Page 73 - KZN Top Business Woman 2025 - eBook

Veetha Sewkuran

President of the KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Her approach was rooted in transparency, ethical leader- a once dependent adult now employed and thriving.
Deaf Society ship, and teamwork. “In an NGO, you have to work Those moments show the true impact of compassion
together with your colleagues, staff, and volunteers,” she and service.”
reflects. “To be inspired, one has to inspire. Your staff and
eetha Sewkuran, president of the KwaZulu- volunteers must feel motivated to work with passion Her leadership philosophy rests on three core values:
V Natal Blind and Deaf Society, has always and pride. Only then can you create a supportive and choice, chance, and change. “I always tell young women

been driven by transformation. Her greatest unified environment.” to believe in themselves even when others do not,” she
dream has been to see the Society grow into a fully says. “Educate yourself, because education is your key
inclusive, self-sustaining centre of empowerment. Veetha Through clear communication and unwavering resolve, to the world. Serve with purpose and remain resilient. I
expanded, “A place where blind and deaf individuals are Veetha led the organisation out of turmoil. “These live by the three Cs: you have to make a choice, to take a
not just supported, but educated, trained, and employed, experiences tested every facet of my leadership,” she chance, to make a change.”
allowing them to live independent and dignified lives.” admits. “But they also defined it. I learned that true
leadership is not about comfort or convenience, but Her words carry weight, not just as advice but as a
Under her guidance, this vision is steadily becoming a about standing firm in adversity, making courageous reflection of her own journey. Leading as a woman in a
reality. Veetha, although she holds the post of president decisions, and leading with integrity even when the odds male-dominated environment came with its own set of
as an unpaid volunteer, has revitalised the century-old are against you.” challenges. “There were moments when my decisions and
organisation, guiding it from turbulence to renewed authority were questioned,” she recalls. “But I refused to be
purpose and stability. Her inspiration, she explains, Her efforts bore fruit. The Society regained its footing and discouraged. I knew why I was here and who I was serving.”
has come from the people she serves. “My inspiration began to flourish once more. Under her leadership, it has Through persistence and unwavering faith, Veetha
has always come from the blind and deaf individuals launched accredited skills development programmes, has cultivated a culture of compassion, teamwork, and
whose courage, resilience, and determination remind including SETA-accredited computer literacy and sewing excellence at the KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society.
me every day why I do this work,” she shares warmly. courses for blind and deaf youth. “Seeing our youth gain “We have built an organisation where every person,
“It also comes from my colleagues and volunteers at confidence through training and find work is incredibly whether blind, deaf, or sighted, feels valued, respected,
the Society, who give selflessly to uplift others. My fulfilling,” she says. “It proves that ability is not limited by and empowered to make a difference,” she says.
inspiration, in essence, comes from seeing lives change, disability.”
from turning challenges into possibilities, and from the Beyond education, the Society has introduced life skills Finding balance amidst her demanding role has been
belief that every person, regardless of ability, deserves training, such as culinary programmes for the blind, essential to sustaining her energy and focus. “Leading
to take their rightful place in society.” and expanded its Adult Literacy and Training Centre. the Society is deeply rewarding but also demanding,”
Veetha’s focus on partnership has also been instrumental she reflects. “I make a conscious effort to balance service
GUIDING WITH PURPOSE AND PERSEVERANCE with self-care. My strength comes from faith, family, and
in growth. “We have built strong collaborations with
When Veetha assumed leadership of the KwaZulu-Natal corporate sponsors, government departments, and gratitude. I take time to pause, reflect, and stay grounded.
Blind and Deaf Society, she inherited an organisation community networks,” she explains. “Together, we are Sometimes that means quiet prayer, sometimes time
facing immense challenges. “I walked into a time of deep creating opportunities that empower individuals and with loved ones. These moments keep me centred and
crisis,” she recalls. “A forensic audit revealed significant strengthen our collective mission.” remind me why I do what I do.” For Veetha, true balance
financial irregularities, which led to criminal and civil is also about being fully present in each moment: “Giving
proceedings as well as a Labour Court case. It was one of Flagship events like the Eye Can Walk, Talk Sign, and Blind my best to my work, my family, and myself.”
the most testing periods of my professional life.” Navigator Rally have helped the Society raise vital funds.
“These initiatives do more than sustain the organisation THE ROAD AHEAD
At the time, the Society was struggling to maintain financially,” says Veetha. “They bring people together. They As she looks to the future, Veetha remains steadfast in
public trust, donor support, and staff morale. Yet remind society that inclusion is everyone’s responsibility.” her mission to expand the Society’s reach and impact.
Veetha remained steadfast. “Whilst dealing with the “We are building a Society where no one is left behind,”
legal and structural issues, I had to ensure that essential A MESSAGE OF HOPE AND RESILIENCE she says proudly. “Where blind and deaf individuals are
services to the blind and deaf community continued For Veetha, success is measured not only in programmes recognised for their potential. Every challenge,” she
uninterrupted,” she explains. “That meant protecting but in people. “My greatest achievement lies in witnessing says, “is an opportunity to make a difference. And when
jobs, managing limited funds, and restoring confidence transformation,” she says with conviction. “It is in seeing you serve with heart, the difference you make can last
among stakeholders.” a once timid learner become a confident graduate or a lifetime.”

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