About Us

Mission

The Mission of this organization is:

To become the employer of choice for Blind, Disabled and Unskilled People.

To promote co-ownership of the above.

Slogan

"MAKING YOUR DREAM OUR VISION"

We will create your dream furniture, blinds, plants etc. and this in turn will realize our dream of employment, better quality of life and supporting our families.

History

During the 90's many changes were made:

The Workshop became multiracial and started catering for more disabilities than just the visually impaired.

The Workshop started operating as a business as opposed to the "charitable" approach of a typical sheltered workshop.

Strict financial management and controls were implemented.

The inadequate building in Boom Street was sold and a 2000 square meter premises in Silverton was purchased.

This facility is centrally situated and is easily accessible to all employees.

All staff travel to work independently and clock in and out as in any normal workplace

A modern showroom, where products can be displayed and sold, was completed in 2006.

Performance Pays

Because of the diversity of the talents and capabilities of the workforce, the people are paid on a "pay for performance" basis. All tasks have a value and it is up to individuals to work to their own ability and earn a wage according to their output.

Members of the workforce who are more restricted than others and are unable to earn the minimum wage of R60.00 per day, are paid a higher rate of pay to maintain the challenge of earning more by trying harder.

The Workshop currently employs 110 people of whom 65 are disabled, whilst the rest of the workforce is mainly from a disadvantaged background.

Structure

Pretoria Workshop for the Blind is a Registered Company incorporated under Section 21 of the Companies act.

The Pretoria Workshop for the Blind Trust owns the shares in three sister companies which were established to trade and provide income for the Workshop to adhere to its mission of viably employing more and more people with disabilities.

The Companies are:

1. DreamHouse Designs:
The Showroom and Retail shop sells the quality cane products produced by the Cane Furniture and Baskets manufacturing Department, Cane Furniture Repair section and Cushion and Curtain Department.

2. Nu- Fashion Blinds:
Manufactures 25mm Alluminium Venetian, 50mm Wooden Venetian and Bamboo blinds.

3. Nutritech:
Manufactures fertilizer sticks for pot plants for the export market. All packaging material and packaging for the above is done by the Workshop. Vacuumforming and light assembly work is also done.

The Workshop owns the property and equipment, provides a full admin service and covers all overheads in return for the profits made by the above companies. At financial year-end, 50% of profits are shared with employees as a bonus (profit share). The balance is used to grow the business.

About Us

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