Inspired by a promise to his late blind grandmother, a 23-year-old South African computer science student has taken his AI-powered smart glasses for blind and visually impaired people to the global stage at the LEAP East technology competition in Hong Kong.

Johannes Tjitumba (35), a visually impaired student pursuing a degree in public management at the University of Namibia, hopes to use his lived experiences to advocate for systemic reforms that improve access to education and employment for visually impaired individuals. 

A white cane for a visually impaired individual not only serves as a mobility aid but also symbolises the pride of its owner, who is affirming their rightful place in society with the same dignity and opportunities as all others. 

Celebrated in October, White Cane Awareness Day is meant to raise awareness on the importance of the 'white cane' as a symbol of independence and mobility for those who are visually impaired.

Polling day in Namibia is just over two months away, and everyone is expected to cast their votes for their preferred parties and representatives. 

Political parties and candidates are actively campaigning to persuade potential voters to support them. 

President Nangolo Mbumba has encouraged Namibians to play their part and answer the appeals by the Namibian Federation of the Visually Impaired.

The support would enable the Federation to continue implementing its programmes, including comprehensive mobility and rehabilitation training.

The Chairperson of the Namibian Federation of the Visually Impaired, Alfons Maketo, says the association’s goal is to have branches in all regions of the country and to make programmes accessible to persons living with disabilities. 

Even though the Sauyemwa Centre for the visually impaired in the Kavango East Region has been around for 16 years, students continue to fend for themselves.

To make sure that no one is left behind in terms of accessing information, the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) donated 120 braille booklets to the Namibian Federation of the Visually Impaired (NFVI).

Four visually impaired women have graduated from Debmarine's Standing with Women and Girls training programme.
 
Debmarine sponsored the training of visually impaired women through the Nomad African Spa to become massage therapists.