- 1954: The association was originally established in 1954 to meet the needs of farm workers in teh Fish Hoek Kommetjie Noordhoek valley and surrounds, in order to address poverty, unemployment and lack of housing due to the re-zoning of farmland to residential land.
- 1970: The association identified a need for the care for both physically and intellectually challenged members of the community. A dilapidated building was identified and after funds were raised, the building was restored.
- 1982: A need was identified for a special care facility for children with special needs. An extension was added to the building to accommodate children with special needs in a part time day care facility.
- 1998: The association extended its services to the nearby informal settlement then identified as Site 5, later to become the township of Masiphumelele and employed a Xhosa speaking social worker who identified needs in that community.
- 2003: The social worker started a group for children with special needs that met twice a week. This group slowly increased in numbers and it was evident that the small venue used was totally inadequate. Land was then purchased with funding from the Desmond Tutu Educational Trust.
- 2006: the Association changed its focus from a generic service to only servicing people with a disability and their families and providing special care for children with special needs.
- 2007: In March, after three years of special project fund raising, the Sinethema Centre, meaning “we have hope”, was opened.
- 2009: Until recently 15 children with special needs attended Sinethemba Special Day Care Centre. Following the successful amalgamation of our Ocean View Special Care Centre with Sinethemba in February 2009 there are now 30 children.
