Skills Village Radio is run by persons with disabilities. The National Disability Rights Awareness Month provides an opportunity to focus on promoting awareness, inclusion, and the rights of persons with disabilities.
The Disability Rights Awareness Month is an opportunity to highlight disability innovation
South Africans with disabilities face profound social and economic barriers. Today, South Africa’s national disability prevalence rate stands at 7.5%, and more than 90% of persons with disabilities who are eligible for work remain unemployed, an issue even more acute in rural areas.
The National Disability Rights Awareness Month, from November 3rd to December 3rd, 2025, provides an opportunity to focus on promoting awareness, inclusion, and the rights of people with disabilities.
Crucial to promoting inclusion for persons with disabilities is supporting entrepreneurs who are either disabled themselves or who create empowerment opportunities for persons with disabilities – or both.
Three stand-out disability empowerment entrepreneurs emerged as winners at the recent SAB Foundation’s Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards 2025 for the work they are doing to boost inclusion for people living with disabilities.
SA’s first locally produced, affordable white canes
Teboho Lehasa and Roedolph Britz of Blind SA, both living with sight impairments themselves, have pioneered SA’s first locally manufactured folding and rigid cane.
Previously, these essential tools were imported at high cost. By establishing in-country manufacturing by blind and partially sighted persons, Teboho and Roedolph have made canes more affordable and accessible, so more blind and partially sighted people can get the mobility support they need.
And the impact goes beyond cost; it restores dignity and a sense of independence. Greater access to reliable canes enables users to move through their communities with confidence, opening up opportunities in education, work, and social life.
Blind SA’s White Cane was awarded the winning accolade in the disability empowerment category at the SAB Foundation’s 2025 Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards.
All-terrain mobility for rural communities
Martin Brown’s Dassie X is a South African–designed, all-terrain power wheelchair built for the realities of rural life.
As a C4 quadriplegic himself, paralysed from the neck down, Martin drew on his own experiences of struggling to find a suitable wheelchair. With dual 350-watt motors, rugged wheels, and the ability to climb steep inclines, the rural area power wheelchair provides reliable mobility where conventional wheelchairs cannot.
By enabling users to travel on gravel roads, grass, and uneven ground, the Dassie X restores independence and freedom of movement. It allows people with disabilities in underserved areas to engage more fully in community life, improving dignity, safety, and social inclusion.
Martin was awarded second place in the disability empowerment category at the SAB Foundation’s 2025 Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards.
Disability-oriented radio station
Princess Thembisile Sibanda and Tebogo Aubrey Poopedi of Skills Village Radio have pioneered the media sector by creating radio content by and for persons with disabilities.
Broadcasting in accessible formats, Skills Village Radio provides news, education, entertainment, and advocacy programmes that reflect the experiences and needs of its audience.
The station also offers training and opportunities for people with disabilities to work as presenters, producers, and journalists, equipping them with media skills while ensuring authentic representation on air.
Having lost his sight at the age of 14, Tebogo believes the platform addresses the lack of representation in mainstream media and breaks down social barriers by amplifying diverse voices.
Skills Village Radio was awarded third place in the disability empowerment category at the SAB Foundation’s 2025 Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards.
Supporting entrepreneurs who are changing lives
The Social Innovation and Disability Empowerment Awards recognise and support entrepreneurs who are developing solutions to pressing social challenges and improving the lives of people with disabilities.
In total, more than R18.5 million in grant funding was awarded to this year’s winners, alongside access to much-needed mentorship, training, and networks of funders and industry experts.
The finalists and winners are turning bold ideas into sustainable businesses that change lives. With tailored support, funding and networks, entrepreneurs can strengthen their solutions, reach more people and grow their impact across South Africa. These small businesses are proof that when we invest in local talent, we unlock innovation that uplifts communities and strengthens our country for generations to come.
