Neema Foundation for the Deaf Empowers 67 Deaf Learners with Entrepreneurial Skills in Groundbreaking Mandela Day Commemoration Masterclass

In move towards economic inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities, the Neema Foundation for the Deaf, in partnership with the University of Johannesburg’s Johannesburg Business School Entrepreneurship Centre, today hosted an inaugural Mandela Day commemoration Masterclass on Entrepreneurship for Deaf learners.

Held under the theme “67 Key Points to Becoming an Entrepreneur and Starting a Small Business”, the initiative brought together 67 Deaf Grade 12 learners from Gauteng Deaf schools. “The aim was to inspire, equip, and empower them to see entrepreneurship as a viable and sustainable future beyond school,” Ms Fatima Cele, Executive Director Neema Foundation for the Deaf.

This landmark event comes at a time when South Africa faces high unemployment, with persons with disabilities among the most affected. Many are forced to rely on insufficient social grants, limiting their ability to thrive economically. The Masterclass presented business ownership as a tool for economic independence, dignity, and sustainability. The learners were exposed to practical tools, compliance requirements, and support structures necessary to start and run small businesses as early as 2026.

The event was supported by key partners including the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements, Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Gauteng Enterprise Propeller, Land Bank, and Aspen Pharmaceuticals.

“This Masterclass gave hope where there was uncertainty. Many of these learners would have otherwise remained on the margins due to limited post high school opportunities. Today, they see themselves not just as job seekers, but as job creators,” Ms Cele concluded.

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