26/03/2026
97 Graduates. 41 Years of Impact. 20 Years of Partnership. A Legacy of Empowerment at Optima College
On 25 March 2026, Optima College, a division of the South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB), hosted a graduation that meant far more than the awarding of certificates. It was a moment filled with pride, reflection, and a real sense of possibility as 97 blind and partially sighted students stepped into the next chapter of their lives.
Families, partners, government representatives, training facilitators and community members gathered to celebrate what can happen when people are given the right support and opportunity.
At the heart of the day was a partnership that has quietly made a difference for many years. For over two decades, Life Healthcare has worked alongside Optima College, helping to open doors, build confidence and create real pathways to independence.
Optima College Principal, Mr Thomas Simelane, reflected on the college’s journey and its 41 years of empowering blind and partially sighted people. “This is a moment to pause and look back,” he said. “To recognise how far we have come and what we have built together.”
Mr Simelane spoke about Optima as more than a place of learning. For him, it is a space where people find hope again, grow in confidence, and begin to believe in themselves.
SANCB National Executive Director, Mr Lewis Nzimande, reminded graduates that the day was not only about celebration, but also about stepping into a greater role.
“You are the pride of this country,” said Mr Nzimande. “You made a choice to learn, and through that choice you have claimed your place in society.”
He emphasised that their achievements go beyond personal success. They matter to families, to communities and to the country as a whole. He also acknowledged partners like Life Healthcare, whose continued support makes programmes like this possible.
Programme Director Nelson Mafulo brought warmth and energy to the programme, reminding everyone that this was not just another formal event.
“This is what it looks like when people are given a chance,” he said. “When they are supported to dream and to follow through on that dream.”
Mr Mafulo also spoke honestly about what comes next. “We must make sure that our graduates are not left behind. They must be part of the economy, part of society, and part of the future.”
Speaking on behalf of Life Healthcare, Ms Palesa Moletsane, Organisational Development and Transformation Manager, reflected on the long-standing partnership with Optima. “For nearly 20 years, this has been about more than funding,” she said. “It has been about people. About changing lives.”
Ms Moletsane spoke about the graduates as individuals with their own journeys, shaped by resilience, determination and hope. “What matters most is not just the qualification, but the confidence and dignity that comes with it,” she said. Her message to the graduates was simple. This is only the beginning.
Keynote speaker Mr Jabulani Ngcobo, Director of Inclusive Education at the Department of Basic Education, placed the day in a broader national context. “Today is not just a graduation,” he said. “It is a statement.”
A statement that ability is defined by determination.
A statement that education changes lives.
And a reminder that inclusion must be lived, not just spoken about. “Inclusion is not charity; it is justice,” said Mr Ngcobo.
Tshwane Councillor Anne-Marie Sparg who was accompanied by her colleague Councillor Andre Jacobs captured the spirit of the day in a way that resonated deeply with those present. “Today we celebrate you,” she said. “In a world that often measures success by what we see, you have redefined it by what you achieve.”
Councillor Sparg reflected on the qualifications earned and what they represent. “You have shown what is possible. You have turned challenges into strength.”
Quoting Helen Keller, she reminded graduates that vision is about seeing possibility where others see obstacles. Her message was clear. The world needs what they bring.
Among the graduates was Ms Leon Mkhari, whose story stood out as a reflection of what Optima makes possible.
Ms Mkhari encouraged her fellow graduates to take their studies seriously and to keep pushing forward. Through her own business, she has already created opportunities, employing two people and building her path as a young CEO.
Her journey is a reminder that education is not only about finding work. It is also about creating it.
One of the most memorable moments of the day came when a cake was cut to celebrate 41 years of Optima College. It was a simple but meaningful moment that honoured decades of impact and the many lives that have been changed along the way.
The day was not only about speeches and certificates. It was also about expression and confidence.
Optima created space for visually impaired artists to perform. Khazozo, a 2024 graduate, Bucks Moses, a 2025 graduate, and AMZA-GP took to the stage and delivered powerful performances.
They challenged perceptions and showed clearly that disability does not define ability. Given the opportunity, they did not just participate. They owned the stage.
Graduates completed programmes in areas such as Business Administration Services, Information Technology, End User Computing and New Venture Creation. These programmes provide practical pathways into employment, entrepreneurship and independent living.
One message stood out throughout the day. Inclusion is not the responsibility of one organisation. It belongs to all of us.
Families, partners, institutions and government all have a role to play in making sure that opportunities continue beyond moments like this.
As the ceremony came to a close, there was a strong sense that this was only the beginning.
For the graduates, it marked the start of a new chapter.
For partners, it was a reminder of the impact of their support.
And for everyone present, it was proof of what is possible when people are given a fair chance.
For over 20 years, Life Healthcare and SANCB have worked together to make moments like this possible.
For 41 years, Optima College has carried that work forward.
And on this day, 97 graduates showed exactly why it matters.
www.sancb.org.za | 012 452 3811
#
