The risk, however, is that powerful international carers become deaf to local voices.

ECONOMIST: From Bosnia, East Timor, and other fragile places

Malala had become deaf when gunfire from the attack broke the delicate bones that help turn sound into sensory impulses to the brain.

CNN: Malala: 'I'm feeling better' after skull surgery

He added this have the service "a chance to restructure", with a manager returning to oversee the service and two teachers undergoing training to become teachers of the deaf.

BBC: Teacher of the deaf

Today, Meletse's stance has seen him become a leading figure within the deaf and the gay rights community in South Africa.

CNN: Deaf, gay and HIV positive activist battles against stigma