Epilepsy SA branch celebrates 40 years of care

KNYSNA NEWS - "Thank you, Garden Route, for helping us build not just care but belonging. Here's to the next 40!" This sentiment captures the spirit of Epilepsy South Africa's South Cape/Karoo Branch as it proudly celebrated its 40th anniversary - four decades of dedicated service to people with epilepsy and related disabilities across the Southern Cape and Karoo.

Founded in 1985 by Sister Sanett van der Merwe and social worker Anne Cretchley, the branch began as a small residential care initiative in the old Loeriehof Old Age Home.

Over the years, it has grown into a lifeline for individuals and families affected by neurological conditions, offering specialised care, skills development, counselling, outreach, and support throughout the region.

The branch hosted a stylish cheese and wine evening at The Piazza, Knysna Mall, to commemorate the milestone alongside its annual general meeting.

Guests included local donors, partner organisations, churches, municipal representatives, and clients from the Carpentry Workshop. Live jazz by Marlene Boyce and Waldi van Wyk added to the celebratory atmosphere.

With services reaching communities from Knysna and Plettenberg Bay to George, Oudtshoorn, and into the Greater Karoo, the branch continues to embody its founding values: care, dignity, and empowerment.

"We have survived and thrived because people choose to walk beside us," says Ashleigh Smith, fundraiser and PR officer. "This is more than a facility - it's a home."

As the branch steps into its next chapter, there are many ways you can get involved:

Volunteer your time or skills
Donate or become a monthly supporter
Offer professional services or goods in kind
Host a fundraising or awareness event
Champion epilepsy awareness and inclusion in workplaces or schools
For more information or to get involved, contact Smith via email at marketing.sck@epilepsy.org.za or phone her on 044 382 2155.

Epilepsy SA South Cape/Karoo branch hosted a stylish cheese-and-wine evening at The Piazza, Knysna Mall, to commemorate the milestone alongside its AGM.