Vodacom helps restore sight to visually impaired

Since 2004, almost 4,000 people have had their sight restored thank to Vodacom, a leading cellular service provider in South Africa, who funded the much needed cataract-removal operations.

The company also raised about ZAR4 million during 2008, intended for more assistance to the visually impaired.

The company said in a statement: “Vodacom Foundation provided funding of R3.7 million in 2008 to enable the three beneficiary organisations to perform cataract operations. The funding meant that more than 1700 elderly people received cataract operations during the 2008 Eye Care Awareness Week in October. This brought the total number of operations performed since 2004 to nearly 4000,”

The initiative forms part of Vodacom’s “Goals for Miracles” campaign, whereby the company donates ZAR10,000 for every goal scored by its sponsored teams in the country’s football league. Teams sponsored by Vodacom include Bloemfontein Celtic, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

Nale Mzion Mofokeng, a beneficiary to the Goals for Miracles said, “I can’t thank Vodacom enough for the opportunity to undergo the cataract operation. Prior to this, I couldn’t see people walking in front of me and I wasn’t able to drive.”