How Vodacom eased the challenges of my hearing loss

I started my Vodacom journey years back in the call centre, before moving into a more specialised role. I have previously been an Executive Secretary in the Network Operation Centre and I currently work in the ASOC (Africa Service Operations Centre) in South Africa. 

When I discovered I had a hearing impairment in 2018 (it happened gradually over time), I was given an amazing Ally at Vodacom who has been with me on my whole journey. She attended all my audiologist appointments and asked the questions I was unable to ask after my diagnosis. 

As well as this, my leaders, colleagues, and my whole Vodacom network have generously donated towards my hearing aids and assisted bluetooth compilot device that is my lifeline. Their support by being not just generous, but also inclusive and ready to learn techniques on how to effectively communicate with me really has made a positive impact.  

How Vodacom created a support network for me

My journey has been challenging personally and professionally. The biggest challenge was that medical aids cover little to no cost when it comes to hearing devices and tests.  

When I first got my diagnosis, I consulted my Human Resources business partner to find out what the dos and don'ts are with reaching out to the company for financial assistance. At this stage, Vodacom Foundation did not have measures in place to assist staff, but HR made a recommendation to change this. 

After this, I was informed that I can inform my direct line management via email and they could then decide how they could form part of external giving. I was also informed that fundraising can be done without my involvement. My Ally, who had all the medical history and test results at hand, was able to start a WhatsApp group and another colleague started a Facebook post. 

Through these two avenues, my Vodacom family, and my friends and family outside work, were all able to donate to my hearing fund. My hearing aids cost R66 thousand, and my acrylic moulds, and further tests were another few thousand rand. I am happy to announce that by people investing into my wellbeing, we raised R77 thousand rand within seven days! I am truly blessed and honoured by my colleagues, family and friends who selflessly gave toward this initiative.

Thank you Disability network forum!

I am also truly blessed to be part of the Disability Network Forum. It has been a safe haven for me and so many others. They really listen without any judgement. They are a phenomenal group of people who share visible and invisible disabilities, and the group is diverse and inclusive - no one feels left behind. 

I also get to share my lived experience for those members who are struggling with the same disability. I can form a safe space and I am available for anyone who requires assistance or advice.  

The importance of Allyship 

Whilst I was processing being told I am losing my hearing and that there is no clear-cut reason why it is happening, I felt isolated. But, Allyship has played a pivotal role in helping me to get through my experience. Having my best friend and Vodacom employee at every appointment and asking the difficult questions that I could not hear at that stage was life changing. 

Having Jennifer Rhode by my side every step of the way made me cope with being differently able. An Ally that could share the news with my leadership team, colleagues and family made things so much easier. I want to really appeal to Vodacommers to become an Ally if you can, and be an advocate to those who lose their voices in times of difficulty. I also want to take this opportunity to thank all Allies in Vodafone and Vodacom across markets!

My time at Vodacom has been filled with growth, learning, and opportunities to develop my skills. I am grateful for the experiences I have had and look forward to continuing to contribute to the success of the company. 

I rely heavily on face-to-face interaction and have to read people’s lips and be in their personal space, which my team has embraced. I have learned that educating my team what my needs are is really important, and this changes as my hearing has deteriorated. I am grateful and blessed that I have an amazing network where I feel included and not left behind. With their funding, empathy, love, giving and support, I am able to function optimally.