In the tapestry of South Africa’s rich diversity, Nazereen Captieux-Bhana has woven a remarkable story of resilience, advocacy, and empowerment. From her early days as a leader in the Deaf Federation to her global exploration as a TV presenter for “SigNature,” Naz has consistently championed the rights of the Deaf community. This blog post dives into key chapters of her journey, shedding light on her impactful contributions and the strides she’s made in areas like SA Sign Language, Deaf accessibility, and empowerment.
Nazereen – A Guiding Force in Deaf Empowerment
Advocating for Deaf Rights: A Decade-Long Commitment
From 1990 to 2007, Nazereen served as the Gauteng leader on the National Executive Committee of the Deaf Federation South Africa. Explore her relentless efforts in advocating for Deaf rights and amplifying the voices of the Deaf community.
A Global Perspective: Naz’s Journey as a TV Presenter
In 1994, Naz took a bold step into the world of television, becoming a presenter for the Deaf program “Signature.” Join us on a journey around the globe as she investigated and reported on the lives of Deaf individuals, raising awareness about the challenges they face.
Grassroots Impact: Naz’s Return to Deaf Community Connections
After a brief stint with SigNature, Naz felt a strong calling to reconnect with the Deaf community at a grassroots level. Learn how she transitioned from the limelight to become an active player in projects like Sign Language Education and Development (SLED), focusing on Deaf empowerment and HIV/AIDS training.
The Power of Partnership: Naz and Jesse Kotze’
Discover the transformative encounter that brought Jesse Kotze’, a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA) fluent in sign language, into Naz’s path. Together, they’ve formed a powerful partnership dedicated to the inclusivity and empowerment of Deaf youth in the mainstream economy.
eDEAF
eDeaf, now the largest provider of skills development opportunities for the Deaf in South Africa, has training centres in Johannesburg, Centurion, Durban, and Cape Town. They have successfully placed thousands of previously unemployed Deaf youths into jobs, a testament to their impactful work.
Nazereen’s journey with eDeaf is remarkable. She enrolled in the Raizcorp Comprehensive Enterprise Development Programme and made history by becoming the first Deaf person to complete the three-year program, with the support of an interpreter. Her determination and ambition were evident from a young age, as she once promised her mother a better life, despite her deafness. Though her mother sadly passed away before witnessing this dream come true, Naz remains committed to her vision.
Conclusion
Today, Nazereen is married to business owner Rajesh, with 25 years of partnership, and they reside in Centurion, Midstream. Nazereen’s journey epitomizes the strength of the human spirit and the impact one individual can have on an entire community. From her advocacy on the national stage to her grassroots involvement, Naz continues to be a guiding force in the realms of SA Sign Language, Deaf accessibility, and the empowerment of the Deaf community. As we delve into the details of her story, let us be inspired by the strides made and the path yet to be paved in the realm of Deaf empowerment in South Africa.