South African National Council for the Blind

28/11/2025

Best Black Friday Deal Isn't 50% Off—It's 100% Impact!

​Today, millions will be focused on saving. We ask you to focus on giving to secure a future for thousands of visually impaired South Africans.

​While the world shops, you can help us provide vital services, training, assistive devices and advocacy that change lives.

​Your Donation is Our Discount.
​
​DON'T LET US BE LEFT IN THE DARK this BLACK FRIDAY. Use the visibility of Black Friday to make a powerful statement about what truly matters.

​Donate & Make a Real Impact Today:
https://sancb.org.za/donate/

​

28/11/2025

27/11/2025

26/11/2025

SANCB's Optima staff and students have a memorable day at the Pretoria Zoo...

www.sancb.org.za. | 012 452 3811

26/11/2025

A Special Day for SANCB's Optima College Staff and Students and at the Pretoria Zoo!

Students and staff from SANCB's Optima College enjoyed an unforgettable and fully inclusive educational excursion to the Pretoria Zoo.

This initiative, held in collaboration with Moses Mabida (NGO that provides GBV and psychosocial services in various Police Stations across Pretoria), SAPS, the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, and the South African National Biodiversity Institute - SANBI (Pretoria Zoo Education Team), was designed to open new worlds of nature learning for blind and partially sighted individuals.

Through tactile and accessible experiences, our students had the rare opportunity to:

■ Touch and feel a common house snake
■ Explore the distinctive features of a Southern Ground Hornbill
■ Experience the texture of a rhino’s horn
■ Feel the form of a duiker, Puff Adder and Crocodile …to name just a few.

For many learners, this was their first time physically interacting with wildlife, making the experience both memorable and deeply meaningful.

The day ended on a high note as students and facilitators walked all the way to the Lion and Tiger enclosures, completing their immersive journey through the animal kingdom.

Principal of Optima College, Mr. Thomas Simelane, who is also visually impaired, shared:
“I enjoyed the walk and the time spent at the zoo. As a visually impaired person, such guided educational excursions go a long way in ensuring inclusion. They help visually impaired individuals not only hear or read about animals, but feel and interact with them so they can form a clearer and fuller picture in their minds.”

We extend heartfelt thanks to all partners and SANCB staff who helped make this day truly special.

www.sancb.org.za | 012 452 3811

25/11/2025

USE OUR PROMO CODE NOW & GET YOUR PRADA &/OR RAY BAN AI SMART GLASSES

SANCB's Assistive Technology Centre (ATC) is proud to announce a new partnership with African Technopreneurs (PTY) LTD.

As part of this partnership, SANCB supporters can now receive R750 off any Ray-Ban Gen 2 AI glasses or Oakley Meta AI Glasses (excluding Displays) to enter the festive season and 2026 in style.

Simply use our special promo code SANCB at checkout.
Use the code: SANCB
Or click the link (discount applied automatically):
https://180by2.co.za/discount/SANCB

Every purchase made using this code also helps raise awareness around assistive technology and digital inclusion.

www.sancb.org.za | 012 452 3811

25/11/2025

We join South Africa today in marking the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.

SANCB stands in solidarity with all survivors, especially women and children with visual impairments, whose voices are too often unheard.

During this period, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting dignity, safety, independence, and access to support for all members of our community.

Every voice matters. Every life matters.

Let’s stand together against all forms of violence.

www.sancb.org.za | 012 452 3811

24/11/2025

Sight Restored! A Life-Changing Cataract Outreach in Limpopo

SANCB's Bureau for the Prevention of Blindness team has successfully concluded a life-changing Cataract screening and surgery tour in Phalaborwa, Limpopo!

​Through this incredible initiative, we were able to restore the gift of sight to 60 elderly individuals who had endured years of hardship and limitations due to cataracts. Seeing their lives transformed in an instant is why we do what we do!

​Patients Treated: 60
​Location: Phalaborwa, Limpopo
​Surgery Venue: Maphutha Malatjie Hospital

​This critical Cataract tour was made possible by the incredible generosity and community spirit of the Rotary Club of Phalaborwa. Your commitment to serving the most vulnerable in your community is truly inspiring!

​We extend our deepest gratitude to the Rotary Club of Phalaborwa and the Limpopo Department of Health for this great partnership.

While celebrating the restoration of sight for these 60 elders, it is vital to recognize the enormous challenge facing our country.

Cataracts remain the leading cause of preventable blindness in South Africa, contributing to a massive national surgical backlog.

​Every successful operation, like the 60 performed in Phalaborwa, chips away at this backlog. However, the need far outweighs the current resources.

​We call on more individuals, organizations, and corporate partners to participate!
​Your contribution can directly fund the next screening tour, provide essential surgical consumables, or sponsor a patient.
​
Together, we are restoring independence and dignity, one sight-saving operation at a time.
​
www.sancb.org.za | 012 452 3811

20/11/2025

The South African National Council for the Blind held an in-person Consumer Committee meeting on Saturday, 15 November, chaired by Gale Nkosi—Chairperson of the Consumer Committee, National Chairperson of South African Blind Women in Action, and a member of both the SANCB National Management Committee (NMC) and National Executive Committee (NEC).

Retina SA was represented by Caryl Baum, Vice Chairperson and member of the management committee.

The meeting was enriched by the valuable contributions and insights shared by members on consumer rights, especially those affecting blind and visually impaired children and vulnerable individuals. Discussions highlighted the importance of protecting and promoting the rights of consumers with disabilities in South Africa.

image description Gale and Caryl stand side by side indoors, smiling at the camera. Gale is on the left wearing a white shirt with colourful patterns and a black-and-white patterned pants. Caryl is on the right wearing a blue Retina SA polo shirt, dark pants, blue shoes, and carries a large blue shoulder bag. Both wear glasses. Vertical blinds cover the windows behind them.

19/11/2025

Panel Discussion: A Call for Equitable Inclusion at the G20 Social Summit!

​SANCB's National Executive Director, Mr. Lewis Nzimande, recently participated in a crucial panel discussion on SABC's 'It's Topical' in his capacity as a member of the South African Disability Alliance (SADA), of which SANCB is a member.

​Mr. Nzimande delivered a powerful message stressing that the core of the discussion of the D20 and G20 must be about humanity, solidarity, equality, and sustainability.

​His key takeaways focused on the need for:
​Equitable Resource Allocation: A plea for the three powerful constituencies labor, government, and business to distribute resources fairly to ensure a satisfactory life for all citizens.

​Inclusion of the Disability Sector: He emphasized that the disability community is asking for recognition and inclusion in all high-level deliberations.

​Watch the full conversation on the G20 Social Summit and the critical role of civil society:

https://youtu.be/FxRdNpRHkDA?si=xICoFNUHeML0r0qE

​

All eyes are on South Africa as it prepares to host the G20 Leaders Summit this coming weekend.But first, the country will host the G20 Social Summit from Tu...

19/11/2025

Disability-20 Conference Makes History in South Africa

SANCB's Assistive Technology Manager, Dr Ashley Subbiah made opening statements on the 2 days of the 2025 South African Disability-20 (D-20) Conference, a landmark event bringing the global G20 process into focus through the lens and leadership of Persons with Disabilities. This is a moment of immense significance for our country and the global disability rights movement.

Dr. Subbiah, who is the Chair of the 2025, D20 Disability Conference's Steering Committee stated in his opening remarks:

■ Day 1: Setting the Foundation "This conference is the result of a civil society–driven initiative. We stand here today because the disability sector insisted with clarity, conviction, and unity that disability inclusion must not sit at the margins of global policy, but at its heart. We will chart a path that strengthens collaboration between the disability sector and government, because inclusion is not a favour; it is a foundation for democracy, justice, and development."

■ Day 2: Momentum and the Future "Today marks a day of transition and possibility. The D-20 is a global commitment to ensuring the voices and rights of Persons with Disabilities are firmly embedded in the G20 agenda. As we prepare to hand over the initiative to the US disability community, we carry forward momentum, lessons learned, and a consolidated national voice. Let us remember that disability rights are human rights; that inclusive development is sustainable development; and that when Persons with Disabilities lead, societies become stronger, fairer, and more humane."

A huge thank you to all the distinguished delegates, partners, and colleagues for carrying this work forward with purpose, courage, and shared commitment!

18/11/2025

Job Alert! Join the Department of Agriculture (DOA)

The Department of Agriculture (DOA) is recruiting for multiple exciting positions! They are committed to promoting representivity and affirmative action and encourage applications from qualified candidates.

If you're looking to contribute to the Public Service, check out the vacancies below, primarily located in Pretoria and Middleburg:

Important Information:

■ Closing Date: 28 November 2025 at 16:00. Late applications will not be considered.
■ How to Apply: Submit a completed Z83 form and a detailed Curriculum Vitae (PDF, max 10MB) via email (specific email addresses listed in the full advert) or hand delivery.
■ Multiple Applications: If you are applying for more than one post, you must submit separate applications for each.

SMS Candidates: Note that appointment to Senior Management Service (SMS) level require successful completion of the SMS Pre-entry programme.

Qualified applicants from all designated groups are encouraged to apply!