In the Media, Tribute
In Loving Memory: Dorothy-Anne Howitson, Champion of Disability Rights and Polio Eradication Advocate
Oct
Northern Cape, South Africa – It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dorothy-Anne Howitson, a tireless advocate for persons with disabilities and a pioneering voice in the fight against polio. Dorothy-Anne’s life was a testament to the power of resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to social justice.
Having survived polio as a child, Dorothy-Anne transformed her personal experience with disability into a lifelong mission to improve the lives of others. She understood firsthand the challenges faced by polio survivors, and rather than let those challenges define her, she became a defining force in raising awareness about post-polio syndrome—a poorly understood condition that causes symptoms to return years after initial recovery.
Working alongside two dedicated medical doctors, Dorothy-Anne devoted her youth to educating both the medical community and polio survivors about the dangers and proper management of post-polio syndrome. Her advocacy helped countless individuals understand and navigate this complex condition, bringing much-needed attention to an often-overlooked aspect of polio’s long-term impact.
Dorothy-Anne’s vision extended far beyond South Africa’s borders. As a young adult, she partnered with the African Rotary network to support polio eradication efforts across the African continent. For many years, she worked tirelessly on this critical mission, contributing to the remarkable progress that led to Africa being certified as free of wild poliovirus by the WHO in 2020. Her dedication to protecting future generations from the disease that had affected her own life exemplified her selfless spirit and forward-thinking approach to public health.
Within South Africa’s disability sector, Dorothy-Anne was a household name—a fearless activist known at local, provincial, and national levels. She served with distinction on numerous structures, including the Federal Council on Disability. As Chairman of the Association of and for Persons with Disabilities in the Northern Cape, she represented the province nationally for many years, ensuring that the voices of persons with disabilities in her region were heard at the highest levels.
Until just last week, Dorothy-Anne remained an active and valued member of the Francis Baard executive board. Her service as an NCPD executive board member and later as an advisory board member was marked by her special dedication to protecting staff members who often work under difficult circumstances. She was the kind of team player every organisation dreams of—always commanding the utmost attention and respect from fellow board members through her wisdom, integrity, and collaborative spirit.
The media loved Dorothy-Anne for her bold, unapologetic advocacy for disability rights. She represented the NCPD internationally at various world congresses and platforms, bringing South Africa’s perspective to global conversations about disability inclusion and human rights.
Beyond her advocacy work, Dorothy-Anne had a deep love for horses and excelled at beautiful handwork. She was known for her excellent work on Casual Day initiatives, always keeping her team energised and on their toes. Those who knew her remember a beautiful woman in every respect—her grace, her determination, her warmth, and her infectious enthusiasm for life.
Dorothy- Anne leaves behind not just a rich legacy, but so much for us to continue building upon. Her voice may be silenced, but her impact will echo through the countless lives she touched and the systems she helped change.
Memorial Service Details: Dorothy-Anne’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Kimberley Newton NG Kerk. The service will be live-streamed, with the link to be shared closer to the time.
We will miss her dearly.