About us

KWAZULU NATAL SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND

OUR BACKGROUND

The Kwazulu-Natal Society for the Blind (KZNSB), which was established in 1919, has, over the years, evolved into a dynamic organization that offers a multi-disciplinary approach to human rights related services for blind and partially-sighted persons in KwaZulu-Natal. The Organisation, which is situated near the city centre of Durban, prides itself on successful service delivery, focusing on the following:

Early Childhood Development;
Skills development – computer training, Braille training and cane weaving training;
Orientation and mobility (navigation skills using a white cane);
An Optometric Clinic in partnership with Brian Holden;
Residential facilities for blind and partially-sighted persons;
Access to quality rehabilitation services for blind and partially-sighted persons; and
Economic Empowerment and business development skills.

For the past 98 years, the KZNSB has provided rehabilitation services to visually impaired persons in KwaZulu-Natal. In addition, it has endeavoured to influence the Kwazulu-Natal provincial government to introduce programs that aim to enhance the provision of services for blind and partially sighted persons. In recognition of its sterling, historic contribution, the KZNSB received wide commendation and recognition, notably the following:

Was awarded a ‘Proudly South African’ status in 2003 and 2013.
Was presented with The Living Legends award, together with a certificate of appreciation during the eThekwini Municipality’s 9th Annual Living Legends Award ceremony in August 2016.

While functioning within the current legal and social framework in South Africa, and having a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) rating Level 2 status, the mandate and scope of the Society is provided for in its Memorandum of Incorporation (MoI). Moreover, guided by its motto: “Unlocking an Inclusive Society for Blind and Partially Sighted People of KwaZulu-Natal “, the KZNSB developed a comprehensive strategic plan that includes specific programmatic objectives and outcomes. However, the challenges of a rapidly changing environment in South Africa necessitated a review of its vision, mission and objectives, and consequently, the review and revision of its strategic plan.

As an important tool, the revised strategic plan 2020 – 2025 would guide the KZNSB not only in promoting its strategic objectives, but would also ensure the sustainability of the organisation to reach its bicentenary and beyond.

KZNB'S MANDATE AND SCOPE OF WORK

KZN-SB has a broad institutional mandate for programming and operationalization. The organisation endeavours to promote blindness and cross disability interventions throughout KwaZulu-Natal. It operates under the motto: “Unlocking an Inclusive Society for Blind and Partially Sighted People of KwaZulu-Natal Province.”

The mandate of the organisation is well stipulated in its Memorandum of Incorporation (MoI), the current legal and social contexts in South Africa and mainly KwaZulu-Natal. The MOI sets the following as the mandate of the organisation:

) Protecting and promoting education, employment and other related human rights;
) Design / develop, initiate, and maintain projects for the benefit if blind and partially sighted people;
) Collect, systemize and disseminate information on all matters relating to blindness and blind and partially sighted persons;
) Co-operating with local and international organizations and agencies for purposes of sharing information, advice and assistance;
) To respect, uphold and defend all values and human rights as set out in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa in force at any given time and in particular to oppose discrimination on the grounds of blindness or any other disability.

OUR ORGANISATIONAL STATEMENTS

Our Vision

The vision of the KZNSB is “An inclusive society where blind and partially sighted people are treated with dignity and respect.”

Our Mission

he KZNSB strives to be a proactive, vibrant, strategically focused organisation in terms of operations and sustainability, bringing together key decision-makers from government, civil society and the private sector to improve the quality of life of the blind and partially-sighted community.

Our Values

In pursuit of its Vision and Mission, the KZNSB will be guided by the following fundamental values, which also define the culture of the organisation:
a) Human rights;
b) Ethical and collective responsibility;
c) Integrity and accountability;
d) Respect and dignity;
e) Empowerment.