This Organisations Enables Visually Impaired Young People to Realise Their Goals

Students from Khanyisa Special School in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, who are visually impaired choir members, are travelling to the United States to participate in America’s Got Talent (AGT).

AGT is a televised talent competition that draws a wide range of artists, such as magicians, comedians, dancers, and singers.

The students in the Khanyisa Special School choir have been posting a cappella music on YouTube in anticipation of performing live in the US.

Early in 2024, invitations to the tournament were sent to the members: Lithalethu Miki, Avela Hulana, Lisakhanya Tunce, Sesona Xengxe, Indiphile Foslara, Akohlulwa Gqirana, Ayabulela Gashi, Sinoxolo Lantu, Siphumelele Cenga, Saluse Mfusi, Sinothando Zozi, and Oyintando Bangani.

The choir members said to the Daily Maverick that they are shocked and thrilled to hear the news, but they don’t lose perspective on the chance.

Partially blind choir member from Dikeni (Alice), Indiphile Foslara, stated she never in her wildest fantasies had imagined travelling to America.

“My parents adored gospel music, so I grew up listening to it. We formed choirs when I arrived at school, and our conductor made us popular on social media. Anything is conceivable. You can receive the best education even if you are a blind child at Khanyisa Special School.”

Echoing Foslara’s thoughts, Siphumelele Cenga from Peddie—who is also partially blind—emphasized the importance of the students’ journey.

“This is unique because it demonstrates that you can succeed in life and realise your aspirations despite having impairments. I want everyone to realise that they are capable of anything because we are.”

With their fascinating Gwijo tunes, the choir, which started their adventure just over a year ago, has already received over 10,000 views on YouTube and 3,000 subscribers because to their harmony and hard work.

The Sotho and Xhosa cultures are strongly ingrained in this call-and-response a cappella singing technique.

The students were quick to express gratitude for their families’ and instructors’ unwavering support.

Foslara remarked, “Our teachers are very accommodating and always here for us.”

The school, which was established in KwaDwesi, Gqeberha, in 1997, offers instruction to students who are blind or visually challenged from Grade R to Grade 12. The school delivers standard classes using Braille and other assistive technologies.

Editor’s note: Young people from Gqeberha are given a chance to achieve their goals after a school was established to train partially blind people to learn about how to create and produce music.

Description: The school, which was established in KwaDwesi, Gqeberha, in 1997, offers instruction to students who are blind or visually challenged from Grade R to Grade 12. The school delivers standard classes using Braille and other assistive technologies.

Editor: Thato Mahlangu

Project manager: Do4SA