Latest news with #KZNBlindandDeafSociety
IOL News
26-05-2025
- General
- IOL News
Cooking with the heart: Durban's kitchen of unseen possibility
Sanjay Bhimjee, measuring flour using Braille measuring spoon at the KZN Blind and Deaf Society Blind Culinary School. Image: Supplied Myron Naicker The scent of warm vanilla and golden-brown scones curled through the air, a silent announcement of defiance. In a sunlit kitchen in central Durban, hands moved with precision, measuring and kneading. Plating, guided by memory, touch and an unshakeable belief. Veetha Sewkuran, the president of the KZN Blind and Deaf Society, where the Blind Culinary School is based, stood amid the hum of clattering bowls and eager voices. "This kitchen," she said, her voice steady as a metronome, "is not just about cooking. It's about serving pride, purpose and possibility." Funded by the Dr. Vasan Govind Foundation, it is the first of its kind in South Africa. The school was opened recently with the good doctor watching on. He was a pioneering health professional, qualifying as one of the first surgeons of colour during the 70's. Eager student, Bongiwe Mbeko buttering a slice of bread at the KZN Blind and Dead Society Culinary School. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading The world already knew it was possible. In 2012, Christine Ha, a blind home cook from Texas, didn't just compete on MasterChef—she dominated it. With her signature Vietnamese braised pork belly and crème brûlée, she won the competition's third season, becoming the first visually impaired chef to claim the title. Gordon Ramsay called her dishes "extraordinary". The world called it a miracle. Ha said simply, 'I cook with my heart. I don't need sight to see what's inside of me.' That quote became Sewkuran's rallying cry."When I saw Christine on TV, I realised that we're not asking for charity here. We're demanding recognition that blind chefs belong in professional kitchens," she said. Now, a decade later, this school is turning that vision into reality, one student at a time. We live in a country where the fight to protect the rights of visually impaired and blind people is an ongoing battle. President Cyril Ramaphosa's failure to sign the Copyright Amendment Bill, which left them without access to adapted books and materials is a cutting case in point. In short, South Africa's Copyright Act was outdated; it didn't ensure books, textbooks, or other literature could be easily adapted into Braille or audiobooks for blind people. This meant many visually impaired students couldn't access the same materials as everyone else. KZN Blind and Deaf Society President Mrs Veetha Sewkuran with Dr Vasan Govind sponsor of the KZN Blind and Deaf Society Culinary School for the Blind Image: Supplied President Ramaphosa was supposed to fix this by signing the Copyright Amendment Bill into law, but he delayed for years. The campaign was led by Blind SA, a non-profit organisation which focuses on the empowerment of blind and partially sighted persons, who refused to allow the government's lackadaisical approach to hinder their fight. Last December, the Constitutional Court granted an order which provided access—a victory for all those marginalised by the bill. The apex court in the country were simply holding true one of the constitution's foundational values: human dignity. This culinary school stands as both a triumph and a quiet rebellion. For too long, the blind and visually impaired in South Africa have faced systemic neglect, from education to employment. The unemployment rate among disabled South Africans hovers near a staggering 97%, a statistic that highlights deeper societal barriers. Situated in central Durban, the school's location is no accident. Here, in the heart of a bustling city where opportunity should be abundant, the visually impaired have often been left on the margins. Public transport is rarely accommodating, workplaces lack accessibility, and societal attitudes remain stubbornly outdated. "People see the cane, not the person," Sewkuran noted. "They assume we can't contribute. This kitchen is where we prove them wrong." The school's 12-week intensive programme, guided by volunteer professional chefs, is designed to do more than teach recipes; it's a lifeline to self-sufficiency. Students learn not only how to bake scones or simmer sauces but also how to navigate a world built for the sighted. Tactile markers line the kitchen floors, Braille labels identify ingredients, and instructors emphasise sound and touch over visual cues. "We don't need pity," said one student, her hands deftly shaping dough. "We need opportunity." As Australian writer Barbara Blackman said, "Blindness is just another way of seeing." For many, the skills learned here will be transformative. Some graduates may start home businesses, selling preserves or baked goods at local markets. Others will gain the confidence to cook for their families, a simple act that carries profound dignity. "Blind parents deserve to feed their children with their own hands," Sewkuran said. "This isn't just about food. It's about reclaiming autonomy." The school's impact extends beyond its students. By partnering with local restaurants and food businesses, Sewkuran hopes to challenge perceptions and open doors for future employment. "Imagine a Durban where blind chefs are not an exception but a celebrated part of our culinary landscape," she mused. Already, the first cohort's success has sparked conversations with other disability organisations about replicating the model nationwide. Yet, the road ahead is steep. Without broader legislative and societal change—like the full implementation of the Copyright Amendment Act to ensure accessible materials—schools like this remain rare bright spots in an otherwise uneven landscape. "We're planting a seed," Sewkuran said. "But for it to grow, the whole country must till the soil." As the afternoon sun slanted through the kitchen windows, the students gathered to share their creations— scrumptious scones and delicious sandwiches, it is but a hearty and emotional start. Each dish was a testament to what happens when barriers are replaced with belief. ** Myron Naicker is an award winning South African journalist. He is has done work in television, radio and print journalism.
IOL News
12-05-2025
- General
- IOL News
Mom's inspiring story of raising deaf children
Nayantra Kanaye, the deputy president of the KZN Blind and Deaf Society, enjoys spending time in her garden. Image: Nadia Khan DISCOVERING that both her children were deaf, Nayantra Kanaye felt as if she was 'mourning the loss of a loved one'. However, the 70-year-old deputy president of the KZN Blind and Deaf Society, and a former teacher, said despite the first years being the most difficult, she knew she needed to do everything possible to ensure they had a bright future. In addition, Kanaye, of Mount Edgecombe, has made a difference to the lives of others, who are also deaf, through various programmes during her career and volunteerism. Childhood Kanaye, the second youngest of eight children, was born and raised in Riverside, Durban North. Her family moved to Chatsworth in 1966 due to the Group Areas Act. 'I had one of the best childhoods – growing up in a home filled with love and happiness. We were also quite a large family, and our extended family visited us often. My cousins were always at our home during the holidays. 'We also lived in a closed-knit community where everyone knew one another. My dad, Moolchand Badal, was involved in community work and was a founding member of the Friends of the Sick Association. I remember going with him to visit families in the community at the weekend. 'I also remember watching the Japanese Gardens being built. We played around the area, not realising that people would soon be losing their homes. However, we were among the last families to be moved. My dad fought alongside other residents against this. They fought long and hard – until we had no choice but to leave,' she said. Education Kanaye said she completed Standard 5 (Grade 7) at the Sir Kurma Reddy State aided Indian School, before the family moved to Chatsworth. 'The school was across the road from my home. It was not only our place for learning, but also a venue for all community activities such as sporting events and plays. 'The school was also quite full with limited classrooms. Over the years, I remember there were times when we had our lessons under a tree or at our local temple. The classes held at the temple were the most exciting as I got to walk a distance away from my home and chat to my friends. Whenever there were festivals at the temple, we also got to enjoy the food,' she said. Kanaye said she completed Standard 6 at a primary school in Chatsworth, and then attended Standard 7 at the Chatsworth Number Seven High School in Westcliff. 'We were moved to Havenside, which did not have a high school at the time. However, the following year, Southlands Secondary School opened, which I attended until I completed matric in 1972. My favourite subjects were English and Latin' Further studies and career Kanaye said she completed a diploma in lower secondary education at the Springfield Teachers' Training College. 'I initially did my first year of studies at the University of Durban-Westville before completing the other two years at the college. I really enjoyed studying, especially English, and looked forward to becoming a teacher.' Kanaye said she first taught at a primary school in Chatsworth in 1976. After a year, she taught at a school in Phoenix. Kanaye with her children, Sharvedh and Divashya, before finding out they were deaf. Image: Supplied Family She married Dr Krishna Kanaye, a general practitioner in September 1976. He passed away from Covid-19 in August 2020. Kanaye said shortly after getting married, she fell pregnant with her daughter, Divashya, now 48, and about a year-and-a-half later with her son, Sharvedh, now 46. 'After marriage, we moved to Verulam due to my husband's work. I began teaching at a school. However, I left work when I was about six months pregnant with my daughter as I was quite ill. I enjoyed being at home with my children. They were healthy and were reaching their milestones. I would never have thought what would come next. 'Divashya must have been about a year-and-a-half when we realised something was not right. She was playing with the TV remote and had turned the volume on full, but did not react. My husband and I took her to a specialist, who confirmed she was deaf,' she said. Kanaye said at that time, she and her husband felt as if their world had come 'crashing down'. 'We were distraught. We didn't know any people, especially those who were 'role-models' that were deaf. We only knew those from the charities we assisted. I was mourning as if I lost a loved one, but it was in fact for my children's future. 'We then went to Cape Town to get a second opinion, and attend a programme on how to deal with a deaf child, including communication skills. We were encouraged to talk to our children so they could be 'vocal'. I was told to teach my child, who was profoundly deaf, how to speak, and not use sign language – which would make her lazy. 'At the end of the programme, I was approached by the doctor who said I should also test my son. He was just a few months old, but I did it. He, too, was confirmed to be deaf. I had to take in all of this information, but still remain composed for the sake of my children. But all I wanted to do was cry,' she said. Return to teaching Kanaye said she joined the VN Naik School for the Deaf in 1984. 'Both my children were attending the school and I was quite the active parent – assisting where I could. So when the principal offered me a job, I accepted. The school had also introduced sign language, which I wasn't too keen about as I kept thinking about the professionals who said it was for 'low-functioning' persons. They always said that success meant a child who could vocalise themselves. However, I soon realised that was not so. 'I remember there was a young man, who was deaf, but was working in one of the departments at a university. I thought to myself, he is deaf but a professional. He came to the school to speak about sign language . After that, I can say he made me completely change my mind about it.' Moving abroad Kanaye said to give her children the opportunity to further their education, she decided to pursue her Master's degree in the US. 'My husband and I wanted to make sure they had every opportunity to enable them to become independent. We were not going to let anything hold them back, and that meant also furthering their education. However, at the time there were no tertiary institutions for the deaf in South Africa. 'It so happened that the principal and a teacher at the school had gone to the US to attend Gallaudet University in Washington DC – which is the world's leading institution for the deaf and hard of hearing. We decided to visit the university to see if it would be suitable, and it was. 'In 1994, I applied to study at the university to do a Master's degree in advanced deaf education. Prior to this, I had completed a diploma in special education, and a degree in English and psychology, both through Unisa. 'I also applied for Divashya to be enrolled in the pre-college programme, and for Sharvedh to complete his high school – which was also offered on the university's campus. This would give them the opportunity to thereafter study at the university,' she said. Kanaye said after completing the degree, she taught English to foreign deaf students at the university. 'I needed to stay another year as my son needed to still complete his final year of high school. 'At the time, he was my dependant, and would have to return to South Africa with me if I left. So I worked for that year.' Kanaye said she returned to South Africa while her children completed their degrees at the university. Divashya completed a BSc in accounting and she graduated magna cum laude. She is currently a professional accountant. Sharvedh completed a BSc in economics and science. He currently lives in the US and works as an analyst in a department of the federal government. 'In those early days, I cried over my children's future. I never thought that today, my heart would be filled with so much happiness. 'As a mother, the greatest joy is seeing your children happy and successful. It also shows that nothing is impossible or unachievable when you remain determined.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Kanaye (far right), with her son, Sharvedh, late husband, Krishna, and daughter, Divashya. Image: Supplied
