Honouring the NCPD Executive Leadership. From left; Dr Vincent Maphai, NCPD Patron, National Executive Director,Therina Wentzel, Board Chair, Alex Msitshana and Abidah Hersie (Ms Wentzel's Executive PA)
By Simon Manda
A landmark event honours partnerships and Leadership in Disability Advocacy
Johannesburg, October 17, 2024 Celebrating its 85th year of constant dedication to disability activism and inclusion in South Africa, the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) staged a major celebration. Key disability sector advocates, partners, and stakeholders gathered at the esteemed Investec offices in Sandton for the occasion.
The celebration of NCPD’s journey of impact over the previous eight and a half years underlined the organisation’s vital role in influencing policy, changing attitudes, and improving the lives of persons with disabilities all throughout the country.
Therina Wentzel, the Executive Director of NCPD, expressed great thanks in her speech for their ground staff and partners, stressing their great presence across South Africa via provincial offices and sub-branches. Following ABSA and EDCON’s past alliances, she observed a void for deadline sponsors and recognised significant business potential, including sponsorships and BEE points.
NCPD’s flagship fundraising effort, Casual Day, detailed the financial distribution of the organisation. Specifically, 49% of the funds were distributed to over 600 special schools, 12% to member organisations, 15% to economic empowerment projects, 2% to the Department of the Police and Defence Department’s disability units, and 15% to national programmes that concentrate assistive devices, rural development, youth affairs, and children’s initiatives. Additional financial support is given to national recipients, including the Federation for Mental Health.
Wentzel thanked persons with disabilities for their patience and direction, as well as for Ms. Alex Msitshana, the NCPD Board Chairperson’s leadership, and her involvement in the Presidential Task Team for Disability.
Wentzel underlined NCPD’s inclination for creating real one-on-one alliances instead of depending just on small donations and acknowledged the indispensable help of attorneys in their campaigning activities.
Wentzel was given the Lifetime Achievement Award for her creative leadership without any fanfare. Her direction has helped the organisation to negotiate difficult circumstances and enable NCPD to come out stronger and more focused on its purpose. Wentzel’s leadership has been crucial in the development of creative alliances and the carrying out of successful projects that have greatly advanced the rights and chances available to people with disabilities in South Africa.
Msitshana says Therina Wentzel’s commitment and discernment have been crucial in helping NCPD negotiate both rich and challenging times. “Her capacity to remain true to our basic goal while adjusting to changing surroundings is quite amazing.”
Delivering a passionate message of support on the value of continuous advocacy and inclusion, Dr. Vincent Maphai, the NCPD Patron and Chancellor of the Central University of Technology, drew lessons acquired from his personal journey through contacts with his adult daughter, who has special needs.
Setlogane Manchidi, Head of CSI for Investec, underlined the need for alliances in the quest for social transformation and the great cooperation between Investec and NCPD.
The celebration also included gripping first-hand accounts from people whose lives have been significantly changed by NCPD’s projects, therefore highlighting the organisation’s clear influence on local communities all throughout South Africa.
As it looks ahead, NCPD is reiterating its dedication to fostering inclusion, shattering stereotypes, and enabling people with disabilities to realise their greatest potential. Thanks to its 85 years of expertise and fresh vision, NCPD is positioned to keep its important advocacy, education, and support programmes active for decades to come.
