South Africa’s First Culinary School for the Blind Opens in Durban
KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society Pioneers Inclusive Training for the Visually Impaired
Durban, South Africa – 16 May 2025– In a historic and inspiring milestone for inclusive education and empowerment, the KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society (KZNBDS) proudly unveiled South Africa’s first culinary school exclusively for the Blind.
Speaking at the official launch event, the President of the Society, Veetha Sewkuran, addressed a distinguished gathering that included Dr. Vasan Govind and Trustees of the Dr. Vasan Govind Foundation, Mr. Dave Simpson and Ms. Lizelle Patterson of the Victor Daitz Foundation, Mrs Sharoona Sewnarian, wife of KZNBDS Patton Mr Ashok Sewnarian, political leader Mrs. Shameem Thakur Rajbansi, past presidents and trustees, members, staff, and students of the KZNBDS.
“This is not just the launch of a project; it is the birth of a dream, the ignition of hope, and the promise of a more inclusive future,” the President said. “This school is the first step in a journey we’ve long envisioned — one where persons with visual disabilities can live independent, self-sufficient, and dignified lives.”
The Blind Culinary School is designed to impart not only cooking skills, but also vital life skills to visually impaired students. From building confidence to promoting self-reliance, the program will enable students to start home industries, earn incomes, and become active contributors to their families and communities.
The training kitchen features carefully selected appliances that closely resemble those used in students’ homes. “This was a deliberate choice,” the President noted. “We want our students to learn with tools they are already comfortable using, making their skills instantly applicable in real life.”
The first group of students has already begun training, guided by a team of dedicated volunteer chefs. The President praised these early trailblazers as “not only here to learn, but to lead the way for others.”
Plans are also underway to launch a Culinary School for the Deaf, with goals to ensure full accreditation and formal qualifications. This future school aims to provide Deaf students with the skills and certifications necessary for employment and entrepreneurship.
Quoting Christine Ha, the first blind winner of MasterChef USA, the President reflected:
“I cook with my heart, and I don’t need sight to see what’s inside of me.”
The speech also paid tribute to celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s advocacy for inclusivity, noting that:
Every person, no matter their ability, deserves the chance to experience the joy of cooking and the dignity of feeding themselves and others.”
Above all, the launch of the Blind Culinary School is a triumph of community collaboration and private initiative. In the absence of government support, the project was made possible by the generosity and vision of the Dr. Vasan Govind Foundation, which fully funded the facility.
“Dr. Govind has not just funded a building — he has sparked a movement,” the President said. “This school is more than a kitchen. It is a launchpad for skills, dreams, and a better life. It is a statement that inclusion is not a favour; it is a right.”
This initiative reflects the enduring mission of the KZN Blind and Deaf Society — to empower, to uplift, and to include. The Society continues to stand as a beacon of hope and transformation, proving that with vision, commitment, and community, real change is always within reach.
Computer literacy training is to empower blind and Deaf persons to become computer literate.
Teaching a blind person to read a tactile system of dots on a page with signs
and signals called contractions or reading using fingers.
Interpreting is provided for Deaf persons to access Society
services in the communication form used by Deaf people. Basic sign language is also taught to community members for a fee.
The Society has 3 sheltered workshops: Basketry, Assembly and Sewing, which offers an avenue to provision clients with valuable skills and opportunities to alleviate some of the issues alluded to in the job placement priority area.
Hydroponics – to up-skill individual in hydroponics (available at Pietermaritzburg Regional Committee)
Awareness Programs are provided to communities, schools, corporates, government departments to promote the inclusion of disabled persons in all aspects of life.
A protective employment workshop is run for beneficiaries on weekdays. They engage in contract work and craft activities to keep them gainfully occupied and give them a sense of belonging.
Services for the Community
