​DeafNET’s main objective as described in its trust deed is:

To exchange and disseminate knowledge and skills in order to empower all persons with hearing loss and related communication barriers on the African continent, with specific reference to South Africa, to achieve their full potential. This objective will be achieved inter alia by facilitating and promoting education, development, training, social services, spiritual and mental well-being to such persons. The objective will furthermore be achieved through the promotion of Sign Language and other preferred means of communication of persons with hearing loss, including appropriate utilisation of assistive devices.