For many, having dinner in complete darkness would be a life-changing experience, but for those who are blind or visually impaired it is a normal part of their day-to-day.
As a fundraiser, the Northern Cape Society for the Blind (NCSB) is hosting a Dine in the Dark event on Friday, 30 June. During this event, a three-course meal will be served in complete darkness.
“Food that is normally difficult for the blind to eat, will be served,” explains Desiree Brockbank, chairperson of the NCSB.
“Dinner guests will also be blindfolded for the meal, and they will have to use their other senses,” says Brockbank, who was born with retinitis pigmentosa, which caused her blindness.
She has operated as a switch-board operator at the Sol Plaatje Municipality for more than two decades now.
On the website of a dark restaurant in Singapore, it is described as “truly experiencing the distinct flavour and texture of each culinary masterpiece, and guessing the components used in these dishes”.
On capetownetc.com it is explained that dinners in complete darkness simulate the daily life of a visually impaired person.
“And while the world swirls with talk of soft skills like empathy and what they mean in this seemingly de-sensitised, digital, and always-on world – putting ourselves into somebody else’s shoes is not something we do often, or willingly,” wrote Selene Brophy on News24 after attending one such dinner.
The NCSB, a non-government organisation (NGO), assists 20 visually handicapped persons, as far as possible, to lead an independent life. All of them are involved in the manufacturing of products or delivering of services. The organisation, previously known as the Ivy Kros Centre, is in constant need of public involvement.
- Tickets for the Dine in the Dark event are selling for R150 per person. A table for a maximum of six persons can also be booked.
- Dine in the Dark takes place at 18:00 for 18:30 at the Wesley Methodist Church at 4 Howie Road in Kimberley. For bookings and more information, dial 082-500-8538 or send a WhatsApp message to 084-375-3521.
- Visit the centre at 153 Phakamile Mabija Road in Utility on weekdays from 08:00 to 14:00.
