As Deaf Awareness Month comes to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the inspiration behind Surdo Prop and the remarkable young person who reminds us every day what it means to truly listen.
Meet Bella Da Matta, Our Everyday Inspiration
Bella’s journey began with uncertainty. She was diagnosed at just two and a half years old with moderate to severe hearing loss and spent her early years navigating a world with one sense limited because of a genetic condition. At three and a half years old, her medical team realised they had underestimated the extent of her condition.
In February 2021, Bella was rediagnosed with bilateral sensorineural deafness and declared profoundly deaf. Just over a month later, on 23 March 2021, her life changed forever when she received bilateral cochlear implants. That day transformed not just her world but also the lives of everyone around her.
Now seven years old, Bella faces each day with incredible courage. She works tirelessly to bridge the gap between the deaf and hearing worlds. She communicates using a combination of sign language and an ever-growing vocabulary of spoken words. Her resilience, determination, and joy inspire everyone who knows her.
The Story Behind Our Name
The name Surdo Prop has deep meaning. Surdo means deaf in Portuguese and is a tribute to our founder Gabriel Da Matta’s heritage as well as a daily homage to his daughter, Bella. It is a powerful reminder to never take our ability to hear and speak for granted and to make sure every word from our clients is genuinely heard and acted on.
Listening Beyond Words
The real estate industry has sometimes failed to listen to what really matters: the unique needs, dreams, and concerns of buyers and sellers. At Surdo Prop, we are committed to changing that. Bella teaches us that listening is an active choice, requiring attention, empathy, and action.
Every day, Bella shows us what it means to work harder to connect, communicate, and understand. Her cochlear implants allow her to hear, but it is her determination that allows her to thrive. We bring the same dedication to our work, listening carefully to our clients, understanding their goals, and giving full support throughout their property journey.
Building an Inclusive Future
Bella’s influence goes beyond inspiration. We are committed to integrating sign language into our culture, promoting the rights and interests of the deaf community, and bringing greater diversity and inclusion to the property industry. Awareness is important, but action, representation, and creating spaces where everyone belongs are even more so.
As Deaf Awareness Month comes to a close, we carry forward Bella’s lessons. Communication is a bridge we all need to help build. Listening is an art that requires our full presence. Our differences make us stronger together.
Your Property Journey Starts Here
At Surdo Prop, we do more than hear you. We truly listen. Whether you are buying or selling in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs, we are ready to give your needs the attention they deserve.
Thank you, Bella, for inspiring us to be better listeners, better communicators, and better humans. Your courage lights the way forward.