Students at the Groenkloof Campus explored assistive devices and learned more about the experiences of blind and partially sighted people.
Pretoria, South Africa (03 September 2026) – Spring got off to an energetic start at the University of Pretoria’s Groenkloof Campus, where students had the chance to learn more about disability, accessibility and the technology helping blind and partially sighted people navigate everyday life.
The South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB) joined the university’s Disability Week campus activation on 1 September, teaming up with Tuks FM, the Faculty of Education and the Centre for Visual Impairment Studies for a day of conversation, learning and interaction.
At SANCB’s exhibition stall, students could get a closer look at assistive devices and technologies used by blind and partially sighted people, while chatting to representatives about accessibility and inclusion.
And it was not just a case of walking past a display and grabbing some information.
Students had the opportunity to ask questions, explore the different tools on show and get a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by people living with visual impairment.
For Avuyile Dlelintaka, a student at the Groenkloof Campus, the experience offered a new perspective.
“It was exciting to learn about devices used by visually impaired people. I have gained so much knowledge.”
Fellow student Onkabetse Waserala also found plenty to take away from the exhibition.
“The exhibition was very educational.”
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Door of Hope’s Tiniest Babies Returned Years Later and Stole Every HeartThose reactions capture the purpose of Disability Week. SANCB works across a number of areas to support blind and partially sighted people in South Africa, including advocacy, rehabilitation, education, skills development, eye health and access to assistive technology.
The broader goal is to help create an environment where blindness or visual impairment does not prevent people from accessing opportunities, participating in society or building independent lives.
The strong turnout and engagement from students and staff made the Groenkloof activation a positive way to kick off the new season, while highlighting the importance of keeping conversations around accessibility and inclusion going beyond Disability Week.
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