Proud to be Deaf: Ministry, Saintliness and the history of the Catholic Deaf Community in South Africa, 1874 – 1994

Written by: Mark James

Mark James is the author of the winning book for the 2026 Desmond Tutu-Gerrit Brand Prize: Proud to be Deaf: Ministry, Saintliness and the history of the Catholic Deaf Community in South Africa, 1874 – 1994. The adjudicators value this publication as an exceptional contribution to general Christian and theological literature. The work combines thorough research, theological insight and contextual relevance, which is both academically sound and pastorally sensitive. This book presents an original perspective on Deaf identity within the contexts of the church and faith communities. The author thoroughly employed archival material, historical sources and research literature within the South African context for his work. This volume presents both a relevant and inclusive theological as well as pastoral perspective. This publication maintains a balance between academic quality and accessibility for public interest.    

The adjudicators were Prof. Juanita Meyer, Prof. Eugene Baron and Prof. Douglas Lawrie. The Desmond Tutu-Gerrit Brand Prize consists of R15 000.