National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities

20/02/2026

"From my desk to yours — I have some wonderful news to share!

It brings me so much joy to announce the promotions of two people who mean a great deal to our NCPD team.

Fanie Swanepoel moves into his new role as Disability Inclusion Manager, and Dylan Mashele takes on the position of Radio and TV Relations Manager.

These two have given so much of themselves to this work and to the people we serve. Fanie, Dylan — I am proud of you both, and I speak for the whole team when I say this promotion is thoroughly deserved. Here's to everything you are going to continue building.

— Therina Wentzel, National Executive Director



Therina Wentzel-du Toit APD Nelson Mandela Bay Jo-Dolphin Swartland APD Drakenstein Association for Persons with Disabilities - APD Breede Valley APD Association of and for Persons with Disabilities FS - APD FS

20/02/2026

Food That Changes Lives

Beautiful news from across South Africa! Thanks to Genesis Nutritional Products, Laeveld Agrochem, and OUTsurance, persons with disabilities in our care centres are thriving!

From Kopano Workshop to Helen Bishop Home, from Springbok to the Eastern Cape - we're seeing incredible transformations:
🌟 Children gaining weight and growing stronger
🌟 Better energy for play and learning
🌟 Fewer illnesses and faster recovery
🌟 Happier, more engaged beneficiaries

The Genesis meals have been especially critical after recent floods damaged vegetable gardens at several centres. For facilities still recovering from Covid-19 impacts and facing delayed government subsidies, these nutritious meals are truly lifesaving.

Watch our stories to see the joy on children's faces as they enjoy their Genesis meals!

Thank you to everyone making this possible. Your support means the world to persons with disabilities across SA.

https://youtu.be/74oUC0Ghyc4



Association of and for Persons with Disabilities FS - APD FS APD Nelson Mandela Bay Drakenstein Association for Persons with Disabilities - APD Jo-Dolphin Swartland APD Breede Valley APD Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Therina Wentzel-du Toit

20/02/2026

This Sunday's episode of Leefwêreld van die Gestremde on RSG is a little different… Fanie du Toit 's guest will answer listener questions on , selection of suitable , the appointment of a or assistant for the workplace.

ID: A branded image showing a MyCiti adapted vehicle with the hoist deployed from the side of the vehicle, and text "Leefwereld van die Gestremde Sundays 11H00

19/02/2026

World Hearing Day is an awareness day instituted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to create awareness of the importance of ear and hearing care.
This year's theme is "From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all children" which focuses on preventing avoidable childhood hearing loss & providing early detection & care.

19/02/2026

WHAT. A. WEEK!

NCPD made waves at the 2026 Midmar Mile — literally! Our incredible team of champions took to the water at Midmar Dam to swim for inclusion and raise funds for persons with disabilities across South Africa.

The highlights:
🥇 Terence Parkin (Olympic silver medallist & Deaflympics legend) swam 32 MILES
🥇 Reino von Wielligh completed his 21st consecutive Midmar Mile — also 32 miles!
🥇 Adri Ilaine Visser (Paralympian) smashed her personal best by 7 minutes on her 12th Midmar Mile
🥇 14-year-old Connor Crutchley, who had head surgery as an infant, swam 8 miles
🥇 Swimmers came from Eswatini to join the cause!

They did the hard part. Now it’s your turn.

The fundraiser closes 31 March 2026. Whether it’s R50 or R5000, every rand goes directly to creating access, inclusion, and opportunity.

👉 DONATE: www.givengain.com/event/2026-charity-8-mile-challenge-ncpd
📰 Read the full story: ncpd.org.za/ncpd-makes-waves-at-the-2026-midmar-mile-champions-swim-for-inclusion/

Share this post. Tag someone who should see it. Help us keep going. ❤️



Therina Wentzel-du Toit Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities AQuelle Midmar Mile 2026 Midmar Mile aQuellé Drakenstein Association for Persons with Disabilities - APD Jo-Dolphin Swartland APD KZN Tourism & Film - Visit KZN

15/02/2026

South Africa's FIRST Braille Beach Signage - A Historic Moment!

We are incredibly proud to have partnered on this groundbreaking project unveiled at Blaauwberg Nature Reserve on 11 February 2026!

For the first time, blind and partially-sighted South Africans can independently explore and learn about our beautiful coastline through tactile Braille signage, raised lettering, and QR code audio descriptions.

Minister Willie Aucamp reminded us: "Close your eyes and try to read the sign; that is what exclusion feels like."

This project is changing that reality.

Our Amazing Partners:
🤝 WESSA - Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa
🤝 Nedbank
🤝 Blind SA
🤝 City of Cape Town
🤝 Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
🤝 Ford Wildlife Foundation

This initiative shows what's possible when we work together to make South Africa's natural heritage accessible to ALL citizens, regardless of ability.

Learn more about this inspiring project: https://novanews.co.za/sas-first-braille-beach-signage-unveiled-at-blaauwberg-nature-reserve/



Therina Wentzel-du Toit Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities APD Nelson Mandela Bay

New tactile signage with Braille, raised text and audio QR codes enables blind and partially sighted visitors to explore the beach independently.

15/02/2026

Gun Violence: The Conversation We're Not Having

Our Researcher and Advocacy Strategist, Dr. Siva Moodley, attended the WHO Action on Firearm Violence launch on 10 February, and the message was crystal clear: we can no longer treat gun violence as someone else's problem.

Here's what struck us most:
📊 Despite devastating data from countries like Brazil and South Africa, there's still NO specific WHO resolution addressing firearm deaths. How is this possible?
💔 We talk about the people we've lost, but what about the survivors? Thousands are left with permanent disabilities, facing:

-Lost livelihoods
-Family income instability
-Lifetime dependency on disability grants
-The crushing cost of wheelchairs, prostheses, and assistive devices

Our prisons are "bursting at the seams"—filled with perpetrators, yet we're only treating the symptoms, not the cause.

During the Q&A, Dr. Moodley raised these critical points: If we don't shift from reactive to PROACTIVE measures, we'll always be playing catch-up.

The truth? Firearm violence IS a public health emergency. It's time our governments treated it that way.

Let's keep this conversation going. Read more about NCPD's involvement in this global coalition: https://ncpd.org.za/ncpd-joins-global-coalition-calling-on-who-to-treat-gun-violence-as-a-public-health-emergency/



GUN FREE SOUTH AFRICA (GFSA) Therina Wentzel-du Toit Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Department of Social Development

National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities partners with nearly 100 organisations from 30+ countries in landmark campaign for WHO action on firearm violence Johannesburg, 10 February 2026 – The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) today confirmed its participatio...

14/02/2026

If you're looking for a romantic evening for you and your loved one, don't forget that Shakespeare's Twelfth Night is still showing at the Maynardville Open-Air Festival in Cape Town.
Patrons with hearing impairments will be able to make use of the induction loop system installed to ensure that everyone can enjoy the Bard at his best - under the stars! And to top it all, they are offering 50% discounted tickets for hearing impaired/deaf patrons, as well as friends and family attending with them!

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀
Please do not book via Quicket. All accessible bookings must be made directly with the organisers. Hearing impaired/deaf patrons to WhatsApp +27 69 792 6020 (Jeff – Box Office)

Fanie du Toit Michele Tonks Western Cape Association of and for Persons with Disabilities
ID: promotional poster showing the international sign for accessibility.

14/02/2026

Love is universal, and dignity is the language we all share.This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate inclusion, compassion, and the bonds that make us stronger together.

13/02/2026

Michele and Candice were honoured to attend the unveiling of South Africa’s very first braille information beach signage 🌊. This milestone marks a powerful step toward creating inclusive coastal experiences for blind and partially sighted visitors. Proud to witness accessibility and dignity being built into our shared spaces!

13/02/2026

Celebrating partnership and impact. Lehlohonolo and Abi stands with Chanelle Willmot at Silverstar Casino during the handover of a trophy and certificate in recognition of Silverstar Casino’s valued sponsorship and continued support of the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD).

Silverstar Casino’s commitment has contributed to expanding awareness, strengthening engagement, and generating vital support for persons with disabilities. We extend our biggest thank you for their meaningful contribution and shared dedication to inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities

13/02/2026

Fanie du Toit continues his discussion with EditMicrosystems on the various assistive devices available for persons with disabilities, and the role they play in skills development of the individual.

Remember to tune in to RSG on Sunday at 11H00!
Editmicro @

ID: A branded image showing a young man wearing a black peak cap with a head- and mouth-set. He is wearing a checked shirt and seated in a wheelchair, and text "Leefwereld van die Gestremde Sundays 11H00