“I’m profoundly deaf, but I’ve just played the concerto […] and that’s the miracle of modern science!”
This is according to Dr Chris van Straten, a global health advisor at International SOS, who spoke to SMF News at a recent fundraising concert.
Hear Us, a non-profit organisation (NPO) aligned with the Stellenbosch University (SU) Cochlear Implant Unit, hosted the concert at SU’s Endler Hall on 6 September to raise money in support of people with hearing challenges, according to professor Leon Janse van Rensburg, the event organiser.
Professor Leon Janse van Rensburg, organiser of the Hear Us fundraising concert, addresses the audience at the concert, which was held at Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Endler Hall on 6 September. SMF News was in attendance. Hear Us, a non-profit organisation aligned with the SU Cochlear Implant Unit, addresses socio-economic challenges in the Western Cape and advocates for hearing healthcare in South Africa, according to the Hear Us website. PHOTO: Kuhle Tshabalala
Van Straten, a clarinettist who uses hearing aids, served as the master of ceremonies and a clarinettist at the concert, which also included special features by cochlear implant users, such as Kate Allwood, a pianist, and Lister Maramba, a reciter, according to a Hear Us Instagram post.
“Every year, the theme is to bring some very good and special artists […] and to create awareness of what a privilege it is to hear,” said Janse van Rensburg.
‘A lifelong journey’
The NPO supports underprivileged individuals with severe to profound hearing loss and provides bridging funds to support patients who cannot raise the money needed for cochlear implants, said Janse van Rensburg.
“Cochlear implants are very expensive, and it’s a lifelong journey to maintain [them],” he said. “After [receiving] a cochlear implant, patients need speech and audiology therapy.”
“For somebody to obtain a cochlear implant, if we include all those costs, [it] may be up to R500 000,” said Suryn Lombaard, an audiologist who spoke via video at the event.
The Hear Us fundraising concert, which took place at Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Endler Hall on 6 September, ended with a standing ovation from the crowd. SMF News attended the event. Tjaart van der Walt, a cochlear implant user and son of Hear Us founders, Daneel and Santie van der Walt, said that despite the hurdles, there is hope. “I was in the mainstream school,” he said. “I was at university, I got a degree, and it’s all thanks to the cochlear implant.” PHOTO: Kuhle Tshabalala
According to the 2024 Hear Us annual report, the organisation raised R400 000 with last year’s concert.
The total profit from the 2025 concert is estimated to be R305 500, pending final donations and payments, according to Sherene Labuschagne, a board member at Hear Us.
With R300 000, the organisation can support approximately 30 individuals with various needs, said Labuschagne. This includes replacement of parts, repairs, and accommodation for one mother and child to attend the Carel du Toit School, a special school for children with hearing loss, she said.
Beyond the music
The concert was not only about making music, but making a difference, according to professor Mario Nell, the previous chair of the SU music department.
“Our collaboration with Hear Us is about [making] the beauty of music accessible to those who long to hear it,” said Nell.
The Stellenbosch University (SU) Conservatorium, where Hear Us hosted its third annual fundraising concert in support of people with hearing challenges. SMF News attended the event on 6 September. PHOTO: Kuhle Tshabalala