| Epilepsy South Africa |
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History Epilepsy South Africa was founded in 1967, originally under the name SANEL. At the time, the organisation’s founder, Dr WK du Plessis, worked as a teacher but resigned after realising that a number of children with epilepsy could not cope in the open labour market, but were able to function in a protective environment. He realised that there was a need for an autonomous organisation representing the interest of people with epilepsy. In 1969 the Witwatersrand branch was established but closed, together with many other SANEL offices, due to financial problems during the 1970s. The first residential centre was opened in Geduld Springs in the 1970s, and in 2002 SANEL changed its name to Epilepsy South Africa. Programmes 1. Public Awareness, Education and Advocacy Programmes whereby the organisation ensures equal opportunities for people affected by epilepsy and other disabilities. 2. Capacity Building Programme whereby the organisation involves staff, volunteers and consumers to ensure good governance and accountability. 3. Prevention, Early Intervention and Developmental Programmes to render community development and individual intervention services to families and communities affected by epilepsy and other disabilities. 4. HIV/AIDS Programme whereby they maintain prevention, management, treatment and care of those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in the residential care facilities, workshops and support and income generating groups. 5. Fundraising Programmes where they sell Christmas cards and organise sports and games to generate money to maintain and ensure the sustainability of services rendered by the organisation. 6. Holistic Service Programme whereby the organisation provides services to people with epilepsy and related disabilities and their families. This is to ensure they develop to their full potential through the outreach programme. People with epilepsy and other disabilities have been victims of isolation and discrimination because of society’s misconceptions about the condition. They have struggled to access educational, employment and other amenities because of a lack of knowledge about this disability. Approximately 25% of people with epilepsy are unable to function within their greater communities in terms of independent living, social acceptance, employability, mobility and coping skills. Staff The organisation employs approximately 77 permanent employees who get monthly salaries. They include professional managers, professional personnel, assistant personnel, professional support and administrative support personnel. They also render the services of approximately 126 volunteers around the country, all of whom receive stipend. Approximately R1 000 per month is paid by Service SETA and R150 per week is paid by Agri-SETA. Funders Currently they have no funders and are being sponsored by the Department of Social Development to continue their day-to-day activities and programmes. Challenges The funds that they receive from the Department of Social Development are not enough to cover all their costs. Contact details Magdaleen Kruger (Director) Tel: 011 816 2040 Fax: 011 816 1501 E-mail address: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Postal address: PO Box 1070, Springs 1560 Physical address: 20 Orpiment Road, Dersley Park, Springs 1559 Bookmark this article:          |
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