WHO WE ARE

– THE NPO WITH A DIFFERENCE –

The prevalence of vision impairment in South Africa is the highest of all disabilities (32%).

let the blind read

VISION & MISSION

Our Vision

To create an environment, where all visually impaired individuals have the same choice, rights, and opportunities for reading material as sighted persons.

Our Mission

Our mission is to let the blind read, by creating accessible literature through our passionate and knowledgeable employees and the efficient mobilization of donor funds.

We believe that every visually impaired individual should be able to have access to the same information as sighted persons, ensuring equal opportunities. ​

Our approach is built on the following pillars:

QUALITY

We produce quality braille, large print, and audio formats in standard, technical and music subjects. Our production facilities are accredited by SABA.

EQUITY

Literacy is equity. Through the production of accessible reading material, we promote literacy and the ability to communicate with and make sense of the rest of the world.

INTEGRITY

We act with integrity. We are always concerned with the best interests of our beneficiaries and act responsibly toward donors and all stakeholders.

KAIZEN

Using the Japanese business philosophy of Kaizen, which means "change for the better", we are dedicated to continuous improvement in all of our processes.

NPO STATUS & Governance Structure

Pioneer Printers is registered with the Department of Social Development as a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO), and we are a SARS-approved Public Benefit Organisation  (PBO).

We strive to achieve transparency, accountability, integrity, and ethical leadership. Our governance structure consists of:

Executive member

- Schalk Hugo (Executive Head)

Independent non-executive members

- Jean-Jacques Naudé (Chair)
- Marius Murray (Vice-chair)
- Alex Munro
- Gerhard Trollip
- Julie van Wyk

NPO STATUS & Governance Structure

Pioneer Printers is registered with the Department of Social Development as a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO), and we are a SARS-approved Public Benefit Organisation (PBO). We strive to achieve transparency, accountability, integrity, and ethical leadership. Our governance structure consists of:

Executive members

- Schalk Hugo (Executive Head)
- Elzaan Hendriksz (Head of Operations)

Independent non-executive members

- Jean-Jacques Naudé (Chair)
- Marius Murray (Vice-chair)
- Alex Munro
- Gerhard Trollip
- Julie van Wyk

Our Funds

Pioneer Printers’ continued service depends on its ability to safeguard and manage efficiently all funds entrusted to us. Central to this goal, we cultivate a sound structure of financial management, along with the building and investment of reserves for future growth, to protect against financial instability.

Our audited Annual Financial Statements show that Pioneer Printers is a financially healthy and sustainable organization.

Audited Financials

Audited Financial Statements: 31 December 2021.

Annual Report

Annual Reports: 1 January - 31 December 2021.

About us

Over the years, Pioneer Printers has aligned itself with producing quality braille, audio, and large print reading and learning material. More recently our guiding principles have been to let the blind read as we believe that everyone deserves equal opportunities. Our focus, however, remains unchanged: to make a long lasting and meaningful contribution in the lives of those left vulnerable through visual impairment.

OUR TIMELINE

1903
First Braille Press
In 1903- The first braille press was purchased at the school for the blind in South Africa.
1930
'Moreligpers'

In 1930 – The school’s braille printing unit was named “Môreligpers”.

1943
First Braille Music

In 1943 – The first braille music notation was printed.

1959
First Audiobook

In 1959 – The first audiobook was recorded.

1964
First Large Print

In 1964 – The large letter print was introduced.

1980
Moved to Victor Vaughan building

In 1980 – The school’s braille, audio, and large print units moved to separate premises into the Victor Vaughan building.  

1995
Pioneer Printers Established

In 1995 – The literature production unit became known as Pioneer Printers.

2012
Registered as NPO & PBO

In 2012 – Pioneer Printers registered as an NPO and PBO.

 

Our Team Values

We pursue a healthy corporate culture.
01.
Respect
Respect for one another, our property, our work and our clients.
02.
Positivity

 We feel equal to the task, we do things with a smile and we inspire.

03.
Quality
We do things right the first time. We are proud of what we do.
04.
Co-operation

We work together in one direction and we strive towards one goal.

05.
Honesty
We act frankly & transparently.  We have integrity and trust.

We cultivate these values amongst all our staff members as they form the foundation of our services.

MEET OUR TEAM

THE NPO THAT LETS THE BLIND READ.

Our Partners

We cannot succeed in our mission without the financial support of funders who are equally as passionate about accessibility and equality in literacy as we are. We have the utmost appreciation for the corporations, businesses, and associations alike who have already partnered with us.

We are thankful for the following contributions.

Braille music development
Software subscriptions
Main sponsor of annual golf day fundraising event
Braille music development
Delivery of braille, audio and large print to visually impaired in SA.
Braille music development
Access to online magazines and newspapers

P.A. & Alize Malan Gedenktrust

Art development for visually impaired and deaf-blind persons.
Fundraising events
Art development for visually impaired and deaf-blind persons.
Audio books
Audio magazine & book club service
Art development for visually impaired and deaf-blind persons.
Renting the Victor Vaughan building long-term to Pioneer Printers.

How to Find Us

Address

4 Distillery Road
Worcester, 6850

Phone

+(27)23 342 6313

Email

info@pioneerprinters.org.za