Change what epilepsy means here

Donate

Epilepsy South Africa is a registered non-profit (NPO 001-911) and a registered public benefit organisation (PBO 930007484). Donations may qualify for a Section 18A tax certificate — ask when you give.

Other ways to give

• Monthly debit order — predictable income is what allows us to plan services effectively.
• Payroll giving — ask your employer whether they will match your donation.
• In memory or in celebration — make a donation to Epilepsy SA when celebrating birthdays, weddings and remembrances.
• Corporate partnership — B-BBEE socio-economic development contributions.
• Bequests — leaving a gift in your will.

Leaving a bequest in your will

A bequest costs you nothing in your lifetime and is one of the most valuable gifts the organisation ever receives. Any amount helps: a fixed sum, a percentage of your estate, or whatever remains after your family has been provided for.

A bequest has to be written into a valid will to have any effect. If you already have a will, an attorney can add a bequest with a short codicil; if you do not, this is a good reason to make one. Wording along these lines is what your attorney will need — they will adapt it to your estate and confirm the correct legal form:

“I bequeath to Epilepsy South Africa, a non-profit organisation registered in the Republic of South Africa (NPO 001-911, PBO 930007484), the sum of R______ / ______ per cent of the residue of my estate, free of duty, to be used for its general purposes. The receipt of the National Director or other duly authorised officer shall be a sufficient discharge to my executor.”

Suggested wording only. Use an attorney to draw or amend your will — a bequest in an invalid or badly worded will can fail entirely. Please tell the national office if you have left a bequest, so we can thank you and plan responsibly.

Take the Epilepsy Pledge

The Epilepsy Pledge is a public commitment to understanding, inclusion and support for people with epilepsy. Take the pledge here — it takes two minutes, and every name strengthens the case we make for change.

Volunteer

Epilepsy SA relies heavily on volunteers. Most of what we need is time, reliability and a willingness to be there — packing and handing out material, helping at an awareness stand, making tea at a support group, giving someone a lift to a clinic, answering a phone, putting up posters, telling people at your church or taxi rank what epilepsy actually is. None of that requires a qualification.

Particular skills are welcome too, and so is professional time — legal, accounting, medical, design, translation, photography, facilitating a group. But they are a bonus, not the price of entry.

You do not need to have epilepsy to volunteer, and you do not need prior experience. Contact your nearest branch or the national office to ask what they need.

Membership

Membership is open to any person with epilepsy, and to anyone affected by epilepsy — families, friends, professionals and organisations. Members receive our publications and help shape the direction of the organisation. When we advocate for policy change, the size of our membership is part of what gives that weight.

Membership costs R120 per year. The membership year runs from 1 April to 31 March (no pro-rata). Download the membership form (PDF) and send it to membership@epilepsy.org.za, or call 079 119 3607 for more information.

Details as published by Epilepsy South Africa, 10 August 2026.

Educational Trust

The Epilepsy South Africa Educational Trust supports learners with epilepsy through a bursary programme.

Bring training to your school, workplace or community

We run epilepsy awareness and seizure first-aid sessions for schools, clinics, employers and community organisations. Most people freeze during a seizure simply because nobody ever showed them what to do — an hour of training fixes that permanently.

Arrange training Find your branch