Uhambo Foundation

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Shonaquip is recognised by the World Economic Forum and the Schwab Foundation as drivers of change in the responsible and sustainable provision of wheelchairs services in Southern Africa.

Approximately 52 million people are affected worldwide with disabilities. Most live in developing and under-resourced countries like South Africa. People with disabilities face constant challenges regarding access to health and rehabilitation services, education, and employment. Shona, the founder and director of Shonaquip (a social enterprise established in 1992 that designs, manufactures and distributes user and environmentally -appropriate wheelchairs and postural support equipment in South Africa) recently started the Uhambo Foundation.

The Uhambo Foundation is developing a sustainable distribution model for safe, appropriate wheelchair provision to enhance the quality of life of young wheelchair users in less-resourced settings. By providing appropriately-designed wheelchair and on-site clinical support services, secondary health complications are reduced, thus decreasing the need for and cost of hospitalisation and rehabilitation.

Wheelchairs and support services are urgently needed in rural and semi-rural areas of Southern Africa where services are not available. Funding is being sought for:
• Fully adjustable, user appropriate posture support wheelchairs for children
• Pressure relieving wheelchair cushions
• Clinical services and support (assessment, fitting and modifications to devices)
• Training for wheelchair users, their caregivers, rehabilitation workers and other stakeholders
• Training to set up community-based sustainable maintenance and repair workshops
• Skills development for people with disabilities

“Uhambo” means opportunity and journey in several South African languages. The Foundation aims to empower people with disabilities by creating an opportunity for greater mobility, independence, inclusion and freedom of choice.