A Witpoortjie mother of two is a finalist in this year’s Mrs Deaf South Africa competition.
Christa Botha, 42, has been deaf since birth, but she has not allowed it to stop her. “I decided to enter the competition, because I want to help deaf people and live out the competition’s motto – a beautiful heart speaks a language that everyone can see,” she said.
She has been an employee of the City of Johannesburg‘s (CoJ) Valuation Department for the past 12 years and when she is not at work, she loves to dance and read, especially books about décor.
Christa said that she was very excited about being a finalist, and wants to use this platform to be an inspiration to others. “I want deaf people to know that they can accomplish anything, and be successful, if they put their heart in soul into it. I want people to know that with a little more patience an understanding, we can communicate with them – even if we are deaf,” said Christa.
She added that she did not want people to treat her differently because of her disability, and said, “To me, being deaf is not a disability, and I would prefer it if people do not see me as a disabled person, but as someone who is can do anything I set my mind to. Please treat me with respect and do not talk down to me or past me. I can read lips and also use sign language, which means I am quite a good communicator.”
Her message is a simple one: “Be an inspiration to others, love people, be kind to all living creatures, be patient and stay humble.”
She concluded by saying, “I want to show the world that even deaf people have a good heart and kindness within them, and, together, we will be able to do a lot for humankind.”
To help Christa become the public’s choice and to make a donation towards her Worthy Women Charity Drive, SMS the word MDS 19 to 47439. Each SMS costs R3.
Voting is open until 4 October.
For more information, contact Christa via email at christab@joburg.co.za.
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