About Asbah SA · NPO 146-568
Born From Lived Experience
For over two decades, Asbah SA has walked alongside individuals and families living with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus — providing medical navigation, educational advocacy, peer support, and financial welfare assistance.
Our Purpose
Why We Exist
Asbah SA was founded in 2003 by a group of parents and medical professionals who experienced first-hand how fragmented and isolating a diagnosis of Spina Bifida or Hydrocephalus could be in South Africa. We are a registered and fully constituted NPO (Not for Profit Organization). We launched ASBAH SA in association with the Spina Bifida parent organization support group and the Spinal Defects Clinic at Red Cross War Memorial Hospital in Cape Town (South Africa).
What began as a small support group in Cape Town has grown into a national organisation serving many families — providing medical navigation, educational advocacy, peer support, and financial welfare assistance.
We are driven by a simple belief: every person, regardless of their diagnosis, deserves full participation in life.
Mission
To empower individuals with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus to live full, dignified, and connected lives.
Vision
A South Africa where disability is met with support, not stigma — and every family has access to the care they need.
What Guides Us
Our Core Values
Compassion
We meet every family where they are, with warmth, patience, and genuine care.
Community
We believe healing happens in connection — no one should face a diagnosis alone.
Dignity
Every person deserves full participation in life, regardless of their diagnosis.
Empowerment
We equip families with knowledge, resources, and networks to advocate for themselves.
Our History
Our Journey
From a small support group in Cape Town to a national organisation serving 12,400+ families.
Asbah SA registered as NPO in Cape Town — founded by parents and medical professionals who experienced first-hand how isolating a diagnosis could be.
Expanded to 5 provinces with dedicated regional coordinators, bringing localised support to families across South Africa.
Launched national toll-free helpline serving 1,000+ families per year, ensuring no family faces a diagnosis alone.
Introduced the Inclusive Education Pathways programme, awarding the first 50 bursaries to learners with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.
Partnered with 200+ medical facilities across South Africa, creating a seamless specialist referral network.
Pivoted to hybrid support during COVID-19 — launched virtual peer support groups reaching families in the Western Cape.
Awarded Best NPO Impact Award by the National Disability Alliance, recognising 19 years of transformative community service.
Serving 12,400+ families — and growing. Expanding into rural communities with mobile outreach clinics.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Join thousands of South Africans who support families living with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.