Now there is Life After Blindness

Community members with visual impairment have launched an organisation for the blind, named Life After Blindness.

Tembisa residents came out in numbers to Thafeni Park to be part of launch, on April 7.

Life After Blindness organisation’s founder, Mrs Mpho Matjie, said she started the organisation because there was no other organisation looking out for the needs of people with visual impairment.

“Our aim is to empower people who are visually impaired by offering skills development programmes.

“We will help be more independent and also offer moral support through peer counselling. Blind people should be able to do things by themselves and be independent,” said Matjie.

She said people with visual impairment should be active community members, not locked up in their houses.

Matjie said at Life After Blindness, blind people will be taught, among other things, braille, bead work and computer skills.

“When somebody loses their vision they feel like it is the end of the world and yet it is only the beginning.

“Organisations like Life After Blindness are here to give them courage to move on with their lives and find new possibilities and excitement.

“They shouldn’t allow their disability to stop their dreams,” said optometrist Ms Ntibeleng Masile.

Mr Nape Mashiane, from the SA Guide Dog Association (SAGDA), said Life After Blindness will have a positive impact on the community of Tembisa.

“Mpho is visually impaired herself and for her to start the organisation will inspire people with the same condition,” said Mashiane.

He said SAGDA will assist Life After Blindness by training members and running workshops.

Life After Blindness is situated at 871 Thami Mnyele Drive, in Mqantsa section.

Matjie said affiliation is free and interested people can call 011 042 3086 or 071 027 9319.