The Cape Town Society for the Blind has marked 95 years of h

• Published date: 08 May 2024
• Author: Wesley Ford wesley.ford@acm.co.za
• Publication title: Southern Mail

Staff, donors and users of the society’s services were among the more than 100 people who attended a celebration to mark the occasion at its Salt River offices last month

The organisation was founded by a group of women in 1929 and was called the Cape Town Civilian Blind Society.

The first training shop and depot for the blind opened in Bree Street, in the City Bowl in 1930. In 1932, the society opened a workshop in Hanover Street, District Six. In 1935, the society moved to the premises in Salt River where it has been for the past 89 years.

In 1992, the society opened the Phambili workshop in Khayelitsha, and in 1994, it adopted its current name. In 2014, it started offering computer courses for its mem- bers.

Colin Willemse, 53, of Eerste River, lost his sight at 18 following an assault. He has been assisted by the society since 1991 and was later employed by it.

“I was in contact with the League of Friends of the Blind, and I was looking for something to do, and they told me about this organisation,” he said.

He has received training in cane weaving, basket making, furniture making and business management.

“We are like one family at the organisation. We understand each other; we are here to cheer each other on,” he said.

Maggie Williams, 62, of Eerste River, has been...