South African National Council for the Blind

13/08/2026

"Life Doesn't End Because You Lose Your Sight."

When 70-year-old Johanna Letsoalo lost her sight in 1992 while travelling to work for a night shift as an assistant nurse at Kalafong Hospital, she thought life as she knew it was over.

Today, more than three decades later, she spends her time searching for people in her community who have recently lost their sight, knocking on their doors, encouraging them to step outside again and reminding them that blindness is not the end of their story.

"I know what it feels like to suddenly lose your vision," she says. "Many people become reclusive because they are afraid to face the world. I visit them in their homes because I want them to know there is still life after sight loss."

Mrs Letsoalo was one of 15 blind and partially sighted beneficiaries from Mamelodi who received assistive devices during a handover hosted by the SANCB in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Health's Tshwane Region at the Stanza Bopape Development Centre.

The beneficiaries recently completed Orientation and Mobility (O&M) and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) training and received the following devices:
■》 white canes with ball tips
■》Talking watches
■》Money templates
■》Liquid level indicators
■》Signature guides and
■》Handheld magnifiers

All these devices are practical tools that will enable them to move around safely, carry out everyday tasks independently and participate more fully in their communities.

Welcoming guests, Mr Rametsi, Chairperson of the Stanza Bopape Community Development Centre, said, "It is a privilege to welcome SANCB, the Gauteng Department of Health and our beneficiaries to our centre. Today is about more than handing over assistive devices. It is about restoring hope, empowering our community and witnessing lives being transformed. We are proud to walk this journey with you."

Representing the Gauteng Department of Health, Ms Sharlotte Rakgalakane, an Occupational Therapist, spoke about the importance of rehabilitation services and collaboration.
"Rehabilitation is a journey. By working together with SANCB, we are able to ensure that people with visual impairments receive the specialised training, support and assistive devices they need to live independently."

The event was also attended by Occupational Therapists from across the Tshwane Region, who came to support the initiative and stand in solidarity with the beneficiaries. Their presence highlighted the strong partnership as well as the shared commitment to expanding access to rehabilitation services and improving the quality of life of blind and partially sighted persons.

Representing SANCB, Mr Nelson Mafulo reminded beneficiaries that the day's event reflected the very purpose for which SANCB was established.
"Today is about people, not just programmes. When someone like Mrs Letsoalo, who once needed support herself, is now giving hope to others who have recently lost their sight, we see the true impact of rehabilitation.
These devices are tools, but what they really restore is confidence, independence and the belief that life can continue with purpose."

The beneficiaries also paid tribute to SANCB's Orientation and Mobility Practitioner, Ms Jennifer Tshaba, thanking her for her patience, encouragement and unwavering commitment throughout the training programme.

For the 15 beneficiaries, today's handover marks the beginning of a new chapter, one where they can move with greater confidence, perform everyday tasks more independently and participate more fully in their families and communities.

Every white cane handed over is a step towards independence. Every talking watch restores confidence. And every person empowered reminds us that when government, communities and organisations work together, lives are transformed.

12/08/2026

"Before you see my blindness, you see that I am a human."

At 13, Nicolette lost her sight to a condition called glaucomatocyclitis. She was forced out of school for four years. Four years of uncertainty, of doors closing, of wondering what her future could possibly look like.

She enrolled at SANCB’s Optima College , mastered computer skills and orientation and mobility training, and graduated with the confidence and capability to take on the world.

Today Nicolette commutes by bus to work every single day independently, without assistance. She works as a Library Assistant at the Moses Kotane Local Municipality in North West Province, where she helps community members learn new skills and running storytelling sessions for preschoolers. Nicolette is also the Deputy chairperson of SANCB’s women wing SABWIA (South African Blind Women in Action) in North West.

On a regular basis, Nicolette actively reaches out to visually impaired people in her community, encouraging them to enrol at Optima College and teaching them how to use smartphones, ATMs, and technology that most of us take for granted.

Nicolette's dream was to become a journalist. And while life took her on a different path, she is doing something equally powerful, she is telling a story every single day. The story that blindness is not the end. That with the right support, the right training, and the right belief in yourself, there is no ceiling.

We see you, Nicolette. And we are so proud.

Watch the full interview on Youtube: https://youtu.be/8jkWTmGuFkc?si=ZD0pWMVlixGyxLil

11/08/2026

We're Hiring!

SANCB is looking for a passionate and innovative Assistive Technology Centre Manager to lead our Assistive Technology Centre in Muckleneuk, Pretoria.

This is an exciting opportunity to help drive innovation, expand access to assistive technology and improve the independence and quality of life of blind and partially sighted persons.

If you have the experience, vision and commitment to make a meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Closing Date: Tuesday, 18 August 2026
Applications: [email protected]

Please share this opportunity with your network. Together, we can help the right candidate find their next opportunity to make a difference.

www.sancb.org.za | 012 452 3811

10/08/2026

TWO INCREDIBLE WOMEN. TWO WELL-DESERVED WINS.

We are so proud to share not one, but TWO pieces of amazing news from our SANCB's women wing, SABWIA (South African Blind Women in Action)!

Ms Sindy Cebisa was honoured at the KwaZulu-Natal Premier's Excellence Awards, taking home the Excellence in Disability Advocacy Award 2026, recognition she has truly earned through her tireless work championing the rights and voices of blind and partially sighted women across South Africa. Sindy serves as Chairperson of SABWIA in KZN and this award belongs to every woman she has stood up for.

Ms Gale Nkosi, our National Chairperson of SABWIA and Chair in Mpumalanga, was recognised at the Standard Bank Mpumalanga Development Programme as a motivating entrepreneur, proof that blindness is no barrier to building something meaningful and inspiring others to do the same.

Two women. Two stages. One powerful message, blind and partially sighted women are leading, advocating, building and winning.

We couldn't be more proud. Congratulations Sindy and Gale , you make us all stand a little taller.

09/08/2026

Happy Women's Day...

09/08/2026

A Story of Hope and courage this Women’s Day!

After Losing Her Sight, Lillian Found the Strength to Stand on Her Own Again

For most of her life, Lillian Shabangu (68) from Tembisa lived independently, raising her family and managing the everyday responsibilities of a wife and mother. Born in Alexandra Township on 10 September 1958, she never imagined that one day she would have to learn how to navigate a world she could no longer see.

In 2004, Lillian lost her sight to glaucoma, a condition that changed her life forever. Accepting the diagnosis was one of the hardest battles she ever faced.
"At first, I couldn't accept that I was blind. I kept hoping my sight would come back," she recalls. "The nurses kept telling me that my vision would not return. Hearing those words over and over was painful, but eventually I realised I had to accept my new reality."

Her family also struggled to come to terms with the sudden change."It was difficult for all of us. They were worried about me, but with time we all accepted that life had changed and that we had to find a way forward together."

Lillian, who has endured the loss of both her husband and one of her sons, now lives with her only daughter. While her daughter has always been there to support her, Lillian thiswas determined not to become completely dependent on her.

"My daughter works every day and would come home tired, then still have to cook and do everything for me. I wanted to be able to help myself and make life a little easier for her."

That determination led her to SANCB, where she became one of 16 blind and partially sighted residents from Tembisa who participated in an Orientation and Mobility (O&M) and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) training programme, funded by the Gauteng Department of Health.

The programme equips people who are blind or partially sighted with practical skills that enable them to live more independently.

Participants learn safe mobility techniques using a white cane, as well as everyday tasks such as preparing meals, pouring hot liquids safely, ironing clothes and managing household activities.

For Lillian, these were not just practical lessons, but they were a pathway back to independence."I wanted to learn how to iron my clothes, make tea, peel vegetables and cook.

These may seem like ordinary things, but for me they meant I could start taking care of myself again and ease the burden on my daughter."

She speaks warmly about her Orientation and Mobility Practitioner, Jennifer Tshaba, whose encouragement helped her regain confidence from the very beginning.

"The first time I heard Jennifer speak, I knew she was someone who was patient, caring and genuinely committed to helping us. Her kindness gave me confidence that I could learn these skills and become independent again."

Today, Lillian is embracing a new chapter of her life with renewed confidence. While losing her sight changed the course of her life, it did not take away her determination to remain active, capable and independent.

Lillian’s story is a powerful reminder that rehabilitation is about far more than learning new skills, it is also about restoring dignity, confidence and hope.

Through the support of the Gauteng Department of Health, SANCB continues to empower blind and partially sighted people across Gauteng with the practical skills they need to live independently, participate fully in their communities and reclaim control over their lives.

"I may not have my sight anymore," Lillian says with a smile, "but I have learned that losing your vision does not mean losing your ability to live your life. This training has reminded me that I can still do so much for myself."

www.sancb.org.za I 012 312 3811

07/08/2026

Assistive Devices Restore Independence for 14 Blind and Partially Sighted Beneficiaries in Hammanskraal

The South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB), in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Health, has empowered 14 blind and partially sighted beneficiaries from Hammanskraal through the handover of assistive devices following specialised Orientation and Mobility (O&M) and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) training.

The handover took place at the Empowerment of the Blind Centre in Hammanskraal, Pretoria.

The training programme equipped participants with practical skills to help them live more independently and confidently. Alongside mobility training, beneficiaries learned essential daily living skills such as preparing meals safely, managing household tasks and navigating their surroundings with confidence.

To support their independence, participants received a range of assistive devices, including white canes with rolling tips, liquid level indicators, money templates, signature guides, handheld magnifiers and bump dots, all designed to make everyday tasks safer and more manageable.

The handover was led by Ms Given Moila, Chief Occupational Therapist from the Gauteng Department of Health, together with SANCB Orientation and Mobility Practitioner Ms Marcia Theledi and SANCB Project Manager Mr Chris Budeli.

The event was also attended by occupational therapists and Occupational therapy technicians from across the Tshwane region, demonstrating the strong partnership between SANCB and the Gauteng Department of Health in improving the lives of persons with visual impairments.

Addressing the beneficiaries, Mr Tumisho Mohlamonyane, an Occupational Therapist, shared valuable information about the assistive devices and highlighted the rehabilitation and support services available through clinics across Tshwane, encouraging beneficiaries to continue accessing the services available to them.

Among the recipients was 23-year-old Nokuthula Sibanda, whose excitement was evident as she received her assistive devices.

"This training and receiving these devices have given new meaning to my life. They are helping me regain my independence so that I don't have to rely on others for everything," she said.

Speaking at the event, Ms Marcia Theledi said the programme is about restoring confidence as much as it is about teaching practical skills.
"When people lose their sight, they often feel they have lost their independence as well.
Through orientation and mobility training and the right assistive devices, we help them rediscover their abilities and empower them to live independently."

Chief Occupational Therapist Ms Given Moila emphasised the importance of collaboration in ensuring that people with visual impairments receive the support they need.

"Partnerships such as this enable us to bring essential rehabilitation services closer to communities. Our goal is to ensure that every person with a visual impairment has the opportunity to live with dignity, confidence and independence."

The initiative forms part of SANCB's ongoing partnership with the Gauteng Department of Health to improve access to rehabilitation services, empower blind and partially sighted persons with practical life skills, and promote greater independence and inclusion within communities across the province.

www.sancb.org.za I 012 312 3811

07/08/2026

06/08/2026

"I may not have my sight anymore, but losing your vision does not mean losing your ability to live your life," Lillian Shabangu (68).

This Sunday, on National Women’s Day, we honour Lillian’s journey of reclaiming her independence after sudden sight loss, and the incredible network supporting visually impaired women across Gauteng.

Don't miss her inspiring story!

04/08/2026

Imagine waking up one day and having to relearn how to make a cup of tea, iron a shirt, or cross the street.

After losing her sight to glaucoma, one Tembisa mother thought her independent life was over. But this Women’s Day, her story will remind us all of what true strength looks like.

Full story drops this Women’s Day, 9 August.

www.sancb.org.za | 012 452 3811