PhD Graduate Develops Lifeline for Deaf Children in Rural Families

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Audiologist Dr Nomataru Gontse’s doctoral research has produced something practical and profound, a context-sensitive practice guideline aimed at improving communication in hearing families with Deaf children in rural areas. 

Gontse’s research addressed a pressing issue - rural children with disabilities, especially those who are Deaf or hard of hearing, getting diagnosed late and having limited access to essential services because of poverty, distance and poor infrastructure. 

Her dissertation was titled: “Development of a Practice Guideline for Enhancing Communication in Hearing Families with Deaf Children in Rural Areas of the Eastern Cape”. 

Her milestone achievement is not just a personal victory - it is a beacon of hope for families raising Deaf and hard of hearing children in South Africa’s rural communities. Her academic journey is rooted in purpose, compassion and an unwavering commitment to transforming lives. 

Her late mother, Ms Buyiswa Sopete, remains the foundation of her success. ‘She always believed in me and encouraged me to study further. Her voice still echoes in my heart, and she continues to inspire every step I take,’ said Gontse. 

Supervised by Dr Lavanithum Joseph, Gontse’s research was conducted over three phases using a mixed-method approach. She surveyed and interviewed parents, learners, and educational professionals, highlighting the communication breakdowns that occur in homes where sign language is absent and awareness of Deafness is minimal. Some of her key findings were: 

- Over 60% of parents and learners had no understanding of the cause of the hearing loss.
- Most educators reported poor parental involvement, often due to geographic and economic barriers.
- Deaf learners described emotional isolation caused by the communication gap at home. 

Said Gontse: ‘Many families simply don’t know how to talk to their D/deaf children. This isolation affects not only the child’s emotional well-being but also their ability to succeed academically and socially.’ To close this gap, Gontse created a comprehensive, family-centred practice guideline. This tool includes information about hearing loss and Deafness to raise awareness, career guidance resources to help families understand opportunities for their children, Basic South African Sign Language training and vocabulary to promote meaningful communication and a practical framework for clinics, hospitals and schools for the D/deaf to support families immediately after diagnosis. 

The guideline, designed with input from the community, is accessible, relevant and culturally sensitive. It equips families to participate fully in their child’s development, echoing the principles of Family-Centred Intervention. 

Gontse has presented her work at two international conferences and she has four manuscripts currently in the review process. 

Looking to the future, she hopes her research will reshape how Deafness is understood. ‘I want Deaf people to be treated with dignity and respect, seen not through the lens of limitation but with the full recognition of their potential.’ 

Gontse is a staunch Christian who loves spending time with her family, travelling, sightseeing and attending live shows. These joyful pursuits balance her serious academic work and keep her grounded in her values.

Words: MaryAnn Francis

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini