The Cape Town Society for the Blind has marked 95 years of helping the blind and visually impaired find independence and support in a sighted world.

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 on Thursday last week.

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 members.

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 part of the organisation for 38 years. She lost her sight after giving birth to her child in 1985. She has woven baskets and crocheted clothing and is now busy doing furniture repairs in the society’s workshop.

“The organisation is like a second home to me... and I am proud to be part of this history,” she said.

Newcomer Kyle Breedekamp, 32, of Strandfontein, worked in construction before a brain operation to remove a tumour three years ago left him blind.

“I am learning a lot of skills here that can help me get a job in the future,” he said. Apart from doing cane weaving, he has also been learning computer and smartphone skills.

The society’s CEO, Judith Coetzee, said she was thrilled that it had reached such a milestone.

“It is a proud moment. We are working towards changing a few things. We are currently doing building alterations, we upgraded our classes, where we are also offering online courses for our students.”

Visit capetownsocietyfortheblind.co.za or call 021 448 4302 for more information.

Enjoying the celebrations are the organisation’s employees, from left, Mzandile Macupe, Chulekazi Mahomba and Colin Willemse.

The Cape Town Society for the Blind’s service users Kyle Breedenkamp and Lee-anne Ruiters.

Cape Town Society for the Blind’s service users Florencia Syster and Paul Phillips.

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