South African National Council for the Blind

12/09/2025

The Wait is Over: National Executive Director Finaly Holds the Prestigious Trophy

SANCB National Executive Director, Mr. Lewis Nzimande, has finally laid hands on the prestigious Disability Empowerment Award presented to SANCB at the BBQ Awards last week!

Mr. Nzimande couldn’t be there in person to receive it, as he was proudly representing SANCB at the World Blind Union General Assembly in São Paulo, Brazil.

This award is more than a trophy it’s recognition of the impactful work our team delivers every day. It inspires us to keep breaking barriers, empowering communities, and creating opportunities for blind and partially sighted persons across South Africa.

012 452 3811 | www.sancb.org.za

12/09/2025

Leadership Beyond the Boardroom

Mr. Lewis Nzimande, our National Executive Director, joined Dr. Thomas Ongolo, Optima Board member, SANCB staff, and Optima College's new SRC for a refreshing leadership discussion at Magnolia Park, Brooklyn.

The SRC members from our 6 Optima satellite stations also joined virtually, bringing diverse perspectives to the conversation!

The team dived into what makes a great leader: inspiring others, driving positive change, conflict resolution, and making a meaningful impact.

The newly elected SRC is looking forward to shaping and leading through impactful leadership.

www.sancb.org.za | 012 452 3811

10/09/2025

Did you know you can have a basic will drafted for free during National Wills Week?
Organise your affairs today—and leave a gift that truly matters.

Join the Bufflers, who have carried the torch for blind persons for decades through SANCB. Carry the torch for sight in your Will and make a lasting difference.

Find a participating attorney here: https://www.lssa.org.za/our-initiatives/advocacy/national-wills-week/ or contact us to talk about setting up a bequest in honour of The South African National Council of the Blind.

10/09/2025

Inspiring Words from SANCB's National Executive Director Mr. Lewis Nzimande on PowerFM's Power Perspective Show

Recently a guest on the PowerPerspective show on PowerFM, Mr. Lewis Nzimande, National Executive Director of the South African National Council for the Blind, shared some powerful insights.

"We like the social model where we say it's not about the impairment but it's about how we do things.

By recognizing that everyone faces circumstances that require adjustment, we can work towards creating environments that enable participation, not hinder it. It's time to rethink our approach to disability and inclusion".

Let's promote understanding and adjustments to build a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive!

Listen to the podcast:
https://omny.fm/shows/power-perspective/disability-feature-visual-impairment-and-human-dignity

We explore Visual Impairment & Human Dignity in South Africa with Lewis Nzimande of . From education to employment, many visually impaired South Africans face exclusion and stigma. But through advocacy, tech, and resilience, communities are pushing for change; proving that dignity mea...

09/09/2025

Celebrating Global Leadership in the Blindness Movement!

The World Blind Union (WBU) has announced its newly elected Table Officers for the 2025–2029 term. This dynamic team will guide our global movement for inclusion, equity, and empowerment.

Meet the 2025–2029 WBU Table Officers:

■ President: Santosh Kumar Rungta (India)
■ First Vice President: Cristina Chamorro (Spain)
■ Second Vice President: Yaw Ofori-Debra (Ghana)
■ Secretary General: Moises Bauer Luiz (Brazil)
■ Treasurer: Alejandro Antonio Paz Ambrosio (Guatemala)
■ Immediate Past President: Martine Abel-Williamson (New Zealand)

This diverse and inspiring leadership team reflects the strength and unity of our global community. Together, they will continue breaking barriers, expanding opportunities, and ensuring blind and partially sighted persons worldwide can thrive with freedom and dignity.

As a proud member of the World Blind Union, the South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB) joins in congratulating the new leadership and looks forward to working together in shaping a more inclusive world.

www.sancb.org.za | 012 452 3811

06/09/2025

An Honour To Be Recognized

Dr. Ashley Subbiah, manager of the Assistive Technology Centre, accompanied Mr. Jan Mokoala, the SANCB Board Chairperson at the BBQ's 21st Awards ceremony which was graced by keynote speaker Ms. Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, the Minister for the Department of Small Business Development.

​The ceremony brought together influential leaders and entrepreneurs from various sectors, highlighting the power of collaboration in driving positive change.

​During the acceptance speech, Dr. Subbiah shared his gratitude, stating, "We are immensely proud to have our work recognized. This award belongs to our dedicated staff and volunteers, whose unwavering commitment has helped transform lives across all nine provinces of South Africa."

Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey!

www.sancb.org.za | 012 452 3811

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05/09/2025

SANCB Board Chairperson Thanks Team and Donors For Prestigious Award

The South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB) has been awarded the Disability Empowerment Award at the 21st Black Business Quarterly (BBQ) Awards!

Board chairperson, Mr. Jan Mokoala, expressed his heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff, donors, and partners during the acceptance speech. He highlighted the impact of our flagship program, the Bureau for the Prevention of Blindness, which has restored sight to countless individuals, mainly the elderly, through cataract removal surgery.

"We're proud to be making a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of blind and partially sighted persons across South Africa. This award is a testament to our team's hard work and commitment to empowering individuals with visual impairments", said Mr Mokoala.

"A special thank you to the Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities for nominating us and to everyone who has supported us along the way," he added.

Mr Mokoala further encouraged the dedicated staff of SANCB to continue to work together to give hope to thousands of people as the organisation is gearing up to celebrate 100 years of its existence in 2029.

Visit our website to learn more about our work and how you can support us:

www.sancb.org.za | 012 452 3811

05/09/2025

SANCB Awarded The Disability Empowerment Award At The BBQ 21st Awards

We are thrilled to announce that the South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB) has won the Disability Empowerment Award at the 21st Black Business Quarterly (BBQ) Awards!

The awards were held under the theme "Unity in Diversity: Celebrating our collective achievements," this award recognizes our organization's dedication to empowering individuals with visual impairments and promoting inclusivity.

Jan Mokoala, the chairperson of the SANCB board accepted the award on behalf of the organisation from Prof. Thoko Mayekiso, Vice Chancellor of the University of Mpumalanga.

We are honoured to receive this recognition, and we thank the office of the Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities for nominating us.

This achievement would not be possible without the hard work and commitment of our team and the support of our partners.

We are proud to be part of a community that celebrates diversity and promotes unity.

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

04/09/2025

Bureau Team wraps up Cataract Tour in Trompsburg!

This past weekend, the Bureau for the Prevention of Blindness hosted a Cataract Operation Marathon at the Albert Nzula Hospital in the Free State.

■ 100 patients screened
■ 38 life-changing operations performed
■ Many more treated and given hope

For many patients, access to eye care has been a lifelong struggle. Some had been told to wait until 2028 for surgery due to severe backlogs. Thanks to this initiative, people from underserved areas finally received the help they desperately needed.

One elderly patient shared his joy: “Before the operation, I struggled daily. Now I can see again, and my life has truly changed.”

Huge thanks to the Vodacom Foundation for sponsoring this project, and to the dedicated staff at Albert Nzula Hospital and the Provincial Health Department for their support.

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

04/09/2025

Finding Her Way Safely: Sandra Embraces Mobility and Confidence After losing Her Eyesight

Meet Sandra Mathabela, a 28-year-old Optima College student from Bronkhorstspruit, Pretoria. In 2022, after a four-year illness that doctors could not diagnose beyond pneumonia, Sandra lost her sight. Now, she's on a new path to independence through Orientation and Mobility training.

Sandra is part of a group of nine Optima students learning to navigate the world safely and with confidence, reclaiming a sense of freedom and control.

Marcia Theledi, an instructor from our member organization, the South African Guide-Dogs Association for the blind, is currently conducting the training. Marcia is working with the nine clients (students) at SANCB, teaching essential skills like the "Human guide, cane and non-cane” techniques. Soon, Sandra will be ready to navigate the Optima Campus and surrounding community, including the route to the nearby malls all on her own.

This is a powerful example of how we empower individuals to regain their independence. We are proud to work alongside organizations like the South African Guide Dogs Association to help people with visual impairments live full and dignified lives.

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

01/09/2025

Happy Spring Day from SANCB!

It's time to welcome the vibrant energy of Spring! As the world around us blossoms with new life and colour, we're celebrating the spirit of new beginnings and fresh opportunities for all.

At SANCB, we're dedicated to helping blind and partially sighted individuals embrace every season of life with confidence and independence. Our work, from providing crucial eye care to offering vocational training, is all about planting the seeds for a brighter, more inclusive future.

www.sancb.org.za | 012 452 3811