09/06/2026
Absalom Mavuso's Journey of Resilience, Hope and a New Sense of Independence
By Nelson Mafulo
At 77 years old, Absalom Mqibelo Mavuso has lived through some of South Africa's most defining moments. Born in Bethal, Mpumalanga, he arrived in Pretoria in the 1970s after being persuaded by a cousin who promised that "money and jobs are plentiful in Pretoria."
What awaited him, however, was a country still firmly in the grip of Apartheid. "Movement was restricted and one had to have permission to be in certain places or face being thrown in jail," recalls Mr Mavuso. "Things are much better now."
Over the years, he endured many hardships, but perhaps none more devastating than losing his sight and losing contact with his wife and two children.
Five years ago, in 2021, Mr Mavuso began experiencing persistent itching in his eyes. Concerned, he sought medical assistance at Dr George Mukhari Hospital in Ga-Rankuwa. "They examined my eyes under a light and gave me eye drops," he recalls. "The drops helped with the itching, but I was never told what was causing the problem."
Although the discomfort subsided, a brown film gradually developed over his eyes. His vision became increasingly cloudy until, eventually, darkness took over completely.
The loss of his sight robbed him of much of the independence he had cherished throughout his life. Simple daily tasks suddenly became difficult, and he found himself relying heavily on family members for assistance.
Today, Mr Mavuso lives with his brother's family in Winterveld, north of Pretoria, who lovingly care for him. Yet despite their support, he longed to regain some measure of independence.
That opportunity came through SANCB’s Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Training Programme, funded by the Gauteng Department of Health.
As one of 15 blind beneficiaries who participated in the programme, Mr Mavuso received training in Activities of Daily Living (ADL), orientation and mobility skills, and the use of assistive devices designed to make everyday life safer and more manageable.
For the first time since losing his sight, he learned how to confidently use a white cane to navigate his surroundings. He can now walk independently to a nearby tuckshop to purchase basic necessities.
He was also introduced to a money template, which helps him distinguish between different banknotes, and a liquid level indicator that vibrates when a cup is nearly full, preventing spills while pouring hot drinks.
"Now I can make my own tea without asking anyone for help," he says with a smile. While these may seem like small accomplishments to some, for Mr Mavuso they represent something much greater: dignity, confidence, and freedom.
Yet perhaps the deepest pain he carries is losing contact with his loved ones. As he reflects on his life, his voice softens and his eyes fill with tears. During the Apartheid era, forced removals and discriminatory laws tore families apart and uprooted entire communities.
Mr Mavuso recalls how he lost contact with his wife and two children during that turbulent period. At the time, his wife and children were living with his in-laws while he worked in Pretoria. When he travelled to visit them, they were gone. "I arrived and they were nowhere to be found," he says quietly.
Despite years of searching and numerous attempts to reconnect, he has never been able to locate them. The pain remains with him to this day. Yet even after enduring separation from his loved ones, the hardships of Apartheid, and the loss of his sight, Mr Mavuso refuses to surrender to despair. Instead, he continues to move forward, one step at a time.
With his white cane in hand and renewed confidence in his abilities, he is reclaiming his independence and proving that it is never too late to learn, adapt, and overcome.
His journey is a powerful reminder that blindness does not diminish a person's worth, potential, or determination. Through the support of programmes such as SANCB's Orientation and Mobility Training, individuals like Mr Mavuso are not only learning new skills, but they are rebuilding their lives.
At 77, Absalom Mavuso's story is one of resilience, courage, and hope. It is a testament to the human spirit's remarkable ability to persevere, even in the face of profound loss and adversity.
www.sancb.org.za | 012 452 3811
