Community
The South African School Eye Health Project aims to screen 50 000 school children in three years!
Project will provide support to Government’s Integrated School Health Programme
Ster-Kinekor, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Durban – 09 October 2014: A young child sits in school, struggling to follow his lesson. The teacher’s notes on the blackboard are a blur, and the child, unable to see past his arm, soon gives up his attempts to concentrate. It seems his poor eyesight will cause him to fail yet another subject – or perhaps, like others in his position, he will drop out of school altogether.
Although a simple eye examination and a pair of spectacles would correct his vision, the lack of access to proper eye care and spectacles has placed him at a severe disadvantage. His avoidable blindness has impeded his learning, which will affect him for the rest of his life. And he is not alone.
It is estimated that six out of every 10 children in South Africa with reduced vision can be corrected with glasses, yet only 20 percent of those children needing glasses, have them. Considering that up to 80% of what children learn is assimilated through their eyes (an estimate), any form of vision impairment can adversely affect a child’s educational growth.
In an effort to address this urgent need, Ster-Kinekor Theatres’ CSI initiative, Vision Mission, has partnered with the Brien Holden Vision Institute, the Provincial Departments of Health and Education and the South African Optometric Association (SAOA), to launch the South African School Eye Health Project.
Launched on World Sight Day today (09 October), the School Eye Health Project aims to support the implementation of eye health services within the government’s national Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP). The project will provide eye care to thousands of disadvantaged learners in five provinces – KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga and Gauteng.
Says Geraldine Engelman, CSI and projects manager of Ster-Kinekor Theatres: “During the three-year project, we plan to screen approximately 50 000 children, and provide free pairs of spectacles to at least 2 500 of those suffering from refractive error and low vision. We will also be launching various other initiatives including health promotions and educational messages to reach an even wider group of children and adults in the targeted provinces.”
At the launch of the School Eye Health Project today, World Sight Day, held at Ster-Kinekor Gateway in Durban, are (from left to right):
Fiaz Mahomed, CEO of Ster-Kinekor Theatres; Prof Kovin Naidoo, Global Programme Director of the Brien Holden Vision Institute; Dr Nina Kriel, President of SAOA (South African Optometric Assn); Jayshree Naidoo, representing the KwaZulu-Natal Dept of Health; with some of the learners who attended the event this morning.
Working in association with various departments within each province, including the Departments of Health, Basic Education and Women, Children and People Living with Disabilities, the objectives of the partnership will be to:
- Contribute resources and skills for refractive and low vision services within the district health system;
- Improve child eye health services through screening, examination and management of vision problems within the ISHP;
- Improve the integration of child eye health into the government’s broader development and disability agenda; and
- Improve the eye health seeking behaviour through appropriate health promotion messages and education.
According to Professor Kovin Naidoo, the Global Programme Director for the Brien Holden Vision Institute, the School Eye Health Project addresses a desperate need. “Our country faces many social and economic challenges. In such a context of competing needs, it is critical that civil society, business and government work together to address children’s needs, since they are one of the most vulnerable groups in our society especially in a climate of limited resources.
“The Brien Holden Vision Institute applauds the concern and caring that Ster-Kinekor and SAOA have shown in supporting government’s Integrated School Health Programme. This Public Private Partnership is a quality investment in the future of our children,” concluded the Professor.
Dr Nina Kriel, President of the SAOA, comments: “It is our wish to contribute to the elimination of avoidable vision impairment and blindness due to refractive error and low vision. Working with our partners in this initiative, it is our aim to render these much-needed services in public schools as a pilot programme initially, in partnership with the various provincial departments. Such an undertaking would not be possible without the valuable input from the private sector, and we are extremely grateful for their enthusiasm and contribution to the project.”
For Ster-Kinekor, sight is integral to appreciating the wonderful and magical world of cinema that is projected onto its big screens. “We are excited to be extending our Vision Mission programme into another area of eye health – the ISHP – and, with the assistance and commitment from our dedicated partners, to launch the South African School Eye Health Project. For us, it is a privilege to be in a position to raise awareness about the importance of eye health, specifically around the prevention and treatment of avoidable blindness, and to give back to the communities in which we operate,” says Engelman.
The aims of Vision Mission are to contribute to the elimination of avoidable blindness in communities across South Africa, and to increase awareness of low vision as a major public health issue. The programme is also aligned to the World Health Organisation’s Universal Eye Health Global Action Plan 2014-2019.
“Being able to walk into a darkened cinema and watch in wonder as a fantastical story unfolds before your eyes, in a larger-than-life format, is a wonderful experience. All our customers who enjoy watching films at our cinemas can also make a difference, simply by making a contribution to the Vision Mission project when purchasing their tickets,” states Engelman.
Customers can contribute to the School Eye Health Project either when booking online (www.sterkinekor.com) or at one of the self-service terminals in the cinema foyer. The public can opt in to make a donation, from as little as R2.50, to Vision Mission when prompted during the booking process. One click is all it takes to give someone with sight impairment the hope for a clearer vision of their future – and every donation will make a difference.
Author: Durbanite
The Oceans 8 Charity Swim returns to Vetch’s Beach at the Durban Undersea Club on 23rd & 24th (25th ) May 2026, bringing together swimmers, supporters, partners and 14 beneficiary charities for a two-day ocean event rooted in community and shared impact.
Founded by charities, for charities, Oceans 8 was created with a simple but ambitious vision: to unite people through a shared love of swimming while raising funds for non-profit organisations with a footprint in KZN. Since its inception, the event has raised over R3million, directly supporting 23 charities and the communities they serve.
“Oceans 8 is about shared purpose and the belief that when we come together, we can strengthen the work already happening in our communities,” says Nicci Carvalho, event spokesperson. “It’s ordinary people doing something challenging and creating lasting impact.”
What to Expect in 2026
This year’s event continues that mission – bringing together swimmers of all abilities across the 1-, 4-, 8- and 16-mile distances to use their sport to make a difference.
Durban’s mild winter conditions and the protected waters of Vetch’s Beach offer a rewarding ocean experience for seasoned open-water swimmers, while remaining accessible to those stepping into open water swimming for the first time.
The 1- and 4-mile swims support the event’s 10 invitational charities, with funds raised shared equally among them. Swimmers taking on the 8- and 16-mile challenges direct their fundraising towards one of Oceans 8’s four founding charities. Schools once again form an important part of the weekend, with interschools’ participation encouraging learners to raise funds, earn community service hours and represent their schools in the 1-mile swim. Trophies are up for grabs!
The event remains proudly volunteer-run, supported by a committed local network of businesses, safety teams and community partners who help bring the weekend together. Returning sponsors Arena SA, Stanley, IPSS Medical Services and ALU Direct continue to stand alongside Oceans 8, sharing a belief in building something sustainable for the charities and the communities they serve.
Environmental responsibility is also central to the event’s planning. Oceans 8 minimises single-use plastics, prioritises recycled materials, and collaborates with partners who align with its sustainability values – recognising that caring for the coastline is inseparable from swimming in it.
As Oceans 8 continues to grow nationwide, entries are open to swim with purpose and join a community committed to turning personal challenge into meaningful impact.
Oceans 8 Charity Swim 2026 Events
- 1 Mile Event:
Choose one of 4 events on Day 1 or Day 2.
Cost: R200 per person + minimum R800 raised for invitational charities. - 4 Mile Event:
Swim 2 miles on Day 1 and 2 miles on Day 2.
Cost: R700 per person + minimum R3 000 raised for invitational charities. - 8 Mile Event:
Swim 4 miles on Day 1 and 4 miles on Day 2.
Cost: R1 100 per person + minimum R5,000 to be raised via Given Gain for one of the four founding charities. - 16 Mile Event:
Swim 8 miles on Day 1 and 8 miles on Day 2.
Swimmers will swim the 1 Mile course twice during each event.
Cost: R1 100 per person + minimum R5,000 to be raised via Given Gain for one of the four founding charities.
For more information or partnership enquiries, visit www.oceans8swim.co.za
Keep updated on all the action by following @oceans8_charityswim on Instagram and @oceans8swim on Facebook.
8- and 16-mile charities supported by the Oceans 8 Charity Swim 2026:
- Duzi-Umngeni Conservation Trust
- National Sea Rescue Institute
- Project Rhino
- Singakwenza Early Childhood Education
1- and 4-mile charities supported by the Oceans 8 Charity Swim 2026:
- CROW (Centre for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife)
- Game Rangers’ Association of South Africa
- IPSS Search and Rescue
- Makabongwe Pre-School
- Made for More
- Nazareth House in Berea
- Pietermaritzburg Children’s Home
- Rise Against Hunger Africa
- Sport for Lives
- Umduduzi – Hospice Care for Children
Author: Carla Wynne
Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨
Author: mrjoelmagic
Freshness You Can Trust, Impact You Can See! 🐾
Looking for treats that are genuinely good for your furry (or hoofed!) family members?
Welcome to Barkies—where every treat is baked with love, fresh ingredients, and a commitment to animal welfare.
We believe in complete transparency. Our treats are always homemmade with fresh, natural ingredients, and we are proud to tell you exactly what goes into every single bite.
✨ Year-End Combo Special: Spoil Your Pup! ✨
To celebrate the year, we’re making it easy to spoil your dog with the best of Barkies:
Item Details
12 Pupcakes Choose your dog’s favourite flavour!
500g Fresh Dog Treats Choose your flavour!
Combo Price R220
This is the perfect package for holiday gatherings, puppy parties, or just showing extra love!
🌍 Treats with a Heart
We’re not just about delicious treats; we’re about giving back. Barkies donates 20% of every single sale to incredible animal charities right here in Durban. When you buy from us, you’re directly helping local animals in need.
🥕 Simple, Delicious & Safe
Our treats are simple but delicious and contain no nasty preservatives. Please store all Barkies products in the fridge or freezer to keep them fresh.
We make treats for dogs, cats, and horses!
🎉 BARKIES YEAR-END COMBO IS ON! 🎉
Get 12 Pupcakes + 500g Dog Treats (Flavours of your choice) for R220!
✅ Homemade, Fresh & Natural
✅ Treats for Dogs, Cats & Horses
✅ 20% Donated to Durban Animal Charities!
ORDER NOW: WhatsApp Bianca on 076 190 0442 (Collection or Delivery available)
Author: Shelley
