1 February 1941 – 26 January 2025
President of Blind SA 2004 to 2020
It is with sad hearts that we bid farewell to Cathy Donaldson, Past President of Blind SA. Her presence will be sorely missed.
Cathy Donaldson was born blind. She attended a mainstream school up until the age of 14½ years whereafter she attended the School for the Blind in Worcester. She learned English and Afrikaans Braille in 6 months.
She matriculated in 1961 with a first-class pass. Afterward, she returned to the School to be trained as a telephonist. On completion, she was employed by the Westonaria Town Council where she worked for 40 years.
Cathy was involved in many activities as a member of various committees and in sports and she excelled in all these activities as follows:
- Member of the South African Braille Authority since its inception
- Secretary of the Legal and Constitution Committee of SABA
- Member of the Advocacy Committee of SABA
- Member of the World Braille Council
- President of Blind SA (4 terms of office)
- Member of Blind SA’s Executive Committee
- Member of Blind SA’s General Assembly
- Ex-officio member of all Committees of Blind SA
- Member of the SABWO Trust
- Chairperson of Egoli Blind Member Organisation: Blind SA
- Deputy-Chairperson of the South African National Council for the Blind
- Member of the National Executive Committee of the South African National Council for the Blind
- Member of the Legal and Constitution Committee of the SANCB
- Chairperson of the Education Committee of the SANCB
- Member of SADA for SANCB
- Vice-President of the African Union of the Blind (AFUB)
- Chairperson of the Women’s Forum of the African Union for the Blind (AFUB)
- Chairperson of the WBU Women’s Committee
- Past Secretariat of the Southern African Region of the African Union for the Blind
- Executive Committee member of ICEVI Africa
- Trustee of Johannesburg School for the Blind (Children of Fire)
- Trustee of the Board of NOBSA
- Member of the Trustee’s Board of the Body Corporate of Libra Lodge
- Member of SA Library for the Blind
- Member of Tape Aids for the Blind
- President of NABB (National Association for Blind Bowlers) for many years.
- President of IBBA (International Blind Bowls Association)
- Honorary Life President – Blind SA Since October 2020
Other Characteristics
Cathy’s dynamic character was already evident in her youth. Although she was totally blind, she attended a school for sighted children. She kept up with her class – except that she was not taught to read and write.
Braille was a very important part of her life and she always promoted braille wherever she could.
She received the Melvin Jones Award for Outstanding Service and the Lifetime Achiever Award from the Most Influential Women in Business and Government (MIV) in 2009.
She was also a finalist in 2015 for the Most Influential Women in Business and Government (MIV) 2015/2016 Awards.
On the sports front, Cathy was a Protea Lawn Bowls player, who represented South Africa in her capacity as a player, and as the Team Manager for numerous International Tournaments.
Cathy’s legacy will live on in our hearts. Our sincere condolences to her remaining brother and his family, and all those whose lives she touched.
Funeral and Memorial Service arrangements have not been confirmed yet, but Blind SA will circulate the announcement once it is finalised.
Jace Nair
CEO – Blind SA