Five NCPD Voices Echo Through Gauteng’s Story of Democracy and Disability Rights

When Adri Visser walked into the Hotel Sky in Sandton on 3 December, she carried with her more than just the anticipation of an event. She carried a lifetime of obstacles overcome, dreams reached for, and faith that refused to waver. Alongside four of her colleagues from the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities, Adri was about to see her story become part of something larger—a documented celebration of resilience that spans three decades of South Africa’s democracy.

The occasion was the launch of Unfolding the Untold Stories of Gauteng: Disability, Democracy and Human Dignity, an e-book initiative by the Gauteng Premier’s Office marking International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Among the powerful narratives selected from across the province, five belonged to people who work every day at NCPD, advocating for the very rights and dignity the e-book celebrates.

Lubabalo Mbeki, NCPD’s Work and Employment Officer, contributed to Chapter 2, where he shares his vision for the next 30 years of democracy. His dreams are not abstract policy positions—they are grounded in the daily realities he navigates and the barriers he works to dismantle for others seeking meaningful employment. Alongside him in that chapter, Dr. Hanri Kriel paints her own picture of a more inclusive and equitable future, one where accessibility is not an afterthought but a foundation.

In Chapter 3, Adri Visser’s personal milestones and achievements come alive through words she credits to her colleague Simon Manda, who captured her journey with care and authenticity. “It was such an honour to represent the National Council of and for Disabilities at the launch,” Adri reflected after the event. “My life story that was included in this e-book titled ‘Reflections: Adri Visser’ was beautifully captured and written. It reminds me of every obstacle that I have overcome in my life and what I have achieved by reaching for my dreams by believing in myself. I hope that my story will inspire others to do the same. Always Have Faith.”

That faith—the kind Adri speaks of—threads through each contribution. It is the same faith that drives everyday leadership, the focus of Chapter 4, where Esther Motlhabane tells the story of Dr. Zukiswa Nzo’s advocacy work. Esther received recognition on Dr. Nzo’s behalf, accepting the certificate that acknowledges not just accomplishments but the courage required to lead while navigating a society still learning to remove barriers.

Bhekani Ngcobo, NCPD’s Liaison Officer, was honoured in absentia for his contribution to Chapter 5, where he writes about embracing disability and identity. His story, like those of his colleagues, represents more than individual achievement—it documents a collective journey toward a society that recognises the dignity inherent in every person.

The selection process was not casual. On 28 and 30 October 2025, an editorial review panel comprising government officials working in disability rights and inclusion gathered to evaluate submissions. Each story was scored independently against standardised criteria assessing alignment with project themes, authenticity, and impact. That five NCPD staff members made it through that rigorous process speaks to both the quality of their storytelling and the depth of their lived experience.

At the launch event, each contributor received a certificate of recognition. The Directorate: Disability Rights in the Gauteng Premier’s Office, led by Zain Bulbulia, did not mince words in their congratulations: “Your submission was among those that truly embodied the spirit of empowerment, resilience and diversity that defines Gauteng’s disability community. Congratulations on this achievement, and thank you for sharing your lived experience with honesty and courage.”

Premier Panyaza Lesufi, in his foreword to the e-book, captured the dual nature of such a publication: “May this publication serve as both a celebration and a challenge—a celebration of how far we have come and a challenge to each of us to continue building a Gauteng that is truly inclusive, accessible and just for all.”

That challenge resonates particularly at NCPD, where these five staff members do not just tell stories of advocacy—they live them daily. Their inclusion in the e-book is not separate from their work; it’s an extension of it. Every policy they help shape, every barrier they work to remove, every person they support in accessing their rights—all of it connects to the larger narrative of South Africa’s 30-year journey with democracy.

The Gauteng Provincial Government’s initiative to document these untold stories recognises something fundamental: history is not complete when it records only what is visible from positions of power. The real story of democracy includes voices that have too often gone unheard, experiences that have been marginalised, and truths that challenge comfortable narratives about progress.

As the disability rights community continues its work, these five stories now exist as permanent markers—evidence of where we’ve been, reminders of how far we still need to go, and inspiration for everyone who needs to know that their story matters.

Access the eBook here: Unfolding the Untold Stories of Gauteng: Disability, Democracy and Human Dignity