DeafBlind South Africa

27/08/2025

In a recent visit to Gauteng, National Director (Rochelle McDonald) met with Professor Störbeck at the Wits Centre for Deaf Studies (Wits University).

They began with initial talks about shaping a course on effective communication with DeafBlind people.

On the first photo, anti-clockwise from left to right: Prof Störbeck, Ms Rochelle McDonald, her assistant Bradley Adendorf, mr Rhett Hermer,
and mr Tlou Letlolo (interpretor at Wits).

Photo credit: Mr Nenio Mbazima

11/08/2025

Ms Rochelle McDonald (DBSA National Director) and Dr Johan Pretorius (DBSA Western Cape Provincial Manager) represented DBSA at NG Kerk De La Bat in Belville yesterday. They each gave a heart warming personal testimony of their journey as deafblind individuals. The service was lead by Dr Jan Oberholzer.

📷 Photo credit: Ryno Eksteen

01/08/2025

At the Western Cape's committee meeting in June, Luzell Nell (DeafBlind SA Western Cape Vice Chairperson) sang, using sign language "God loves me, I read it in the Bible, God loves me".
The meeting was held in commemoration of Helen Keller's birthday of 27 June.

Video credit: Ryno Eksteen

03/06/2025

If you live in the south of KZN, or know someone who does, please share and support. We are excited to host our second Sip and Paint, celebrating DeafBlind Awareness Week and the amazing achievements of Helen Keller and DeafBlind people in general. Last time turned out to be great fun, and this time will be too, as we're painting butterflies. Come join us. :-)

26/05/2025

Luzell Nel has completed her Computer Training Program last week. Here she received her laptop and router, handed to her by our National Director, Rochelle McDonald.

Photo 1, from left to right: Bradley Adendorf (Assistant to National Director), Luzell Nell, Rochelle McDonald (National Director) and Dr Johan Pretorius (DBSA Western Cape Provincial Manager, and trainer).

We are proud of you, Luzell!

The training was made possible by National Lotteries Commission.

Photo credit: 📷 Ryno Eksteen

Rochelle Mcdonald Tracy Smith Marlizé Beyers Innovation for the Blind

07/05/2025

Dr Johan Pretorius, DBSA Western Cape Provincial Manager, is currently facilitating a three week long Computer Training Program, aimed to equip DeafBlind individuals with basic computer literacy. His student is Luzell Nel, DBSA Western Cape Vice-Chairperson, and resident at Innovasion for the Blind. Both trainer and trainee are DeafBlind.

The training was made possible by National Lotteries Commission .

We wish Luzell all the best with her training!

📷 Photo credit: Ryno Eksteen

Rochelle Mcdonald Tracy Smith Marlizé Beyers

14/11/2024

14/11/2024

Exciting news! The Eastern Cape Provincial Management Committee has been established. On the photo from left to right are Azania Sobantu, Women Representative, Luthando Boxosa, Secretary, Mongezi Qupe, Chairperson, Ntombekaya Msutu, Vice-Chair and Loyiso Seyise, Treasurer. Congratulations to the office bearers.

29/10/2024

If you're in the South Coast of KZN, why not join us for a day of fun and food?

17/10/2024

🌟 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀! 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗳𝗕𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗟𝗼𝗴𝗼🌟
We are thrilled to present our new logo, along with our empowering slogan:
“𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘯 𝘚𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘝𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘛𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩.”

𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲:
Our logo features yellow and purple, chosen for their deep significance.

𝙔𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬 stands for hope, a value we aim to share with our members.
𝙋𝙪𝙧𝙥𝙡𝙚 signifies importance and royalty, reflecting our community's unique and proud identity.
For those who can’t see, here’s a detailed description to bring the design to life:

𝗟𝗼𝗴𝗼 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻:
The logo integrates lowercase letters ‘d’ (yellow) and ‘b’ (purple), with the ‘b’ slightly lower. Their overlapping backs form a cohesive shape.

Below the ‘d’ is the Braille letter for ‘D’ in purple.
Above the ‘b’ is the sign language hand sign for ‘B’ in yellow.
The bold, large font ensures the symbol stands out, even without text.

𝗧𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀:

Beside the symbol, you’ll see “DeafBlind” in bold purple font, with ‘D’ and ‘B’ capitalized.

“SOUTH AFRICA” appears in thinner, fully capitalized purple font.
Our slogan, “Strength in Silence, Vision in Touch,” is set on a yellow background in white capital letters for emphasis.

𝙒𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙖𝙨 𝙬𝙚 𝙙𝙤!

14/08/2024

Self-awareness can significantly impact violence, especially in terms of prevention and intervention. Here are several ways in which self-awareness influences violent behavior: 1. Emotional Regulation: • Understanding Triggers: Self-awareness helps individuals recognize what triggers their anger or frustration, allowing them to address these triggers proactively rather than reacting violently. • Managing Emotions: By being aware of their emotional states, individuals can use techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or stepping away from a situation to calm down, reducing the likelihood of violent reactions....

Self-awareness can significantly impact violence, especially in terms of prevention and intervention. Here are several ways in which self-awareness influences violent behavior: 1. Emotional Regulat…

14/08/2024

For the next few posts we’re focusing on emotional intelligence to address the critical issues of Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence. We’re leveraging strength-based principles to enhance communication skills through emotional intelligence. On day two, we will develop emotional intelligence by practicing self-awareness and enhancing empathy. Ten Strategies on Practicing Self-Awareness Practicing self-awareness involves a variety of daily habits and activities that help you understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors....

For the next few posts we’re focusing on emotional intelligence to address the critical issues of Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence. We’re leveraging strength-based principles to enhance …