The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) celebrated 85-years of its existence. The celebration was hosted and sponsored by Investec, an NCPD sponsor, and was held at Investec offices in Sandton on 17 October 2024. The organisation’s partners, who have supported them throughout the years, were also in attendance. Chairperson of the Board, Alex Msitshana, said the celebration was not only the 85-years legacy of creating an impact and empowering persons with disabilities, but also a celebration of the remarkable partnerships that the organisation has made. ‘Today we gather as a community that has come together over the years and more recently to support the lives of persons with disabilities. Whether you have been with us for decades or you have just joined hands with us, your presence here is a testament to the belief that we all share the notion, that inclusion, equity and dignity are not just words but actions we live by,’ Ms Msitshana said.
Ms Msitshana added that the NCPD would like to thank its partners. She said the NCPD owes so much of their success to their unwavering support. ‘You have walked this path with us, each of you in your unique way. From law firms to retailer outlets, to media platforms, pharmacies, toy stores and so many others. Your belief in our work, your dedication to creating a more inclusive society and your contribution, whether financial, in kind or through advocacy have been instrumental in shaping the lives of persons with disabilities in South Africa. Our story is really your story,’ Ms Msitshana said.
Head of CSI at Investec, Setlogane Manchidi, spoke at the NCDP 85 years celebration held on 17 October 2024.
The Head of Corporate Social Investments at Investec, Setlogane Manchidi, gave the partnership address at the celebration. Mr Manchidi said the celebration was a celebration of inclusion, a celebration of possibility, a celebration of ability and a celebration of humanity. ‘It is quite an honour for us as Investec to have partnered with NCPD. As confirmation of the significance of the [non-profit organisations (NPO)] sector, particularly in a country such as ours, so challenged by many different things, and all that you do as the NPO sector. You are the first line of defence when all else fails.’
Mr Manchidi added that Investec is very grateful to have partnered with the NCPD in that first line of defence. ‘And today we are here to thank all the other people who have championed the course. Who have been true cheerleaders. Who have supported you every step of the way. To all of you who stood here today. Thank you for the leadership that you have shown,’ Mr Manchidi said.
Chairperson of the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities, Alex Msitshana with National Director of Chairperson of the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities, Therina Wentzel at the NCPD 85 years celebration.
The NCPD’s National Director, Therina Wentzel, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the celebration for the work that she has done for the organisation over many years. The event also featured personal storytelling by some of the partners of the NCPD, poetry and a music performance.
The event was closed by one of the Board Members of the NCPD, who is also a father to a daughter living with severe disability, Dr Vincent Maphai. Dr Maphai in closing said that the attendees of the celebration were all brought together by their shared love and concern for a section of the community and country, that is very important. He shared that being a father of a child living with a disability has taught him and his family to worry about things that matter, such as food and security. He added that everything society is doing is good, such as supporting persons with disabilities. However, he stressed that society should also do what it fails to do, which is to learn from people with disabilities.
Kgomotso Ramotsho Cert Journ (Boston) Cert Photography (Vega) is the news reporter at De Rebus.
