Executive Committee
The Executive Committee comprises of a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. These are all voluntary positions. They are elected annually at the Annual General Meeting of Retina South Africa and are eligible for re-election. The EXCO is responsible for the daily administration of the Foundation.
Sonya Lee Mahabeer (Chairperson)
Sonya Lee has been a member of Retina South Africa since 2015. Sonya has an LLB Degree, she has also completed a Conveyancing Course and a Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning. Sonya has Macular Dystrophy.
Mariza Jurgens (Vice Chairperson)
Mariza Jürgens is a distinguished leader and advocate for disability rights and assistive technologies, having served as Chairperson of Retina South Africa until July 2025.
With a BA Honours in International Politics and diplomatic qualifications, she has held pivotal roles, including Ambassador for Women Techmakers from Google, Technical Advisory Group Member at the WHO, and member of the National Executive Committee of the South African National Council for the Blind.
Her extensive experience spans board leadership, regulatory advisory, and advocacy across public, private, and non-governmental sectors, achieving significant reforms in accessible ICT, transport, and consumer rights in South Africa and abroad. A qualified Johannesburg Stock Exchange Trader, investment manager and compliance officer, Mariza has also driven impactful projects globally, earning a nomination for the 2020 UNESCO/Emir Jaber al Ahmad al Jaber al Sabah Prize for Digital Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. Despite being severely visually impaired with Cone-Rod Dystrophy, her work reflects a profound commitment to inclusivity, teamwork, and transformative change.
Jean Bowler (National Treasurer)
Jean has been involved with the Foundation since it’s inception. Her fiscal control is total and this has ensured sound financial management over the past 36 years. Neither Jean or her family have IRD and her contribution to furthering the aims of the Foundation mark her as a very special person.
Claudette Medefindt (Secretary)
National Secretary and Head of Science at Retina South Africa
Claudette is a volunteer with a passion for the science of retinal degeneration. She is a past RSA representative to Retina International, and served as Deputy President of this global organisation for 10 years. She is a trained peer counsellor and gives support and advice to patients of genetic retinal conditions. Claudette is a yoga teacher and aspirant water colourist. She has a dominant form of Retinitis Pigmentosa.
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