought together community members, performers, advocates, and allies at the SKUG Barn for a day marked by cultural expression and calls for policy implementation.
Traditional clothing, visual performances, and poetry delivered in Zimbabwean Sign Language (ZimSL) took centre stage, as participants highlighted Deaf identity not as a disability, but as a distinct cultural experience.
“This is not just a celebration. It is a form of protest — a call to be seen, heard, and respected,” said Takudzwa Marimo, one of the participants.
Although the Zimbabwean Constitution officially recognised Sign Language as one of the country’s languages in 2013, advocates say implementation has been slow, leaving Deaf citizens facing systemic barriers in education, healthcare, and justice.
“Events like these are a cry for visibility and justice,” said Joyce Matara, Acting Director of the National Association of Societies for the Care of the Handicapped (NASCOH). “We need qualified sign language interpreters in rural hospitals, inclusive education, and support services in all public institutions.”
Matara added that Deafness should be understood as a cultural identity rather than a medical issue, and warned that continued exclusion amounts to a denial of rights.
Zimbabwe adopted its National Disability Policy in 2021, which mandates inclusive practices in both the public and private sectors. However, implementation remains inconsistent, especially outside urban centres.
Merlen Chamutinya, a veteran sign language interpreter and disability rights advocate, said the failure of hearing communities to learn even basic Sign Language creates an unequal communication dynamic.
“If the hearing world does not engage with Sign Language, it becomes a barrier. Communication should connect us, not divide us,” Chamutinya said.
The event also served as a rare opportunity for many Deaf participants to interact freely in their primary language without needing to adapt or explain themselves.
“In this space, I don’t have to adjust to fit in. I can just be myself,” said Prince Gogwe, a young Deaf trainee journalist. “That sense of belonging is powerful.”
Attendees included hearing parents of Deaf children, who said the event provided valuable insight into Deaf culture and communication. Organisers said such intergenerational participation is critical for fostering understanding at the family level.
In addition to performances, the event featured a fashion showcase celebrating African and Deaf identities through traditional prints and accessories.
“The attire told its own story,” said Isabel Masiyiwa, Programmes Officer for Miss Deaf Pride Zimbabwe. “It was a visual representation of confidence, pride, and diversity within the Deaf community.”
Organisers emphasised that cultural events like Deaf African Culture Day are vital platforms for visibility, empowerment, and dialogue, especially in a society where the Deaf population remains largely marginalised
“These gatherings are not just celebrations; they are lifelines,” said Matara. “They remind us that inclusion is not a favour. It is a right.”
Advocates call on government institutions to prioritise accessibility measures, invest in interpreter training, and ensure that the National Disability Policy translates into tangible, measurable outcomes.
“This should not be a one-day conversation,” Chamutinya said. “If Zimbabwe is serious about inclusion, it must act — in schools, hospitals, courtrooms, and communities.”
