Page 10 - Waterfall City Issue 6 June 2025

Waterfall City News

BLIND FAITH

Excelling beyond beliefs

C harlene Pienaar isn’t just because they are forged in her own Charlene’s spirit remained unbroken.

st
Three years after the accident, she
experiences. Before her 21 birthday, a
making history; she’s igniting
car accident dramatically altered her life,
hope. Her appearance at
returned to her studies and completed
the South African Disabled
to her unwavering determination.
Golf Association (SADGA) Provincial leaving her with only five percent vision. her BCom marketing degree, a testament
Challenge in February was a powerful She vividly recalls the frustration of “Sometimes stuff happens in your life,”
statement aimed squarely at the next multiple specialist appointments and she reflects, “but at the end of the day,
generation of female golfers with the devastating moment a doctor God gives you the strength to carry on, to
disabilities. By becoming the first delivered the life-altering news. For persevere and to push through.”
woman to represent Team North, Charlene, the immediate challenge was
Charlene etched her name in the the loss of independence she had once Having been active in hockey and
record books and, more importantly, taken for granted. karate during her school years, Charlene
sent a resounding message: disability is initially believed her sporting pursuits
not a barrier to pursuing your dreams. “It was difficult because I was used to had ended. However, 16 years after the
being independent, and suddenly, I had accident, her parents stumbled upon a
“I want to show other young women to rely on others,” she admits honestly. news segment featuring blind individuals
that they can continue their lives “It’s a struggle to see, and I had to playing golf, sparking an idea that would
despite their disability,” Charlene adapt by using magnifying glasses and change Charlene’s life.
passionately explains. “They shouldn’t a special enlarging software on my
let anything be a stumbling block.” laptop.” For blind golfers like Charlene, the game
presents unique challenges. Unlike their
Charlene’s words resonate deeply Despite these profound adjustments, physically abled counterparts, they rely

8 Waterfall City Issue 6 2025