National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities

22/10/2025

Team lunch in Durban! Bhekani, Nokubonga, Shaakira and Abi meeting with Casual Day retailers and government to talk about future plans.

22/10/2025

Participation Call

RUN. WALK. MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Looking for a fun way to spend your Saturday morning in November? We've got the perfect plan!

Join us for the Nappy Run 2025 at the beautiful Johannesburg Zoo! 🦓🦒

Here's what you need to know:
📅 Date: 1 November 2025
⏰ Time: Kick-off at 07h00
📍 Place: JHB Zoo
🎟️ Cost: Adults R100 | Kids U14 R60 | Babies FREE

This is MORE than just a fun run:
💙 It's a celebration of inclusion
💙 It's support for children with disabilities
💙 It's a chance to show you CARE
💙 It's a morning you'll never forget!

Imagine: Fresh morning air, beautiful zoo setting, amazing people, and the knowledge that you're making a real impact!

FITNESS LEVEL? Doesn't matter! Run if you want, walk if you prefer, stroll with your little ones – it's ALL good! Everyone is welcome!

🎫 Get your tickets at Quicket (link in comments)
BONUS: You get to explore the zoo while doing good! Win-win!
🦁

Who's ready to join us? Comment "I'M IN!" below! 👇

And don't forget to share your pics on the day with ! We want to see ALL your smiling faces!

Let's make this the BEST Nappy Run yet! See you there, legends!



Western Cape Association of and for Persons with Disabilities RSG Western Cape Association of and for Persons with Disabilities Therina Wentzel Association of and for Persons with Disabilities FS - APD FS Helen Bishop Orthopaedic After-Care Home Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities

22/10/2025

Celebrating a Beautiful Life: Dorothy-Anne Howitson

Our hearts are heavy as we say goodbye to Dorothy-Anne Howitson, an extraordinary woman whose courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to disability rights touched countless lives across South Africa and beyond.

Dorothy-Anne survived polio as a child, and instead of letting this define her limitations, she transformed it into her life's mission. She became a powerful voice for polio survivors, working with doctors to educate the world about post-polio syndrome, and partnering with the African Rotary network for many years to help eradicate polio across Africa – efforts that contributed to Africa being certified polio-free in 2020.

As Chairman of the Association of and for Persons with Disabilities in Northern Cape, a member of the Federal Council on Disability, and a representative at international forums, Dorothy-Anne fearlessly advocated for the rights of persons with disabilities. The media loved her bold spirit, and her fellow board members treasured her wisdom and respect.

Beyond her activism, she had a beautiful soul – loving horses, excelling at handwork, and always keeping her team energized with her infectious enthusiasm. She was excellent with Casual Day initiatives and brought joy to every space she entered.

Dorothy-Anne represented the Northern Cape nationally for many years and served actively on the Francis Baard executive board until just last week. Her strength, grace, and determination will forever inspire us.

Memorial Service Details:
📅 Saturday, November 1, 2025
🕐 11:00 AM
📍 Kimberley Newton NG Kerk
📡 Live stream link to follow

"A beautiful woman in all respects whose amazing contribution leaves us with not just a rich legacy, but so much to continue building upon."

We will miss you dearly, Dorothy-Anne. 💔

Rest in power. Your legacy lives on.

Brunhild Strauss Western Cape Association of and for Persons with Disabilities Therina Wentzel Helen Bishop Orthopaedic After-Care Home Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Helen Bishop Orthopaedic After-Care Home

21/10/2025

Today, our hearts are heavy as we share the devastating news of the loss of Martin Mvulane, a beloved soul who touched countless lives and transformed our NCPD family forever.

Martin wasn't just a colleague – he was the heartbeat of our organization, a beacon of hope, and a true friend to all who knew him.

For 19 years, Martin poured his passion into transforming organizations like Unilever, South African Breweries, and Tiger Brands. But more importantly, he transformed lives. He saw potential where others saw problems. He found opportunities where others found obstacles. He believed deeply that every single person has unique strengths just waiting to shine.

Therina Wentzel shares: "Martin had this gift of walking into a room and making everyone feel like they belonged. I can't count the times he stayed late – not for paperwork, but to mentor someone struggling, to listen to a colleague's worries, or just to brainstorm ways to help the team. His door was always open, and behind it, you found not just a boss, but a friend who genuinely cared about your dreams."

Abidah Hersie remembers with a heavy heart: "Martin knew everyone's story – your kids' names, your hopes, your fears. He celebrated not just our big wins, but the small victories too. When you finally spoke up in that meeting, when you mastered that new skill, when you overcame that personal challenge – Martin noticed. He had this notebook where he'd write down these moments, and months later, he'd remind you how far you'd come. That's who we lost – someone who made us all feel seen, valued, and capable of greatness."

There was this one time when we faced a tough restructuring. While others looked at spreadsheets, Martin looked at people. He met with every single affected person, listened to their fears, and worked tirelessly to find solutions that protected both the organization AND people's dignity. That was Martin – always reminding us that behind every decision are real people with real families.

At NCPD, Martin championed our mission of inclusion with his whole heart. He didn't just talk about empowering persons with disabilities – he lived it, breathed it, and made sure everyone's voice was heard and valued.

To Martin's precious family: We wrap you in our love and prayers during this unbearable time. Please know that Martin was deeply loved by his NCPD family, and we are here for you, always.

To everyone whose life Martin touched: Let's honour his memory by continuing his legacy – seeing potential in others, celebrating small victories, and remembering that behind every job title is a human being with dreams worth nurturing.

The entire NCPD staff component will miss you so dearly, Martin. We have lost a champion of human potential, a guardian of dreams, and a beautiful soul who made this world infinitely better.

Rest in eternal peace, our friend, our mentor, our champion. Until we meet again... 🕊️❤️

May your soul rest in peace! 🙏



Western Cape Association of and for Persons with Disabilities Association of and for Persons with Disabilities FS - APD FS Helen Bishop Orthopaedic After-Care Home @

21/10/2025

NOTHING ABOUT US, WITHOUT US" - Dr. Zukiswa Nzo's Message at C20 South Africa

Yesterday at the C20 meeting in Sandton, disability rights champion Dr. Zukiswa Nzo delivered a speech we all need to hear.

Who is Dr. Nzo?
A wheelchair-using activist, researcher, and advocate. She's a Mandela Washington Fellow, served on the Presidential Working Group on Disability, and is a Gold Award winner for social transformation. She holds a Master's from Japan and a PhD in Social Governance.

What she said:
🔸 The Reality Gap
"Every time I roll past a staircase without a ramp, I'm reminded that policy is not the same as practice."
Her research tells stories that are evidence: rural women who read with magnifiers because Braille came too late. Blind women selling perfume door-to-door because formal jobs won't hire them.

🔸 Digital Transformation Can Exclude
"Digital transformation without accessibility is simply a new form of exclusion, just wearing a modern name."

As South Africa leads the G20 in 2025, she's calling for:
✅ Technology that speaks to those who can't see
✅ Websites everyone can navigate
✅ Accessibility requirements in government procurement
✅ AI that doesn't discriminate

🔸 Intersectionality is Real
"I stand before you as a black person, as a woman, as a wheelchair user. These identities don't take turns. Sexism, racism, and ableism often sit at the same table. And guess what? They're all eating well."
But here's the hope: "When we design for those at the margins, EVERYONE benefits!"

🔸 Recognise the D20
Dr. Nzo urgently called for the G20 to formally recognize the D20 (Disability-20) as an official engagement group. The D20 has worked tirelessly to ensure disability is central to global discussions—not just mentioned.

Her Challenge:
"The measure of progress will not be the size of our GDP, but the breadth of our humanity. Let this summit be remembered for the barriers we BROKE."

She closed with the powerful words: "NOTHING ABOUT US, WITHOUT US"

This matters because 1 billion people worldwide have disabilities. When global decisions are made, their voices MUST be at the table—leading the conversation, not following it.

📅 C20 South Africa Day 1 | October 21, 2025 | Sandton

Finalizing policies ahead of the November G20 Summit

Event Link: https://youtu.be/bOxOqjEXK9Q



Western Cape Association of and for Persons with Disabilities Association of and for Persons with Disabilities FS - APD FS Therina Wentzel Helen Bishop Orthopaedic After-Care Home Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities G20 South Africa @

21/10/2025

As we focus on transport this month, let us not forget that individuals who have hearing loss are also entitled to drive. Communication with all members of the public is an important part of civil service, but sadly, traffic authorities are seldom accessible to those who don't use SA Sign Language. This makes obtaining their learner's and driver's licence extremely difficult, as well as annual licence renewals.

Government departments and municipalities are welcome to contact us at michele@ncpd.org.za to find out more about ways in which to include people who have hearing impairments.

21/10/2025

Transport Month 2025: Making Movement a Right, Not a Privilege

Imagine not being able to get to work, visit family, or access healthcare simply because transport systems weren't designed with you in mind. For many persons with disabilities, this is a daily reality.

Accessible transport isn't just about ramps and lifts—it's about freedom, independence, and the dignity to live life on your own terms.

Danie Marais from the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) shares a powerful message about why accessible buses, modified vehicles, and inclusive urban design matter so much—and why we all have a role to play in making transport truly inclusive.

Watch the video and let's keep the conversation going about building a South Africa where no one is left behind:
https://youtube.com/shorts/-H-KD-KEhOM?feature=share

Together, we can create barrier-free transport for all. 🇿🇦



Epiroc Western Cape Association of and for Persons with Disabilities Association of and for Persons with Disabilities FS - APD FS Helen Bishop Orthopaedic After-Care Home Therina Wentzel Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities

For persons with disabilities, access to reliable and inclusive transport isn’t just about getting from one place to another; it’s about independence, dignit...

21/10/2025

🚍 Transport Month 2025 | Voices of Inclusion in Motion

Accessible transport is more than convenience; it’s freedom, dignity, and equal participation for persons with disabilities.

In this powerful video, Fanie from NCPD, share their personal experiences using different modes of public transport, from Uber, buses and taxis.

🎥 Watch their journeys and join the movement toward a barrier-free South Africa, because transport inclusion means freedom for everyone.
Youtube link: https://youtube.com/shorts/w0hAKLrYh7w?feature=share

゚

21/10/2025

Thank You, Eskort!

To our proud Casual Day retail partner, Eskort, the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) extends a heartfelt THANK YOU to Eskort 💙

Eskort’s incredible support of the Helen Bishop Orthopaedic After Care Home through the funds raised in Eskort’s stores during the 2024 Casual Day “I See You” campaign is making a real difference!
Every child deserves a future – even those who cannot speak for themselves. Your contribution helps restore dignity, improve mobility, and offer comfort where it’s needed most.

Thank you, Eskort, for seeing, supporting, and standing with children with disabilities. ゚

20/10/2025

CALLING ALL ORGANIZATIONS WHO WANT TO MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE!

We're looking for amazing partners to join us for the Nappy Run 2025!

If your organization believes in:
✨ Creating an inclusive South Africa
✨ Supporting children with disabilities
✨ Building stronger communities
✨ Making a lasting impact
..then we want to hear from YOU!

📅 When: Saturday, 1 November 2025 📍 Where: Johannesburg Zoo ⏰ Time: From 07h00

As our partner, you'll be part of something truly special – a movement that celebrates every child's right to dignity and inclusion. Together, we can create opportunities, change mindsets, and build a better future!

Partnership opportunities available for:
• Corporate organizations
• Small businesses
• Community groups
• Media partners

Interested? Send us a message or comment below and let's chat about how we can work together!

Email: danie@ncpd.org.za

Tag an organization that should see this!



Western Cape Association of and for Persons with Disabilities Association of and for Persons with Disabilities FS - APD FS Helen Bishop Orthopaedic After-Care Home Therina Wentzel Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Epiroc Checkers Dis-Chem Pharmacies Clicks Alpha Pharm Nappy Run 2025 Deloitte Sanlam SABC Sport aQuellé

17/10/2025

🎉 Did you know? You can grab your Nappy Run tickets now on Quicket!
Join us for a fun-filled day at the Johannesburg Zoo and help raise awareness for children with disabilities. 💛

🎟️ Get your tickets here: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/319414-nappy-fun-run-at-the-johannesburg-zoo-2025/ #/

17/10/2025

Participation Call - Post 1 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ IT'S TIME TO GET MOVING!

The Nappy Run 2025 is HAPPENING, and we want YOU there!

📅 WHEN: Saturday, 1 November 2025 ⏰ TIME: From 07h00 📍 WHERE: Johannesburg Zoo 🦁

Bring your family, bring your friends, bring your ENERGY! This is going to be an amazing morning of fun, fitness, and making a difference!

TICKETS:
• Adults: R100
• Kids under 14: R60
• Babies under 3yrs: FREE!

This isn't just any fun run – every step you take supports NCPD's work with children with disabilities. You'll be running for dignity, for inclusion, for CHANGE!

Whether you're a serious runner or just want to walk and enjoy the zoo – ALL are welcome! This is about community, connection, and compassion!

BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/319414-nappy-fun-run-at-the-johannesburg-zoo-2025/ #/

Don't forget to take LOTS of pics and share them with !

WHO'S COMING? Drop a 🙋 in the comments! And tag your running buddies! 👇
See you there! Let's make this EPIC!