In this episode, we sit down with Mr. Uyanda Nomatyesi, a passionate student leader and advocate for inclusivity at Nelson Mandela University. What started as a personal awakening has evolved into a powerful movement dedicated to making campus life more accessible, supportive, and inclusive for students with disabilities. Uyanda takes us through his transformative journey—how moments of misunderstanding led to greater awareness, and how awareness inspired meaningful action. His story is a testament to the impact of empathy, leadership, and determination in driving real change. Whether you’re a student, educator, or simply someone passionate about inclusion, this episode offers heartfelt reflections and practical insights on building environments where everyone feels they belong. Tune in to discover how one student leader’s voice is helping to shape a more equitable future—one step, one conversation, and one act of inclusion at a time.

In this episode of the UADS SpeakOut Student Segment, host Kabelo Matena welcomes Siya and Sizwe, two students from Nelson Mandela University, to share their experiences living with disabilities. Siya, a visually impaired final-year tourism management student, and Sizwe, a second-year management student using a wheelchair, reflect on their 2024 academic journey, discussing challenges, support systems, and overcoming stereotypes. They offer heartfelt advice to first-year students with disabilities, emphasizing resilience, openness, and unity. Tune in for a powerful conversation about adapting to university life and thriving against the odds.

Join us on UADS Speakout as we sit down with Motsidisi Mokwainan, a second-year tourism student at Nelson Mandela University and a contestant for Ms. South Africa Disability 2025. Motsidisi shares her inspiring journey from a visually impaired high school student in Pretoria to an independent university student navigating new challenges. She opens up about her transition to university life, her passion for modeling, and her advocacy for people with disabilities. Tune in to hear how Motsidisi is breaking barriers, finding her voice, and inspiring others. Follow her journey on TikTok (@Motsidisi4298) and learn how to support her in the Ms. South Africa Disability competition!

In this episode we have a conversation with Ms Noqobo Betela, Social Work Manager at Indlela Mental Health Services, to explore a holistic approach to mental health for individuals with disabilities. Delving into common misconceptions—such as the false belief that physical disabilities preclude mental health challenges—the discussion emphasizes the intersection of mental wellness and disability.

This thought-provoking podcast episode explores the intersection of gender-based violence (GBV) and disability, delving into the unique challenges and experiences of women and children with disabilities. Join our panelists, Lelethu, Thandi, and Dudzai, as they share personal stories, legal perspectives, and community solutions to addressing GBV in disability communities.

We'll hear Lelethu's powerful personal narrative as a blind, black woman navigating a world often fraught with discrimination and bias. Discover how she's overcome adversity, the importance of self-affirmation, and the critical role of supportive networks. Dudzai will then share her legal perspective, emphasizing the importance of disability rights and the need for robust legal frameworks.

The episode also explores the challenges of caregiving, highlighting Dudzai's experience as a caregiver for her sister. Learn how she navigates the complexities of caregiving, balances emotional needs, and ensures her sister's safety and well-being.

Throughout the episode, we'll discuss the importance of creating inclusive spaces, fostering community support, and combating GBV in all its forms. The panelists emphasize the need for education, awareness-raising, and a multi-sectoral approach to protect and empower individuals with disabilities.

Key Takeaways:

The episode discusses the promotion of inclusive teaching and learning methods within higher education, featuring an interview with Dr. Nosiphiwo Delubom, the Deputy Director and Head of Universal Accessibility and Disability Services at Nelson Mandela University. The discussion covers the current state of inclusivity in higher education, effective teaching methods that promote inclusivity, policies and institutional support necessary for fostering an inclusive learning environment, the role of faculty and staff training, and the types of support services critical for student success. Dr. Delubom emphasizes the importance of universal design for learning (UDL), institutional support, and collaboration between disability services units and learning and teaching departments. The episode concludes with Dr. Delubom's future hopes for full access and inclusion of students with disabilities in higher education and her advice to educators and support staff.

In this episode, we will hear from Sinalo Matwa, a dedicated 3rd-year Diploma student specializing in Logistics at Nelson Mandela University. Sinalo lives with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (type 2) and will share her unique experiences navigating university life.

Join us for this inspiring episode as we delve into the realities of student life for individuals with disabilities and learn from Sinalo Matwa's resilience and advocacy.

In this second episode of UADS Speak Out, host Mison Mbuli is joined by Dr. Adelaide Karumo and Mrs. Siwe Nare to discuss the importance of disability rights and reasonable accommodations, especially within a university setting. The episode covers the evolution of legislation and societal attitudes towards inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Key points include major rights and laws affecting higher education, misconceptions about disabilities, and the importance of reasonable accommodations to enable full participation of students with disabilities. The discussion aims to deepen understanding and empathy, promoting an inclusive society where everyone can contribute and thrive.

00:00 Introduction to Disability Rights and Accommodations

01:10 Meet Our Guests: Dr. Adelaide Karumo and Ms. Siwe Nare

02:38 Understanding International and National Disability Laws

09:10 Challenges and Misconceptions in Disability Rights

21:36 Evolving Disability Rights and Laws

26:22 Reasonable Accommodations in Higher Education

34:17 Conclusion and Takeaways

Welcome to the inaugural episode of our podcast! In this episode, we'll be laying the groundwork for what's to come by sharing an overview of our podcast's goals and objectives. You'll get to meet our host, who each bring unique perspectives and extensive backgrounds in disability advocacy.

We'll dive into the importance of disability advocacy within the university context, exploring why it matters and how it can make a difference. Our aim is to create an engaging and informative space for discussions around these critical topics.

Finally, we invite you, our listeners, to join the conversation. Share your thoughts, experiences, and questions with us as we embark on this journey together. Let's amplify voices, foster understanding, and drive change in our communities.