Looking to inspire and rally the nation, including the deaf community, behind the Springbok’s defence of their Rugby World Cup title, MTN SA has created a silent version of the iconic Gwijo song “Mtakamama” – otherwise known as “Thina Siyazalana”.
The “Silent Choir” is made up of 16 children between the ages of 15 and 18-years-old and is led on-camera by Cathy Williams of St Vincent School for the Deaf – with the off-camera support of Mmatlou Moloto and Sophia Rudham. “Through the power of Gwijo, our Silent Choir brings together voices that transcend spoken language and barriers. With this initiative, we are not only celebrating South Africa’s rich cultural heritage through Gwijo, but also ensuring that the melody of the Gwijo anthem resonates with all South Africans, regardless of their hearing ability,” says Chabeli.