Nkosinathi Foundation OF and FOR Blind and partially sighted people

Breaking the Barriers of Blindness by empowering blind and partially sighted people to be independent & fully integrated into society.

There are many causes of blindness, and blindness is no respecter of persons, therefore our beneficiaries are people of all ages, all races, all religious groups, and all levels of education. Most of the people and children we assist live below the South African poverty line and they therefore need assistance with combating socio-economic challenges, as well as the challenges that come with the loss of sight.

Nkosinathi Foundation, a non-profit organisation was founded in Gqeberha by a group of blind people in 1948. They recognized the need for rehabilitation and adaptive skills services, as well as support for those who have recently lost their sight.

Our aim is to have empowered and independent blind and partially sighted people fully integrated into society by providing a supportive, opportunity-filled and comprehensive rehabilitation model to raise awareness which enables blind and partially sighted people to reach independence, develop their potential and overcome the challenges associated with loss of vision.

There are many causes for blindness, and blindness is no respecter of persons therefore our 1125 beneficiaries are people of all ages, all races, all religious groups, and all levels of education. Our service recipients must be: Blind or Partially Sighted and members of the blind or partially sighted person’s family. At Nkosinathi Foundation the services we provide are comprehensive, innovative, tailored, and extensive.

These include:

Urban and rural rehabilitation services through which our clients have a higher chance of accessing opportunities that will allow them to become active members of their community again, as well as to be able to better their lives socially, financially, and personally, as well as aid them in rebuilding their self-worth.
Preparation for Employment & Tertiary Education: Having to look after oneself, a family, running a household and being an active contributor to one’s community and society, in general, are all responsibilities and challenges everyone must face and carry, regardless of whether a person has a disability or not.

The projects we offer include training in Computer Skills using Adapted Computer Software. We also offer a Parent Empowerment Sewing Project for mothers of blind children so that they can gain the skills needed to run a sewing business from home.

Children's Rehabilitation and Education :

Nkosinathi Foundation places special importance and urgency on the delivery of rehabilitation and support services for children who lose their vision. It is crucial that these children are rehabilitated, and that their parents are supported as early as possible, to ensure these children are placed into appropriate educational systems which will result in a full and productive life for the child, as well as prevent a life dependence on the State and on others.

We cater for children from 1 to 18 years.

Our ECD Centre caters for up to 10 children daily up to the age of 8 years.

We are well governed by our Managing Board drawn from the community. The board has unrivalled strength in the breadth and depth of its expertise and the commitment of individual members to the well-being, development, and growth of the organisation. It comprises seven volunteers, representing all major cultural groups.

In terms of our constitution, 60% of our Management Board members must be blind or of low vision.

One or two of our current projects :

While all our projects are important to us and linked to the rehabilitation of children and adults so that they can take that first step towards independence and then be able to live an independent life, two linked projects are of importance to us

The ECD Centre where we are able to accommodate 10 children daily. Each child attends three times per week and are taught as per a child of his/her age but then we also teach pre-braille and how to use a cane. Each child has a different need and our professional staff guides both the child and the parent to stimulate him at home.

Our Parent Empowerment Sewing Project was established to provide the caregiver of the blind child a skill so that they are able to bring in additional income into the home.

This programme is in its 3^rd year under an overseas donor and the aim is that over 3 years 50 parents are taught sewing skills over a 12-month period and at the end of the period and graduation they receive a sewing machine so that they can continue their skills at home.

We have two exciting projects that we are going to launch this year – The establishment of computer and braille classes for adults. There is a need for persons who become blind later in life to relearn skills and this Centre will enable them to become independent.

The second new initiative is the reintroduction of our Low Vision Centre where visually impaired persons will receive guidance in low vision aids so that they can continue to be independent.

We are extremely grateful that we have been selected as the beneficiary of the 2024 Algoa Cares Golf Day and proceeds will be directed towards equipping the new Low Vision Centre and our Adult Computer and Braille Centre.

A list of our needs :

There are many areas where a donor can provide financial support to our programmes. We receive only 10% of our annual budget of R3 million from the state in the form of a subsidy towards our two social worker salaries. The bulk of our funding for servicing our programme is sourced from multiple donations from local and national businesses, charity foundations and the public.

Currently, we service 1125 beneficiaries of which 90% are Black defined in terms of our attached B-BBEE affidavit and can supply our B-BBEE affidavit and a S18a certificate.

Your donation will allow us to provide the life-changing skills, equipment and training needed to rehabilitate those in need so that they may lead an independent life as a blind and partially sighted person. Whether you donate once off or become a monthly donor the gift you are giving is priceless.

Listed below are the many ways the community can assist us :

A contribution towards the monthly operational expenses we incur to deliver the services to our beneficiaries. Sponsor, for example, our petrol bill, telephone costs, photocopying bill, servicing and tyres of our three vehicles.
funding towards low vision aids such as canes, money counters, liquid level indicators and the training to use the aid.. A cane costs R600 and it is not one size fits all. Canes are issued free of charge to our beneficiaries. The training in the use of the cane is intensive and professional.
Educational toys for our ECD children and clothing for the children so that they can have a uniform (tracksuit and golf shirt)
Contribution to food security for our beneficiaries by way of vouchers or monetary donations

Contact Person :

Mr. Brian Bezuidenhout (Executive Director)

O41 487 1150/ 484 3830 (landline)

Cell: 082 450 3581

Physical Address:

58 (B) Kirkwood Street, North End, Gqeberha

Banking details for those who may wish to donate :

Bank: Standard Bank

- Account Name: Nkosinathi Foundation of and for Blind & Partially Sighted People

- Account Number: 08 05 23 862

- Branch Code: 050217

- Account Type: Current