Echoes of resilience: KZN Blind and Deaf Society marks 90 years of hope

KZNBDS trustees Raven Harkoo, Vinesh Gokool, Veetha Sewkuran and Ajith Valjee reflect on the KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society’s 90-year legacy of service, empowerment and inclusion. The KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society celebrated nine decades of service with a glamorous Masquerade Gala Dinner at the Imbizo Conference Centre at Sibaya last weekend, bringing together donors, sponsors, staff, volunteers, and key stakeholders to honour its enduring commitment to the community. The milestone event reflected on the organisation’s rich history since its establishment in 1936, highlighting nine decades of triumphs, overcoming adversity, and fostering independence for people who are blind, partially sighted, deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind. The evening also featured a fundraising auction to support the society's ongoing operations and specialised training programmes. A glimpse into the past: An archival photograph of the Natal Indian Blind Society’s workshop at 29 Lorne Street, reflecting the organisation’s earlier years of service to people who were blind and visually impaired. Guests were entertained by performances from the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Orchestra, renowned artist Prof Chats Devroop, and magician Mo Magic, who also served as the master of ceremonies. A major highlight of the evening was the official launch of the society’s 90th Anniversary Commemorative Book, documenting the organisation’s legacy, the pioneers who shaped it, and its impact across generations. Learning through changing times: An archival photograph showing young people receiving typing and Braille instruction at the Natal Indian Blind Society, highlighting the Society’s longstanding commitment to education and skills development. “For nine decades, the KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society has remained steadfast in its commitment to improving the lives of people who are blind, partially sighted, deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind,” said society president Veetha Sewkuran. Central to the society’s work is a core philosophy of self-reliance rather than dependence. “The one motto I live by is that we want to teach them independence—to teach a man to fish rather than give him the fish,” Sewkuran said. “We do not want them to wait for a plate of food or a parcel. We want to teach them skills so that they have independence and pride, and not dependence.” Among the organisation's early milestones were the establishment of a school for blind learners in the 1940s and specialised education for deaf learners in the 1960s, including the V.N. Naik School for the Deaf. Today, its broad service offering includes social work, advocacy, Braille literacy, South African Sign Language instruction, and computer training using assistive technology. From typewriters to technology: Three young women take part in computer training at the KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society, reflecting the organisation’s continued evolution in equipping blind and visually impaired people with skills for greater independence and employment opportunities. Practical workshops in cane-weaving and garment making continue to provide hands-on skills development and employment pathways. One beneficiary, Zaba, who was born deaf, entered the society’s sheltered workshop at age 14 with no formal schooling. After learning to sew and completing a course in machinery maintenance, he now works as a sewing-machine technician, supporting his wife and two children. The society’s innovation has also extended into culinary arts. Its Blind Culinary School, funded by the Dr Vasan Govind Foundation, stands as the first of its kind in South Africa. “It is about not having to rely on other people,” Sewkuran said, adding that the skills can also help partially sighted people establish their own businesses. Learning independence: A student receives hands-on guidance as she prepares a light meal during a practical lesson at the KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society’s Blind Culinary School, where participants develop everyday cooking skills in a supportive, accessible environment. The initiative expanded further this week with the launch of a new culinary programme tailored for deaf participants. Looking to the future, the society plans to open a therapy room for children with multiple disabilities and a recreational space on 23 October, on the eve of its official founding date. Funding is also being sought for an early-detection service providing audiology and speech therapy to preschool children. Reflecting on nine decades of service, Sewkuran emphasised that the milestone is a tribute to collective dedication and community awareness. Celebrating 90 years of service: Back row, from left, Ajit Valjee, Vinesh Gokool, Sharoona Sewnarian, Veetha Sewkuran, Sorisha Naidoo and Raven Harkoo; front row, Ashok Sewnarian and Vivian Reddy, at the KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society’s 90th Anniversary Masquerade Gala Dinner. “It’s teamwork,” she said, pointing to the contribution of trustees, staff, volunteers, regional committees, fundraising teams, and others who have carried the organisation forward over the decades. “We want people to look at their ability,” Sewkuran concluded. “We want them to stand with confidence as an able-bodied person.”