Emalahleni – Thousands of residents in Emalahleni can now look forward to a brighter future, thanks to the ongoing partnership between Glencore Coal and the South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB), which provides free eye screenings, spectacles and life-changing surgeries to prevent avoidable loss of sight.
“The loss of sight due to avoidable blindness should never occur,” said Angelina Khupe, SANCB’s Divisional Manager in the Bureau for the Prevention of Blindness.
She added that early screening, education and access to proper medical care can prevent many cases of vision loss. “We are passionate about ensuring that no one loses their sight because they could not afford help. Everyone deserves the chance to see the beauty of life clearly.”
Now in its eighth year, the partnership between SANCB and Glencore Coal South Africa continues to make a real difference. This year alone, 22 patients received cataract surgeries at Witbank Hospital, while 7,000 learners from Grades 4 to 12 were screened for refractive errors across Emalahleni.
The initiative not only restores sight but also promotes academic success, as many children struggle in school simply because they cannot see the chalkboard.
Thato Gama from Tweefontein Glencore Mine said, “As a mine, we believe in giving back to the communities where we operate. We support initiatives that put people first.”
Gama shared his emotional experience of witnessing the surgeries: “It was my first time seeing a doctor operate inside a theatre. I was overwhelmed but deeply moved watching patients leave the theatre filled with hope and restored dignity.”
One of the beneficiaries, Stanley Hill (67), shared his gratitude after receiving cataract surgery. “The first time they told me I needed surgery, I was happy but nervous. Because of the cataract, my left eye couldn’t see anything, but after the surgery, I can now say 95% of my sight is back.”
Dr Robert Sekwele Matjomane from SANCB, who screened learners at Mehlwana Secondary School, explained the importance of early detection. “It’s important to screen learners because most of them cannot read or see the chalkboard properly. We provide spectacles and check for cataracts, which can be caused by trauma, congenital conditions, or metabolic disorders like high blood pressure and diabetes,” he said.
He further encouraged regular eye check-ups, adding, “SANCB is a non-profit organisation that helps people free of charge. I encourage everyone to test their eyes at least once a year, especially because of diseases like glaucoma, which can cause blindness without any pain.”
One of the learners who were screened, Angel Mgidi, said: “My eye problems started when I was in Grade 2. They would be painful and I would get headaches. I’m grateful that I will receive spectacles.”
