Mom's inspiring story of raising deaf children

DISCOVERING that both her children were deaf, Nayantra Kanaye felt as if she was “mourning the loss of a loved one”.

- NADIA KHAN

However, the 70-year-old deputy president of the KZN Blind and Deaf Society, and a former teacher, said despite the first years being the most difficult, she knew she needed to do everything possible to ensure they had a bright future.

In addition, Kanaye, of Mount Edgecombe, has made a difference to the lives of others, who are also deaf, through various programmes during her career and volunteerism.

Childhood

Kanaye, the second youngest of eight children, was born and raised in Riverside, Durban North. Her family moved to Chatsworth in 1966 due to the Group Areas Act.

“I had one of the best childhoods — growing up in a home filled with love and happiness. We were also quite a large family, and our extended family visited us often. My cousins were always at our home during the holidays.

“We also lived in a closed-knit community where everyone knew one another. My dad, Moolchand Badal, was involved in community work and was a founding member of the Friends of the Sick Association. I remember going with him to visit families in the community at the weekend.

“I also remember watching the Japanese Gardens being built. We played around the area, not realising that people would soon be losing their homes. However, we were among the last families to be moved. My dad fought alongside other residents against this. They fought long and hard — until we had no choice but to leave,” she said.

Education

Kanaye said she completed Standard 5 (Grade 7) at the Sir Kurma Reddy State-aided Indian School, before the family moved to Chatsworth.

“The school was across the road from my home. It was not only our place for learning, but also a venue for all community activities such as sporting events and plays.