Advice and Tools
For every step of your Ostomy Journey
SASS aims to advocate and align the standard of Stoma care and services across South Africa which will be applicable to both the private and public sectors.
Ostomy Care
Tips and Tricks
The South African Society of Stomates (SASS) is a Non-profit organization formed by Ostomates across Southern Africa to facilitate a “holistic” approach to ostomy patient care by bridging the gap between the private and public sectors whilst advocating for the rights of fellow ostomates throughout the country.
SASS VALUE STATEMENT
SASS is dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of ostomates across South Africa. We strive to bridge the gap between private and public healthcare sectors, ensuring that all ostomates receive the highest standard of care.
Our mission is to provide comprehensive support, education, and resources to empower ostomates and their families, helping them navigate their new normal with confidence and dignity. By collaborating closely with clinicians and healthcare professionals, we ensure that our community receives expert care and guidance.
Aligning with global standards set by The International Ostomy Association (IOA), we aim to foster a community where every ostomate feels supported, informed, and valued.
Featured Topics
For Living with a Colostomy, Ileostomy or Urostomy
Help us achieve
What we set out to achieve with YOUR help
GET EDUCATED
Medically reviewed surgery-specific information. Making sure you have access to the best possible care. Ostomy pouch management tips, diet & nutrition, skincare, sexuality, travel tips and more!
FEEL SUPPORTED
Support to you & your family whilst you transition into your new normal. You will have access to a local peer support group, where you can get answers to questions, or connect with our Facebook community.
BE AN ADVOCATE
We aim to advocate the standard of Stoma care across private and public sectors, whilst aligning with the global standards set out by The International Ostomy Association (IOA).
@heather.white.50159 is back at Helen Joseph Hospital today distributing much needed stoma supplies.
This is month 3 of our project at the hospital and is made possible by the generous donations by our friends at @footprints2africa
#StrongerTogether restoring #Dignity for the neglected South African #Ostomate
@heather.white.50159 is back at Helen Joseph Hospital today distributing much needed stoma supplies.
This is month 3 of our project at the hospital and is made possible by the generous donations by our friends at @footprints2africa
#StrongerTogether restoring #Dignity for the neglected South African #Ostomate
🎗 National Cancer Survivors Day
Today, we honour every soul touched by cancer — those we`ve lost, those still fighting, and every survivor still standing.
Faizel Jacobs "As a 9-year Colorectal Cancer Survivor, I’ve learned that living in the moment, living in the present, and living with purpose isn’t just a mindset — it’s a gift".
This is for the warriors. For the ones still holding on. For the ones who couldn’t stay.
You are not forgotten. You are not alone. We rise together.
💛 "It’s OK" by the late Nightbirde reminds us — even in the darkest chapters, beauty still sings.
#CancerSurvivorsDay #StrongerTogether #SurvivorVoices #ColorectalCancerAwareness #LiveWithPurpose #Nightbirde #ItsOK #HonourAndHope #CancerWarrior #SASSCommunity
🎗 National Cancer Survivors Day
Today, we honour every soul touched by cancer — those we`ve lost, those still fighting, and every survivor still standing.
Faizel Jacobs "As a 9-year Colorectal Cancer Survivor, I’ve learned that living in the moment, living in the present, and living with purpose isn’t just a mindset — it’s a gift".
This is for the warriors. For the ones still holding on. For the ones who couldn’t stay.
You are not forgotten. You are not alone. We rise together.
💛 "It’s OK" by the late Nightbirde reminds us — even in the darkest chapters, beauty still sings.
#CancerSurvivorsDay #StrongerTogether #SurvivorVoices #ColorectalCancerAwareness #LiveWithPurpose #Nightbirde #ItsOK #HonourAndHope #CancerWarrior #SASSCommunity
🌟 Happy National Cancer Survivors Day! 🌟
Today, we honour the warriors who’ve walked through the storm and still rise with purpose, strength, and sass!
🎗️ At SASS, we see you. The ostomates who’ve faced cancer, surgery, and stigma—and still choose to live boldly. You are not just survivors, you are thrivers. 💪💛
Your scars are not signs of what broke you—they’re proof of what you’ve conquered.
👣 Whether you`re just beginning your journey or celebrating years cancer-free, know that you’re never alone. The SASS community stands with you—loud, proud, and stronger together.
Let’s celebrate LIFE. Let’s celebrate YOU.
💬 Tag a survivor who inspires you.
📢 Share your story—your voice matters.
#NationalCancerSurvivorsDay #StrongerTogetherWithSASS
#SASSySurvivors #OstomatesThrive #CancerSurvivor
#HopeAfterCancer #BeatingCancerWithSASS
🌟 Happy National Cancer Survivors Day! 🌟
Today, we honour the warriors who’ve walked through the storm and still rise with purpose, strength, and sass!
🎗️ At SASS, we see you. The ostomates who’ve faced cancer, surgery, and stigma—and still choose to live boldly. You are not just survivors, you are thrivers. 💪💛
Your scars are not signs of what broke you—they’re proof of what you’ve conquered.
👣 Whether you`re just beginning your journey or celebrating years cancer-free, know that you’re never alone. The SASS community stands with you—loud, proud, and stronger together.
Let’s celebrate LIFE. Let’s celebrate YOU.
💬 Tag a survivor who inspires you.
📢 Share your story—your voice matters.
#NationalCancerSurvivorsDay #StrongerTogetherWithSASS
#SASSySurvivors #OstomatesThrive #CancerSurvivor
#HopeAfterCancer #BeatingCancerWithSASS
GRAHAM RUNS FOR DIGNITY | #SASS5Years #OstomatesOnTheMove
This October, Graham Daniels will lace up for his 4th consecutive Cape Town Marathon—but he’s running for more than a finish line. Graham is running for every South African ostomate whose story goes unheard.
As part of SASS’s 5-year celebration, we honour Graham—not only as an athlete but as a fierce advocate. Through his run, he reminds us that with the right pouching system, support, and access, ostomates can live fully, actively, and with dignity.
💪 Graham is proof that a stoma is not the end—it`s a powerful new beginning.
🎗️ Join us as we cheer him on and continue pushing for equitable ostomy care across South Africa.
📍Cape Town Marathon | October 2025
#OstomatesOnTheMove #RunForDignity #StrongerTogether #CapeTownMarathon #StomaChampion #GrahamDaniels #5YearsOfSASS
GRAHAM RUNS FOR DIGNITY | #SASS5Years #OstomatesOnTheMove
This October, Graham Daniels will lace up for his 4th consecutive Cape Town Marathon—but he’s running for more than a finish line. Graham is running for every South African ostomate whose story goes unheard.
As part of SASS’s 5-year celebration, we honour Graham—not only as an athlete but as a fierce advocate. Through his run, he reminds us that with the right pouching system, support, and access, ostomates can live fully, actively, and with dignity.
💪 Graham is proof that a stoma is not the end—it`s a powerful new beginning.
🎗️ Join us as we cheer him on and continue pushing for equitable ostomy care across South Africa.
📍Cape Town Marathon | October 2025
#OstomatesOnTheMove #RunForDignity #StrongerTogether #CapeTownMarathon #StomaChampion #GrahamDaniels #5YearsOfSASS
Ostomates On The Move is Born! 🚶♂💪
Biokineticists Ricardo Siljeur, Duncan Mosie, and Kayla White recently completed virtual training with Sarah Russell, as they were introduced to Convatec’s Me+ Recovery Program.
This marks the exciting beginning of Ostomates On The Move — a program dedicated to helping South African ostomates regain strength, confidence, and independence through movement.
#OstomatesOnTheMove #StrongerTogether #MePlusRecovery #SASSInAction #OstomySupport #Biokinetics #OstomateWellness
Ostomates On The Move is Born! 🚶♂💪
Biokineticists Ricardo Siljeur, Duncan Mosie, and Kayla White recently completed virtual training with Sarah Russell, as they were introduced to Convatec’s Me+ Recovery Program.
This marks the exciting beginning of Ostomates On The Move — a program dedicated to helping South African ostomates regain strength, confidence, and independence through movement.
#OstomatesOnTheMove #StrongerTogether #MePlusRecovery #SASSInAction #OstomySupport #Biokinetics #OstomateWellness
We’re Turning 5!
Today marks 5 incredible years of advocacy, empowerment, and support for South Africa’s ostomate community.
From humble beginnings to a national movement — SASS has grown into a voice for change, dignity, and access to care. 💚
To every ostomate, family member, volunteer, healthcare partner, and supporter:
Thank you for walking this journey with us.
You’ve helped turn stories of stigma into stories of strength.
“It started with a story. It became a movement.”
Join us as we look forward to the next chapter — breaking barriers, building community, and transforming healthcare for ostomates in South Africa.
#SASSturns5 #OstomatePride #SouthAfricaOstomates #SassTomates #AdvocateEducateEmpower #StomaAwareness #ChangingTheNarrative
We’re Turning 5!
Today marks 5 incredible years of advocacy, empowerment, and support for South Africa’s ostomate community.
From humble beginnings to a national movement — SASS has grown into a voice for change, dignity, and access to care. 💚
To every ostomate, family member, volunteer, healthcare partner, and supporter:
Thank you for walking this journey with us.
You’ve helped turn stories of stigma into stories of strength.
“It started with a story. It became a movement.”
Join us as we look forward to the next chapter — breaking barriers, building community, and transforming healthcare for ostomates in South Africa.
#SASSturns5 #OstomatePride #SouthAfricaOstomates #SassTomates #AdvocateEducateEmpower #StomaAwareness #ChangingTheNarrative
🎉 What`s your favourite SASS moment? 🎉
As we celebrate 5 incredible years, we want to hear from you!
Whether it was a life-changing workshop, a heartwarming connection, or a moment you felt truly seen and supported.
Tell us your most memorable SASS encounter in the comments below.
👇 Let’s celebrate the journey together!
#SASSturns5 #StrongerTogether
🎉 What`s your favourite SASS moment? 🎉
As we celebrate 5 incredible years, we want to hear from you!
Whether it was a life-changing workshop, a heartwarming connection, or a moment you felt truly seen and supported.
Tell us your most memorable SASS encounter in the comments below.
👇 Let’s celebrate the journey together!
#SASSturns5 #StrongerTogether
🎉 SASS Turns 5! 🎉
This year, we celebrate five incredible years of building a stronger, more united community for ostomates across South Africa. 💙
Join us as Heather White, Co-Founder of SASS, shares her heartfelt memories and reflections from this powerful journey in a short birthday video you won’t want to miss. 👇🎥
🙌 From advocating for equitable care to empowering nurses and uplifting lives — every step has been possible because of you.
💬 We want to hear from YOU!
Whether you`re an ostomate, nurse, or supplier, drop a comment and share your favorite SASS memory, milestone, or moment that made a difference. Let`s fill this post with gratitude, connection, and community spirit. 💬👇
#SASSturns5 #OstomyStrong #StrongerTogether #SASSCommunity #OstomyAwareness #StomaCare #NurseSupport #OstomatesUnite #SouthAfricaCares #5yearsofimpact
🎉 SASS Turns 5! 🎉
This year, we celebrate five incredible years of building a stronger, more united community for ostomates across South Africa. 💙
Join us as Heather White, Co-Founder of SASS, shares her heartfelt memories and reflections from this powerful journey in a short birthday video you won’t want to miss. 👇🎥
🙌 From advocating for equitable care to empowering nurses and uplifting lives — every step has been possible because of you.
💬 We want to hear from YOU!
Whether you`re an ostomate, nurse, or supplier, drop a comment and share your favorite SASS memory, milestone, or moment that made a difference. Let`s fill this post with gratitude, connection, and community spirit. 💬👇
#SASSturns5 #OstomyStrong #StrongerTogether #SASSCommunity #OstomyAwareness #StomaCare #NurseSupport #OstomatesUnite #SouthAfricaCares #5yearsofimpact
SASS Blog
What has been happening at SASS
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Colorectal or colon cancer is among the top three cancers for both men and women in South Africa with 1 in 77 males and 1 in 132 females diagnosed according to the National Cancer Register (2019). There is evidence of many younger individuals being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. It’s the second most common cancer in […]
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