Kutlwanong School for the Deaf

My name is Tommy Motswai. I was born in Johannesburg in 1963 and attended Kutlwanong School for the Deaf from 1968 to 1979. I have also taught art at Kutlwanong. I began drawing while I was still in school and continued studying art at the Johannesburg Art Foundation and FUBA after completing school.

Tommy Motswai

My name is Sylvia Mojanko, a proud Deaf woman. I attended Kutlwanong School for the Deaf for my primary school years from 1984 to 1997, then moved to Filadelfia Secondary School, where I completed my matric.

Attending Kutlwanong was a blessing because I made friends, and the teachers were dedicated to their work. I joined many activities offered by the school, such as modelling, netball, and more, but my favorites were modelling and dancing. As a model, I traveled a lot, competing with other provinces and with both Deaf and hearing people. The best part of my journey is that I never lost in any of the competitions.

Kutlwanong taught me valuable lessons and helped me improve my self-awareness and confidence in many ways—lessons I still use today. The teachers poured their hearts into teaching us how to treat and love others.

After finishing high school, I didn’t give up on my dreams. I followed the advice I was given, and I achieved my dream of becoming Miss Deaf South Africa and reaching the Top 4 in Miss Deaf International. It wasn’t an easy journey, but because of Kutlwanong, I was able to stand strong and do everything with confidence. To this day, I am happy and proud.

I would like to advise Deaf youth and others in need: Stand confidently, always smile, and stay positive. Never give up on your dreams, and avoid substance abuse—it will destroy your life. Many people think “Deaf can’t do,” but No! Deaf can do!

Believe in yourself. Today, I am a proud Deaf achiever.

Sylvia Mojanko

I am Voster Makola, a proud Deaf individual fluent in South African Sign Language. I work as the Departmental Head at North West Secondary School for the Deaf. I was a learner at Kutlwanong School for the Deaf in 1995, starting in Standard 5 (Grade 7) after passing Grade 4 at Bosele School for the Deaf and Blind. The school principal, Mr. Pieter Smal, welcomed me warmly.My favorite Deaf teacher, Mr. Lucas Magongwa, taught me English. He is the first Deaf teacher in South Africa and my role model.

In 2000, I graduated in N3 Engineering Studies and later trained as an ABET facilitator, teaching basic Maths to Deaf adults at Deaf Tshwane Association in Pretoria. I hold a National Certification in ABET Practices (NQF Level 4 – Literacy) from ETDP SETA.

In 2003, I became a teacher assistant, teaching SASL to all grades while studying at Potchefstroom North West University, where I graduated with a National Professional Diploma in Education (NPDE) in 2017. I also earned an Advanced Certificate in Mathematics on April 1, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In May 2010, I completed a South African Sign Language interpreting course at Potchefstroom, North West Province. I received a certificate in Sign Language Interpreting and volunteered to interpret for Deaf people who never attended school. I also interpreted at Potchefstroom Court, making me a Deaf interpreter.

I currently teach Mathematics and was appointed Departmental Head in June 2021, overseeing Science, Mathematics, and CAT.

Voster Makola

My name is Tshegofatso Zitha, and I am a proud hard-of-hearing lady, a former pupil of Kutlwanong School for the Deaf (KSD), where I attended in 1995. I went on to complete my senior grades at Philadelphia Secondary School in PTA, Soshanguve, Gauteng Province, where I completed my studies in 2003.

I started work at FNI Telecommunications Infrastructure as a Logistics Clerk in 2012, until 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic affected the world.

I adopted SASL as my skill and career opportunity, then started interpreting at churches, funerals, weddings, etc., providing my services to the Deaf community as a SASL interpreter, which has been my dream since I was a learner at KSD.

In 2024, I grasped an opportunity and was employed at Kutlwanong School for the Deaf, my former school, after I was informed that they were looking for an interpreter.

At the moment, I am employed as a school interpreter here at Kutlwanong.

Thank you.

Tshegofatso Zitha