Meet Thomas Ngwana: Redefining Disability

Thomas Ngwana was born in the small town of Burgersfort, South Africa, with full abilities.?However, a teenage incident led to him using a wheelchair for mobility, forever altering his perspective on life. This event, however, did not deter his ambitions. It was merely the beginning of a journey marked by resilience, innovation, and a passion for advocacy.?

?“After the injury, I had to adjust to life in a wheelchair. It was not easy. After high school, I moved to Pretoria, the bustling capital of South Africa, where I pursued a degree in Operations Management. It was during these university years that my entrepreneurial spirit took root. From running a tuck shop out of my dorm room to launching an LP Gas supply business, I navigated the highs and lows of entrepreneurship,” he reminisces, revealing that although the gas supply business eventually faltered due to poor management, the experience was invaluable, laying the groundwork for future endeavors.?

His personal struggles with inaccessible public spaces and transportation sparked a passion for advocacy. As he campaigned for accessible campus transportation, he realized the power of collective action. This fight was no longer just about his challenges; it was about creating a world where everyone, regardless of ability, could thrive.?

“Living with a disability in a world not designed for you is like being a constant problem-solver,” Thomas shares. ?

It was while participating in GrowthWheel South Africa ’s Apprenticeship program that he noticed a glaring absence in the ecosystem—no incubator or accelerator focused on entrepreneurs with disabilities. This realization spurred him and his team to dive deep into the challenges faced by disabled entrepreneurs, uncovering a disheartening trend: many businesses started by persons with disabilities were failing, not due to lack of talent or drive, but because of inadequate support systems.?

Thus, he founded the nXtABLED Entrepreneurship Centre with a mission?to rewrite the narrative of disability in the business world, proving that with the right support, disabled entrepreneurs can be a powerful force in the mainstream economy.?

“We envisioned a space where entrepreneurs with disabilities could not only survive but thrive,” he explains.?

Winning the Inclusive Africa Icon Award during the Inclusive Africa Conference 2024 and being honored as a News24 South Africa Young Mandela in the Social Justice category were significant milestones in his advocacy journey. These awards validated the work they do, inspiring young entrepreneurs with disabilities to realize that their dreams are valid and their efforts recognized.?

At nXtABLED, the focus is on equipping entrepreneurs with both high-tech tools and high-touch support. The crown jewel of their offerings is GrowthWheel, an online business planning tool that acts as a GPS for entrepreneurial journeys. However, what truly sets nXtABLED apart is their unwavering commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that at least 15% of beneficiaries in every project are people with disabilities.???

“But the challenges facing people with disabilities in Africa, particularly youth, are vast. Education and employment remain significant barriers. The unemployment rate for persons with disabilities is staggeringly high, not because of a lack of ability, but because of deeply entrenched stigma and misconceptions,” he emphasizes.?

Through specific advocacy campaigns and their collaboration with Seriti Institute (NPC) on a Solar Energy Grant program, nXtABLED is fighting to ensure that persons with disabilities are not just included but are active participants in creating their own economic opportunities.?

Looking to the future, he envisions boardrooms where wheelchairs are as common as swivel chairs, and where diverse perspectives shaped by different abilities lead to groundbreaking innovations.?

Technology, he believes, is at the forefront of empowering people with disabilities. “Adaptive technologies are turning disabilities into unique abilities, with innovations like AI-powered smart glasses and speech-to-text software breaking down barriers faster than they can be built,” he says.?

?To young individuals with disabilities aspiring to become entrepreneurs or advocates, he offers powerful advice: “Embrace your unique perspective. In a world of conformity, your different way of navigating life is your superpower. Build your own table if you must, and never let anyone else define what you’re capable of.”?

In his journey, he draws inspiration from individuals like Black Coffee, Bernard Chiira , and Nick Vujicic , who have overcome immense challenges to redefine their fields. These role models aren’t just inspirations; they are proof that persons with disabilities can lead and revolutionize various industries.?

His message to society is clear: “Disability is not a personal attribute but a mismatch between a person’s abilities and their environment. People with disabilities aren’t less capable; they’re differently capable. Given the right environment and opportunities, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.”?

In the end, he believes that creating a truly inclusive world isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do. ?

Written by Lily Ronoh-Waweru , Strategic Communications Specialist?