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As part of our Youth Month Blog Series, we are equipping young job seekers with the tools they need to stand out — and it starts with a great cover letter.
Why Your Cover Letter Matters
When you’re applying for a job, your CV shows what you’ve done. Your cover letter shows who you are and why you’re the right fit. A strong cover letter can be the difference between your application getting noticed or getting lost in the pile.
Employers in South Africa often get hundreds of applications for one position. Your CV lists your qualifications and experience, but your cover letter connects the dots. It tells the hiring manager why you’re excited about this specific role and how your skills will help their team. It’s your chance to speak directly to them and make them want to meet you.
Should you mention a visual impairment in your cover letter?
Only mention your visual impairment if the job advert specifically asks for or encourages people with disabilities to apply. In those cases, stating it early shows confidence and helps the employer prepare reasonable accommodations for the interview. Keep it brief and positive — focus on what you bring to the role, not on any limitations. If the advert doesn’t mention disability, there’s no need to bring it up in your cover letter.
How to frame your cover letter to get that interview
Keep your cover letter short — three or four paragraphs at most. Here is a simple structure that works:
- Start with a strong opening that shows you’ve done your homework on the company.
- Highlight one or two achievements that match what they’re looking for.
- Use a friendly but professional tone — avoid simply copying your CV, tell a short story that proves you can do the job.
- Tailor every letter to the specific position. Generic letters get ignored.
- End by showing enthusiasm and inviting them to meet you.
Your cover letter is your most powerful too
A well-written cover letter shows initiative, communication skills, and genuine interest. That combination gets interviews. For young job seekers, especially those with disabilities, this is one of the most powerful tools you have to stand out.
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El Acebo to Ponferrada (Rest Day)
Leaving El Acebo on a soft muddy pathway — after getting caught in the rain walking to dinner the previous evening — made for a much easier descent to Riego de Ambrós and Molinaseca.
After just 3km we reached a wonderful coffee stop: El Paraiso, a converted caravan serving vegan, natural, home-cooked food. The owner was super friendly, spoke English and French, and was exactly the kind of human you want to encounter before a long descent.
El Paraiso
Molinaseca — An Arrival Worth Every Step
Down into Molinaseca, which sits at the bottom of the descent from the Cruz de Ferro. After the exposed mountain, the steep rocky path, and the relentless downhill, this riverside town with its Romanesque bridge — the Puente de los Peregrinos, the Pilgrim Bridge — is exactly what you need. It feels, genuinely, like an arrival.
We crossed over the Río Meruelo and continued on towards Ponferrada — a flat, suburban 7km stretch along the river valley. The mountain drama was behind us (for now), and ahead lay the Bierzo valley.
Welcome to Bierzo
Bierzo is a picturesque wine region known for its stunning landscapes and unique combination of geographic features — mountains, valleys, rivers — that create diverse microclimates and, happily for pilgrims, exceptional wine. The local house and table wine, both white and red, are superb. Consider this fair warning.
Ponferrada — Carpets, Castles & Crusaders
As we entered Ponferrada — the capital of the Bierzo and the largest city between León and Santiago — we noticed decorations on the old bridge and suspected we were about to witness something special.
We were right. The colourful path lining the bridge was a traditional alfombra (carpet) made of dyed sawdust, sand, and flowers — intricate designs created by local residents to honour the Corpus Christi procession. The text woven into the design, “Octava de Corpus”, confirmed the occasion. A beautiful, labour-intensive tradition that transforms the streets into temporary works of art. Unfortunately, we didn’t stay to witness the procession itself — but the alfombra alone was worth stopping for.
A close-up view of a traditional alfombra on a stone bridge in Ponferrada
The Templar Castle
We did, however, visit the Castillo de los Templarios — one of the largest and best-preserved Templar castles in Europe. It dominates the old quarter from its hilltop position above the Río Sil, and it is so imposing it feels like the set of a high-budget fantasy film. The perfect place, in other words, to briefly forget you are a blister-ridden walker and pretend you are a noble knight.
Views from the Castillo de los Templarios
Castillo de los Templarios in Ponferrada
View through the stone walls of the Castillo de los Templarios in Ponferrada
The Rest Day
Spending a rest day in Ponferrada was a glorious exercise in contrast. You trade your dusty boots for local Bierzo wine and tapas, wandering from the shadow of ancient, brooding crusader walls to the quiet hum of a town that knows exactly how much a weary pilgrim needs to sit down, eat something delicious, and stop looking for yellow arrows for twenty-four hours.
We highly recommend it.
All our Camino posts are part of an ongoing series. Follow along on our Social Media Pages.
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“Your Visual Impairment Is Part of Your Story — But It Doesn’t Have to Be the End”: Meet Karla Roussouw
In honour of Youth Month, the Retinal Realities podcast sat down with Karla Roussouw — a 24-year-old marketing professional, law student, runner, surfer, and horse rider — who is living with Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis (LCA). What followed was one of the most honest, warm, and inspiring conversations the series has featured to date.
A special thank you to Roche Products for their generous contribution towards education, which made this episode possible.
A Journey That Started Early
Karla’s visual difficulties were noticeable from a young age. After a series of tests and an initial suspicion of retinitis pigmentosa, she was referred to Tygerberg Hospital, where she received her diagnosis of Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis.
Her school years, she says, were among the hardest. Attending mainstream schools brought real challenges: difficulty seeing the board, struggling to keep pace with exams, and the physical toll of sitting so close to her books — resulting in persistent back, neck, and shoulder pain.
But perhaps the greatest challenge was an emotional one. “The thing I struggled with the most was asking for help,” Karla admits. “I never really wanted to stand out.”
The Power of a Strong Advocate
Behind every resilient young person is often someone who refused to give up on them. For karla, that person was her mother.
“My mom was my biggest advocate. She was almost like my lawyer before I started studying law,” Karla says with a laugh. Her mother researched assistive devices, ensured teachers understood Karla’s needs, and kept up with annual eye examinations — but more than anything, she made sure Karla never felt limited by her visual impairment.
“She always believed in me. I couldn’t have done it without her.”
Embracing Assistive Technology
Today, Karla uses a range of assistive tools that help her navigate both work and daily life:
- A video magnifier (similar to a tablet) with adjustable font size, backlight, and colour settings – particularly useful for light sensitivity.
- Dark mode on her computer and laptop
- An enlarged monitor to reduce eye strain
- A laptop magnifier
- Support from people around her to navigate unfamiliar spaces
She is also in the process of applying for a guide dog – something she says she’s very excited about
As she’s grown older, Karla says she’s increasingly leaned into what’s available to support her. “The world is becoming more accessible to you as you get older, and you need to navigate more spaces. It’s important to look into different assistive devices — whether it’s cane training or a guide dog — to make life a bit easier for yourself.”
Active, Ambitious, and Refusing to Be Defined
Running, surfing, horse riding — Karla’s life outside of work and study is anything but limited. She credits supportive coaches and trainers who have adapted their methods to accommodate her, but she’s candid about the gaps that still exist.
“Commercial gyms aren’t very accessible. I struggle to navigate spaces in poor lighting, and I also struggle with contrast. If gym equipment is a similar colour to the floor, it can be very difficult to find my way safely.”
She also raises a point many in the disability community know all too well — the challenges of entering the workplace. “People have a tendency to look at the disability before they see the person. They don’t always understand what someone with a visual impairment is capable of.”
A Message for Young People with Low Vision
When asked what she would say to young people navigating life with low vision, Karla’s answer was both clear and deeply considered.
“Don’t let other people’s understanding become the understanding that you have of yourself.”
She acknowledges that many people place limits on those with disabilities — not out of malice, but out of ignorance. And that, she believes, is exactly why advocacy and education matter so much.
“It’s our responsibility as people with low vision to educate people and create awareness, because that will also change the perception.”
Karla also reflects on the unexpected gifts her journey has brought: greater compassion, resilience, and adaptability. Her final message to young people is one of self-acceptance:
“Never wish to be someone else. The goal is not to be a person who is not visually impaired — the goal is to be the best version of yourself. Your visual impairment is part of your story, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your story.”
Looking Ahead: A Voice on the Management Committee
Karla has recently been nominated to join the Management Committee of Retina South Africa — a role she is stepping into with purpose and passion.
“My dream is to be a voice for others. You don’t wake up with a disability and know exactly what assistive devices to use, or what your life is going to look like as an adult with a visual impairment. I’ve learned quite a few things along the way, and I want to help people.”
She is particularly driven to address the gaps she has personally experienced — from accessibility in gyms to workplace accommodations — and to be a visible, relatable spokesperson for the low vision community.
Listen to the Full Episode
You can find this episode on our YouTube Channel and all previous Retinal Realities podcasts at www.retinasa.org.za under the Learn tab.
Subscribe to the series to stay connected with stories, insights, and resources from the Retina South Africa community.at
Low vision, low and proud.
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Day 1 – Welcome to Astorga
By Carine Fraser | Camino de Santiago 2025
Welcome to Astorga, a charming little gem nestled at the crossroads of the Camino Francés and the Vía de la Plata. This town has been a hub of activity since Roman times, when it was the golden ticket (literally) for mining operations in the nearby mountains. If walls could talk, the remnants of Roman structures would regale you with tales of gold and glory!
The Catedral de Santa María
Our journey begins at the stunning Catedral de Santa María — a stylish mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture all under one roof. A fitting place to start a walk that is as much about the spirit as it is about the steps.
The Palacio Episcopal — Gaudí’s Fairy Tale
Next door stands the Palacio Episcopal, designed by the one and only Antoni Gaudí in 1889. This whimsical building looks like it belongs in a fairy tale, complete with a Neo-Gothic exterior that could easily double as a castle from your childhood dreams.
Today it houses the Museo de los Caminos — a tribute to the many pilgrims who have trekked through Astorga over the centuries. A reminder, right at the start, that we are walking in the footsteps of countless others who came before us.
About This Journey
Carine is walking the Camino de Santiago from Astorga to Santiago (12–28 June 2025) in support of Retina South Africa — carrying with her the Ribbons of Love purchased by supporters before her departure, and leaving them at meaningful moments along the way.
Each ribbon represents a person who chose to walk with her in spirit — and at every stop, she carries that with her. Thank you to everyone who is part of this journey. 🎗️
Follow Carine’s journey on our social media pages for daily updates from the Camino.
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Day 2 – Rabanal del Camino to El Acebo
By Carine | Camino de Santiago 2026
A tough second day, with a steep descent on loose shale — yet never taking away from the time to stop and smell the roses.
The day began with a gentle climb through carpets of purple heath, with colours of yellow scattered about. Wonderful photo opportunities, and for me, a time to stop even if for a couple of minutes. Taking photos is a way of capturing the essence of a scene and looking back at the details of what I might have missed due to my vision loss whilst walking.
Cruz de Ferro — The Highest Point
The climb led us to Cruz de Ferro (1,505 m) — the highest point on the Camino Francés and one of its most iconic moments.
Here I left a few Ribbons of Love at the simple iron cross, which stands on a tall wooden pole atop a cairn of stones. Many of these stones are left by pilgrims, each carrying whatever weight the bearer chose to assign to it.
Many cairns are seen along the way of the Camino, either at the start or finish of a section which was tough, or if the outlook is one that is special or meaningful. The tradition is old and the practice is straightforward: carry a stone from home (or pick one up along the way), add it to the pile, and leave behind whatever you need to leave behind. Some pilgrims treat it as a profound spiritual moment. Others toss a pebble and move on!
Into El Acebo
Our descent was steep, into El Acebo where we spent the night.
El Acebo is a beautiful mountain village strung along a single stone street, clinging to the hillside at about 1,150 m. Slate roofs, stone walls, and balconies overhanging the narrow road give it an alpine character that’s quite different from the meseta villages we had previously passed through.
The Montes de León — the mountain system in north-western Spain, extending across the provinces of León and Zamora and reaching above 2,000 m in the highest areas — form the dramatic backdrop to this stretch of the Camino.
A memorial at the entrance to El Acebo honours a pilgrim cyclist who died on the steep descent from the Cruz de Ferro — a sobering reminder of how demanding this section can be.
We got caught in the rain going to dinner — a welcoming coolness, much needed after the day’s exertions.
About This Journey
Carine is walking the Camino de Santiago from Astorga to Santiago (12–28 June 2025) in support of Retina South Africa — carrying with her the Ribbons of Love purchased by supporters before her departure, and leaving them at meaningful moments along the way, just as she did today at Cruz de Ferro.
Each ribbon represents a person who chose to walk with her in spirit — and at every stop, she carries that with her. Thank you to everyone who is part of this journey. 🎗️
Follow Carine’s journey on our social media pages for updates from the Camino
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Youth Month Blog Series
As part of our Youth Month Blog Series, we are highlighting practical ways to create more inclusive opportunities for young people entering the workforce.
A New Resource Driving Real Change
The Hein Wagner Academy has released a valuable new resource:
“A Practical Employment Guide for Visually Impaired Inclusion”
Developed in partnership with ABSA Bank, this hands-on handbook is designed to help South African employers move beyond good intentions and actively create workplaces where visually impaired professionals can thrive.
Why This Guide Matters
With a staggering 97% unemployment rate among visually impaired graduates in South Africa, the need for inclusive employment practices has never been more urgent.
This guide draws on real-world experience from ABSA and other forward-thinking organisations, showing that inclusive hiring is not only possible — it also delivers meaningful business benefits, including:
- Stronger innovation
- Greater team empathy
- Improved workplace morale
Key Highlights from the Guide
1. The Business Case for Inclusion
Simple workplace adjustments — such as screen readers — are often more affordable than expected.
Visually impaired employees also bring strong problem-solving abilities and diverse perspectives.
2. Inclusive Recruitment Practices
- Use clear, plain language in job descriptions
- Avoid unnecessary visual-based requirements
- Structure interviews inclusively:
- Ensure one person speaks at a time
- Clearly identify each speaker
3. Reasonable Workplace Accommodations
Creating an accessible workspace can include:
- Screen readers and assistive technology
- Consistent desk layouts
- Mobility training and transport support
Tip: Always ask employees what they need instead of making assumptions.
4. Effective Onboarding
Preparation is key to success:
- Start onboarding at least one month in advance
- Provide sensitivity training for teams
- Ensure assistive technology is ready before day one
Practical Tools Included
The guide includes helpful checklists for both employers and employees, making the process of inclusive hiring and onboarding more manageable and structured.
Access the Guide
The full Practical Employment Guide for Visually Impaired Inclusion is available to download for free via the ABSA website.
Final Thoughts
If you are an HR professional, business leader, or organisation looking to build a more inclusive workplace, this guide offers practical, actionable steps to help you get started.
Inclusive employment is not just a social responsibility — it’s an opportunity to build stronger, more innovative organisations.
✅ Stay tuned for more insights in our Youth Month Blog Series
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As part of our Youth Month Blog Series, we are equipping young job seekers with the tools they need to land that interview — and it starts with a CV that speaks directly to the job.
Tailoring Your CV
When you are job-seeking as a person with a disability or visual impairment, your CV is often the first (and sometimes only) impression an employer gets of you. Many people make the mistake of creating one single CV and sending it to every vacancy they see. This “spray and pray” approach might occasionally lead to an interview, but the chances are very low; especially when you are already facing extra barriers in the job market.
A strong CV is not a one-time document. It must be reviewed and adjusted for every single job you apply for. Employers spend only a few seconds scanning each CV. If yours does not clearly show that you match what they are looking for, it will be passed over. Tailoring your CV greatly improves your chances of getting noticed and invited for an interview.
Why you should never send the same CV to every job
- Job descriptions differ, even when the role title is similar.
- Employers use keywords from the job advert to search CVs (especially through Applicant Tracking Systems).
- A generic CV fails to highlight the exact skills and experience the employer needs right now.
- When you have a disability or visual impairment, you want the focus to stay on your abilities and achievements, not on a standard template that does not speak directly to the job.
How to tailor your CV effectively: a practical step-by-step guide
Read the job description carefully
Print or open the advert and highlight the key requirements, duties, and “essential” or “desirable” skills. Note any specific software, tools, or experience mentioned.
Create a master CV (your personal bank of information)
Keep one detailed document that contains all your experience, education, skills, and achievements. Never send this version. Use it only as a starting point.
Make a new copy for each application
Save it with a clear name, for example:
YourName_CV_JobTitle_Company_June2026.docx
Adapt the most important sections
Professional Summary / Profile (top of the CV):
Rewrite 3 to 4 lines so they directly address the main needs of the job. Mention relevant strengths first.
Work Experience:
Put the most relevant jobs higher. For each role, emphasise achievements that match the job description. Use numbers when possible (e.g., “Supported 25 customers daily”, “Improved data accuracy by 30%”).
Skills section:
Move the skills the employer wants to the top and use the exact words from the advert where appropriate.
Irrelevant information:
Remove or shorten parts that do not relate to this specific vacancy.
Use clear, accessible formatting (especially important for visual impairment)
- Use a simple, sans-serif font (Arial or Calibri, 11 to 12 pt).
- Keep plenty of white space.
- Use clear headings (Heading 1, Heading 2) so screen readers can navigate easily.
- Avoid complex tables, columns, or text boxes if possible.
- Save the final version as both a .docx (for editing) and a clean PDF (for sending). Test the PDF with a screen reader if you use one.
Do not mention your disability or visual impairment on the CV unless:
- The job specifically asks for it, or
- You need to explain a career gap related to your disability. Focus on what you can do. You can discuss reasonable adjustments later, once you have an interview.
Proofread and get a second opinion
Read it aloud or use text-to-speech. Ask a trusted friend, mentor, or careers advisor to check it. Small spelling or formatting errors can make your application look less professional.
Final tip
Tailoring your CV takes extra time, usually 30 to 60 minutes per application, but it is time well spent. Instead of sending 20 generic CVs and getting almost no replies, you can send 5 to 8 well-targeted applications and see much better results.
A carefully prepared CV shows employers that you are serious, organised, and genuinely interested in their role. That message is especially powerful when you are a person with a disability or visual impairment demonstrating your capability and professionalism from the very first document.
Next week’s article in this series will look at how to write a strong covering letter that works together with your tailored CV.
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Retina South Africa June 2026 – Updates, Events & Inspiring Stories
The June 2026 edition of Out of Sight, the official Retina South Africa newsletter, brings together inspiring stories, important advocacy updates, and exciting opportunities to support individuals living with vision loss and retinal conditions.
As we move into the winter months, this edition highlights the strength of our community and the collective effort to raise awareness, drive research, and improve accessibility across South Africa.
An Inspiring Camino Journey for Vision Loss Awareness
One of the key highlights this month is Carine Fraser’s Camino journey, where she will walk 258km of the Camino Frances while living with vision loss.
This remarkable journey is not only a personal challenge but also a powerful fundraising and awareness campaign for retinal conditions. Supporters are encouraged to take part by purchasing personalised ribbons with messages of encouragement or in honour of loved ones.
Carine’s story is a reminder that vision loss does not define what is possible, and every step she takes helps raise awareness for the visually impaired community.
Know Your Rights: Accessible Communications
This month’s newsletter also highlights important developments in accessibility and disability rights.
The ICASA Code for Persons with Disabilities Regulations places legal obligations on broadcasters and mobile providers to improve accessibility. This includes services like audio description, which supports people with visual impairments in accessing media content.
Understanding these rights is essential in promoting inclusive access to information and communication for all South Africans.
Upcoming AGM & Members’ Meeting
Retina South Africa is proud to host its Annual General Meeting and Members’ Meeting on 25 July in Midrand.
This year’s keynote speaker is Professor John Marshall, a globally respected leader in ophthalmology whose work has significantly advanced vision care worldwide.
This event offers members an opportunity to:
- Connect with the Retina SA community
- Learn from leading experts
- Stay informed about developments in retinal research
Swing for Sight Golf Day – Make an Impact
The annual Dis‑Chem Foundation & Retina South Africa Golf Day will take place on 1 September 2026 at the Royal Johannesburg Golf Club.
This flagship fundraising event brings together:
- Business leaders
- Sponsors
- Supporters of vision research
Funds raised help support:
- Research into retinal degenerative conditions
- Patient support services
- Awareness and education initiatives
Participants can book four-balls or sponsor holes while contributing to a meaningful cause.
To book a four-ball or secure a manned hole sponsorship, please
contact events@retinasa.org.za
Save Our Sight Campaign
The Save Our Sight Campaign continues to drive awareness and funding for retinal research and support services.
This initiative helps:
- Fund critical research
- Provide support for individuals and families
- Increase awareness of retinal conditions
Participants also stand a chance to win monthly prizes, making it an engaging way to contribute to a life-changing cause.
Latest Retinal Realities Podcast Episodes
The Retinal Realities Podcast continues to share insightful conversations and real-life experiences from the visually impaired community.
Recent episodes include:
- Travelling with a guide dog – Practical advice for navigating local and international travel
- Umsizi Reader app – Exploring innovative technology improving accessibility across all 11 official languages
These episodes highlight how innovation and lived experience are shaping a more accessible future.
Sponsored Feature: Nurture Vision
This month’s newsletter also includes a sponsored advertisement from Nurture Vision, focusing on a nutritional supplement approach to managing Dry Eye Disease.
The feature explores how targeted nutrition can support:
- Tear quality
- Eye health
- Ocular surface function
This reflects growing interest in holistic approaches to eye care.
For more info on our full product range visit the Nurture Vision website at: https://nurturevision.co.za/
Get Involved and Make a Difference
Every initiative featured in this month’s newsletter highlights the importance of community involvement, awareness, and support.
Whether it’s:
- Supporting Carine’s Camino journey
- Attending upcoming events
- Contributing to fundraising campaigns
You can play a role in helping Retina South Africa move closer to a future where vision loss can be prevented, treated, or cured.
👉 Read the full newsletter here: Out of Sight_ June 2026
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Picture of Prof John Marshall – Image source UCL website
We are honoured to welcome Professor Marshall as the keynote speaker at our AGM on 25 July in Midrand.