- The society was founded in 1929 by a group of women from Cape Town after they identified the need to provide training and employment opportunities for blind and visually impaired people within a secure and supportive environment.
- The non-profit organisation is set in the heart of Salt River.
- To celebrate this milestone anniversary, staff had a fun day at the premises
A beacon of hope that equips blind and visually impaired people for the work environment. This has been the core vision of the Cape Town Society for the Blind (CTSB) for the past 90 years.
On Saturday 27 April, the non-profit organisation, set in the heart of Salt River, celebrated its 95th anniversary.
The society was founded in 1929 by a group of women from Cape Town after they identified the need to provide training and employment opportunities for blind and visually impaired people within a secure and supportive environment.
The society has remained true to its mission for over 90 years and has become a beacon of hope to individuals who need to navigate the complex world without sight.
To celebrate this milestone anniversary, staff had a fun day at the premises on Thursday 25 April.
Sergil January, an awareness officer at the facility, is also blind. He explained that about 70% of staff are blind or visually impaired.
They aim to ensure blind and visually impaired people become self-sufficient. “We find that blind people don’t have much exposure to the open labour market.
“Our programmes are tailored for work readiness. We also do job placement.”
He explained that they offer various programmes including crafts, work readiness, computer literacy, project management and office administration.
He added that these programmes are all aided with software to make them accessible to blind and visually impaired people.
“A computer is manipulated to perform certain tasks. Blind and visually impaired people must hear what others see on the monitor. We would hear certain information read out to us. And in turn, we manipulate the computer to do things like word processing, doing calculations on a spreadsheet, sending and receiving emails.”
According to January, they also ensure people are tech-savvy through their smart and Digi-training.
“We train people how to use their cellphones, there are certain gestures that we would do on the screen that will help us call people, check bank balances, and follow people on social media platforms.”
January explained that over the past few years, the organisation has added many new dimensions, such as the low vision clinic which was opened in 2020.
“We have a registered optometrist who tests eyes to see what assisted device would be suitable for you, using your remaining vision. This would be in the workplace or your area of study. She will also do referrals to hospitals and will assist if you need assistance with grant applications.”
Annually, about 120 visually impaired people attend their training courses.
January said lack of funding continues to be a battle.
“We rely mainly on funds. We need to go out and look for funds and that does not always make things easy if we want to do certain things.”
But he adds that despite the challenges, their 41 permanent staff members show up each day because they “love what they do”.
“We have committed staff that wake up each morning to come and assist blind and visually impaired people. Everyone is happy with what they do. We try and make things easier for blind and visually impaired people from the point where they leave their homes until they come to their place of employment.”
Christine Edson, production supervisor in the weaving department, echoes this.
She explained that she has not left the society since she entered through the doors 38 years ago.
“My parents were blind. That is how I gained compassion for blind people. I love working here, I don’t see myself working anywhere else.”
Ginger Adams from Heideveld explained that his life changed dramatically when he started at the organisation about 10 years ago.
He lost his sight about 27 years ago after he was diagnosed with glaucoma.
For the past five years, Adams has been working in the weaving department.
“A friend recommended me to the society a few years ago. I came here and completed a few courses. Then I came and worked here in the weaving department. I love what I do here. We create things like runners for tables, rugs, and bags.”
January explains that Adams is contracted to the organisation.
“We would find work; Ginger then does the work, and he earns on each unit produced. 75% of proceeds go to Ginger and 25% comes to the society.”
January explained that they hope to make an impact in the lives of blind and visually impaired people long into the future.
“We are providing hope and equipping blind and visually impaired people to sustain themselves in the future. We would like to do this for the next 95 years and with the support of our friends out there it is possible.”
