In the OFM Family Focus, Mid-Morning Magic’s Yolanda Maartens is joined by National Director of Epilepsy South Africa, Sharlene Cassel, to chat about this year’s theme, the stigma surrounding epilepsy and how individuals can get involved in helping create awareness. 

Epilepsy SA was established in 1967 as the South African National Epilepsy League (SANEL). It is the only national organisation in South Africa offering specialised and comprehensive services to persons with and affected by epilepsy and other neurological disorders. Their aim is to enhance and improve the quality of life of various target groups affected by Epilepsy. 

Epilepsy South Africa is a vigorous advocate for the realisation of the human rights of persons with epilepsy as defined in South African legislation and the United National Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). To read more visit epilepsy.or.za

The Epilepsy SA Indaba is taking place this week and all proceeds will go towards improving the lives of persons living with epilepsy in South Africa. This powerful event aims to educate and break the stigma associated with Epilepsy, dispel myths, and empower YOU by hearing from experts in their respective fields as well as people living with epilepsy and their experiences. To find out more visit their website 

You can join the Epilepsy SA Indaba for free online on 15 February 2023 | 15H30 – 19H00. Visit their shop for more information.

Ma en seun van Lichtenburg deel hul verhaal

Suné Du Preez sluit aan by Mid-Morning Magic se Yolanda Maartens om te gesels oor haar seun Wilmar (14 jaar), wie aan epilepsie ly en hoe dit sy lewe daagliks beïnvloed. Hulle is van Lichtenburg in Noordwes.

Wilmar het op 6 jaar sy eerste aanval gehad. Ma Suné vertel hoe dit sy reis verander het maar deel ook dat daar steeds baie dinge in die lewe is wat hy geniet en dat dit haar en haar man, Willie  se grootste voorreg is om sy ouers te wees. 

Onlangse foto van die Du Preez gesin van Lichtenburg. 

As jy 'n gesin is met 'n kind wat epilepsie het, besoek Epilepsie SA vir riglyne en inligting.

In the fourth interview, Mid-Morning Magic's Yolanda Maartens, is joined again by National Director of Epilepsy South Africa, Sharlene Cassel, to talk about Epilepsy in the workplace also known as the The Invisible Disability.

We spend a significant time of our lives working and, as a person with epilepsy, it is important to create a working environment that will be enjoyable, safe, secure, and supportive, where one can feel reassured that there would be support in any way, when needed.

Generally, people with a condition like epilepsy, tend to put in the extra e ort, subconsciously, to show others that they can be as good, if not better than the next. Take heed not to overdo this, as increased subconscious stress may place yourself at risk.

Be responsible when applying for a job within the scope of one’s condition i.e. know your epilepsy condition well enough to understand what type of working environment will be safe for you, and those around you.
Some people can be cruel, discriminatory and there are gravediggers or back stabbers, who will undermine people to their benefit – keep them close and get to know them. They are generally the lesser beings, and in confrontations, remain calm and hear them out. Stand firm on what you believe, try to mediate, think about potential consequences of ones actions, determine how best to deal with a situation, do not hold grudges and rather try to re-build a bridge with them.

Epilepsy South Africa has a employment manual to help you. To download the manual or read more visit their website  epilepsy.org.za

Werkende persoon wat leef met Epilepsie

Dit is Nasionale Epilepsieweek en Mid-Morning Magic se Yolanda Maartens het die probleme uitgelig wat mense met epilepsie ondervind en meer.  Sy gesels in die laaste onderhoud met Ian le Roux wat van sy hanteringsmeganismes uit sy daaglikse lewe met epilepsie deel. Hy verduidelik hoe hy by sy werksomgewing en by die lewe as pasgetroude aangepas het.

Ian en Jessica le Roux