NCPD Mourns the Loss of Board Member and Champion of Human Potential, Martin Mvulane

Leading disability rights advocate remembered for his transformative leadership and unwavering belief in people

Johannesburg, South Africa — The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) announces with profound sadness the passing of Mr. Martin Mvulane, the organisation’s Board member and a passionate champion for disability inclusion and human development.

Martin’s death represents an immeasurable loss not only for NCPD but for the entire disability rights movement in South Africa. In the brief time he served on the Board, he had already begun making significant contributions, bringing his characteristic passion, humility, and sincere commitment to advancing disability inclusion.

“We have suffered a double blow as the NCPD family and as part of the broader disability rights movement,” said Therina Wentzel, NCPD National Executive Director. “Martin embodied dedication, compassion, and integrity in everything he did. His passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt within our organisation and far beyond.”

A Legacy Built on Human Potential

Martin Mvulane was more than a business leader—he was a believer in people. Throughout his distinguished 19-year career in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, Martin consistently demonstrated that organisational success stems from unlocking human potential. His expertise in programme management, building business capabilities, and driving customer excellence helped transform multiple organisations, including Unilever, SAB (South African Breweries), and Tiger Brands.

But what set Martin apart wasn’t just his technical prowess or strategic acumen—it was his profound understanding that behind every business transformation, every project delivery, and every organisational innovation, there were people whose strengths needed to be recognised, nurtured, and maximised.

As a certified Strengths-Based Development Practitioner, Martin studied people’s inherent abilities and taught them how to harness those strengths to succeed and live meaningful lives. This wasn’t just a professional skill—it was his calling, his way of changing lives one person at a time.

A Mentor Who Changed Lives

For Abidah Hersie, Martin’s former personal assistant, working with him was nothing short of transformative. “Mr. Martin was very dear to me,” she shared. “He believed in me before I believed in myself. He saw something in me that I didn’t even know was there.”

Their professional relationship exemplified Martin’s leadership philosophy. When Abidah began working with him, she quickly learned that his expectations were high—not because he was demanding, but because he genuinely saw potential in people that they often couldn’t see in themselves.

“He taught me that my mindset was a powerful tool to live up to my own expectations,” Abidah recalled. “It was challenging. Mr. Martin was an esteemed and stern leader, and becoming the person he believed I could be was not easy. But I saw that potential in myself, and he helped me rise to it.”

After each accomplishment, Martin would offer a simple but profound affirmation: “You’ve done well.” And then he would repeat it—”You’ve done well”—ensuring the praise sank in deeply enough to fuel the next challenge.

“What I learnt from Mr. Martin, I had never encountered in any of my previous studies,” Abidah said. “His leadership was transformative, his belief in people unwavering, and his legacy undeniable.”

A Vision for NCPD’s Future

Martin’s commitment to NCPD was both strategic and heartfelt. He shared ambitious dreams for the organisation, including celebrating NCPD’s 85th year and bringing fresh, innovative approaches to disability advocacy—from incorporating TikTok into outreach efforts to developing a podcast that would amplify voices within the disability community.

These weren’t just ideas; they were visions being actively pursued, each one reflecting Martin’s understanding that reaching people where they are—on the platforms they use, in the spaces they inhabit—was essential to creating truly inclusive societies.

A Man of Faith and Quiet Strength

Those who knew Martin speak of his deep faith, his humility, and the quiet strength with which he carried himself. “He was a God-fearing man, something I had never seen before,” Abidah reflected. “He was humble and so content and carried himself with quiet strength. His faith, his grace, and his unwavering purpose left a mark on me that I will carry forever.”

This spiritual foundation informed everything Martin did—from his business dealings to his advocacy work, from his mentorship to his service on the NCPD Board. He lived his values visibly, creating ripples of positive influence wherever he went.

A Farewell to a Champion

The entire NCPD staff component will miss Martin dearly. His presence at board meetings, his insights during strategic discussions, and his encouragement to staff members—all of these will be profoundly missed.

“Martin’s passing leaves us with both grief and gratitude,” said Wentzel-Du Toit. “Grief for the loss of a leader, a mentor, and a friend. Gratitude for the time we had with him, for the wisdom he shared, and for the example he set.”

NCPD extends its heartfelt condolences to Martin’s family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.

May your soul rest in peace, Martin. We have lost a champion.

The NCPD family commits to honouring Martin’s memory through the continued pursuit of the inclusive society he envisioned—one where every person’s potential is recognised, nurtured, and celebrated.