Johannesburg south resident Hlengani Hlungwani, a devoted pastor in his late 50s, saw his life take a challenging turn when he became partially sighted because of glaucoma.
It is part of a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss and blindness.
Understanding that his vision would not improve, Hlengani embraced Orientation and Mobility (O&M) training.
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As a pastor, Hlungwani’s life is replete with pastoral duties.
At the start, the idea of learning white cane skills seemed intimidating.
However, through training, Hlungwani discovered a new acceptance of himself and his condition.
According to the marketing co-ordinator of Guide-Dogs South Africa, Nicole Barros, his transformation turned Hlungwani into a source of inspiration and hope for many.
His O&M practitioner, Rosetta Ndlovu, started by training his family in human guidance skills, ensuring they could support him whenever necessary.
Ndlovu introduced Hlungwani to the ‘in step’ technique that co-ordinated his cane movements with his steps.
When his cane was on his right side, he moved his left leg forward; when on the left side, he moved his right leg forward.
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Barros said this method ensures the cane sweeps the space in front of the leg for obstacles before taking a step.
“This technique takes much practise but he just understood it,” Ndlovu said.
Barros said the impact of Hlungwani’s transformation spread through his community.
Seeing him walk independently, greeting, and engaging with everyone brought immense joy and inspiration.
She said his independence stood out, specifically when he assisted at his church when it became a voting station in the 2024 elections.
“He treats his cane with a lot of respect because these are his eyes,” Ndlovu said.
We asked Hlungwani to share what using a white cane meant to him. He smiled and said, “I thought my cane could speak and tell me to turn left, right, or go straight. My white cane plays a vital role in my everyday life,” he added.
Barros said Hlungwani’s story is a testament to the impact of the support provided by the O&M Department at the SA Guide-Dogs Association.
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Through determination and the correct guidance, he has reclaimed his independence and inspired his community.
The Give a Cane Campaign aims to raise R550 000.
With this amount, the SA Guide-Dogs Association hopes to buy 500 white canes to change the lives of its visually impaired clients.
By donating a minimum of R50, community members help the association continue its vital work.
By doing this, it can train more clients of all ages, provide more assistive devices to those in need, and uphold its commitment to freedom and independence.
