From left: Mr Mohau Manyarela, Deputy Director: Disability Unit and Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Prof. Mogomme Masoga.

In a powerful display of solidarity, the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) and the University of the Free State (UFS) joined forces for the 2026 Silent March to commemorate Deaf Awareness Month. Joined by disability-sector partners, the sister universities walked from CUT to UFS, transforming a shared journey into a call for greater awareness, accessibility and inclusion, while reaffirming their commitment to learning environments where Deaf and hard-of-hearing people can participate, communicate and thrive.

The silent walk was more than a symbolic gesture. It offered participants a glimpse into the communication barriers that Deaf and hard-of-hearing people continue to navigate in education and wider society, while amplifying the need for equitable access and meaningful inclusion.

The initiative highlighted the importance of inclusive teaching and learning practices, accessible communication, and collective action in breaking down barriers. By coming together in silence, CUT, UFS and their partners gave voice to a shared commitment of building institutions and communities where everyone has an equal opportunity to participate fully.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Prof. Mogomme Masoga, emphasised that the Silent March is far more than a ceremonial event but a visible demonstration that inclusion must extend across institutions and beyond their boundaries.

“Walking in silence shines a light on the communication barriers that Deaf and hard-of-hearing people continue to face in education and society. At CUT, we have welcomed and supported our first Deaf students, introduced South African Sign Language (SASL) interpreting support, and developed an accredited Short Learning Programme in SASL to strengthen institutional capacity. Our partnership with UFS and disability-sector partners provides a strong platform for deeper collaboration in SASL, interpreter capacity development, disability support and inclusive higher education. Together, we can help build institutions where accessibility and inclusion are not aspirations, but an everyday reality,” said Prof. Masoga.