Izé van Jaarsveld, a 22-year-old student and artist from Meyersdal, knows what it feels like to be denied entry simply for walking into a store with her certified service dog, Winter.

Van Jaarsveld has epilepsy and other chronic conditions. She relies on Winter, her trained seizure-alert dog, to detect seizures, provide physical support and call for help if she collapses.

Despite carrying the required documents and certification, she has repeatedly been refused entry into malls, stores and even restaurants.

“People think if you’re not blind, you can’t have a service dog. But Winter is medical equipment. She can literally save my life,” she says.

One of the most distressing incidents happened late at night when Van Jaarsveld and her fiancé, Nathan Terblanche, stopped at a local garage to quickly buy something.

@albertonrecordIzé van Jaarsveld, a 22-year-old student and artist from Meyersdal, knows what it feels like to be denied entry simply for walking into a store with her certified service dog, Winter. Van Jaarsveld has epilepsy and other chronic conditions. She relies on Winter, her trained seizure-alert dog, to detect seizures, provide physical support and call for help if she collapses.

♬ original sound – Alberton Record

Not only were they denied entry, but staff also called a private security company to escort them off the premises, all because of Winter.

“They wouldn’t even look at her documents. It was humiliating,” Terblanche says.

Incidents like this are why Van Jaarsveld supports the Democratic Alliance’s Performing Animals Protection Amendment Bill, introduced to Parliament to protect the rights of people with disabilities and their assistance animals.

Currently, South Africa lacks comprehensive legislation guaranteeing that service dogs, whether for epilepsy, PTSD, autism or visual impairment, are allowed into public and private spaces.

The Bill aims to close this gap and hold businesses accountable for unlawful denials.

“We shouldn’t have to fight for our rights everywhere we go,” she says. “If people understood the law, this wouldn’t keep happening.”

Behind Winter’s calm presence and lifesaving work is a dedicated team at Honey’s Garden for Medical Alert Dogs.

“They’re the organisation that trained Winter and made it possible for me to have a service dog. They’ve been amazing and so supportive throughout the whole journey. They specially trained Winter to my needs, and even after receiving her, they’ve always been there to answer any questions or concerns I might have,” Van Jaarsveld says.

@albertonrecordIzé van Jaarsveld, a 22-year-old student and artist from Meyersdal, knows what it feels like to be denied entry simply for walking into a store with her certified service dog, Winter. Van Jaarsveld has epilepsy and other chronic conditions. She relies on Winter, her trained seizure-alert dog, to detect seizures, provide physical support and call for help if she collapses.♬ original sound – Alberton Record

She gave special thanks to Mashaan Etsebeth, who fostered, helped train and cared for Winter during her training, and Lucy Breytenbach, who heads Honey’s Garden.

Van Jaarsveld is studying Fine Arts at Open Window in Centurion, majoring in illustration and graphic design.

Beyond her studies and tutoring, she is committed to using her voice and Winter’s presence to change how society sees invisible disabilities.

“She’s not a pet; she’s my lifeline. Just like a wheelchair or oxygen tank, she helps me function in the world.”

What to know about service dogs in South Africa:

• Only accredited service dogs, trained by SASETA-certified trainers, are protected by access laws.

• Dogs must wear identifying gear (vests or jackets) and pass public access and obedience tests.

• Conditions they assist with include epilepsy, autism, diabetes, PTSD, visual or hearing impairment and more.

• It is unlawful to deny access to a certified service dog team in most public or private spaces.