Kwa-Thema – Katlego Mkhonza is a trailblazer transforming disability advocacy and inspiring a more inclusive South Africa.

Mkhonza founded an organisation committed to inclusion and transforming the lives of children and young people living with disabilities.

Born and raised in Kwa-Thema and living with spastic cerebral palsy, Mkhonza has never allowed her disability to define her future.

She has dedicated her life to ensuring that disability is not viewed as a limitation, but as a call for equal opportunity, dignity, and representation.

“I advocacy journey began at the age of nine through the Disabled Children Action Group (DICAG), where I was empowered to become a confident self-advocate.

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“That early experience ignited a lifelong mission to challenge discrimination, influence policy, and create spaces where people with disabilities can thrive,” she said.

In 2013, Katlego founded the Living Able Foundation, an organisation committed to empowering children and young people with disabilities through advocacy, education, leadership development, and community engagement.

Over the years, the foundation has become a beacon of hope for many families, while also serving as a powerful voice in promoting disability rights and social inclusion.

“Disability should never determine the value of a person’s dreams or their contribution to society. My mission is to build communities where everyone belongs, everyone is heard, and everyone has equal opportunities,” said Mkhonza.

Mkhonza’s extraordinary work has earned widespread recognition.

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Among her notable achievements are:

• KwaTsaduza Imbokodo Awards Nominee (2014) for Most Promising Community Builder, recognising her exceptional dedication to community development and disability advocacy.
• Kwa-Thema Icon Award (2024), celebrating her outstanding contribution to community service and her relentless fight for disability inclusion.

“These honours reflect much more than my personal achievements; they represent years of breaking barriers, changing perceptions, and creating opportunities for those whose voices are often overlooked,” she added.

After completing her matric at Muriel Brand School in 2011, Mkhonza continued to grow as a leader whose influence reaches beyond community projects.

She now envisions pursuing a degree in Political Science, equipping herself with the knowledge and influence needed to shape policies that advance accessibility, equality, and disability rights across South Africa.

Her vision is to ensure that future generations of persons with disabilities inherit a society where inclusion is not an exception but the norm.

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Community members describe Mkhonza as a courageous leader whose resilience, compassion, and determination continue to inspire change.

Through every campaign, mentorship programme, and advocacy initiative, she demonstrates that meaningful leadership is measured not by personal success, but by the lives uplifted along the journey.

As South Africa continues to pursue equality and social justice, Mkhonza stands as one of the country’s emerging voices for disability inclusion.

She serves as a trailblazer whose legacy is already reshaping communities and inspiring a nation to embrace diversity as a strength.

Her story is a reminder that true leadership is about opening doors for others and proving that every individual, regardless of ability, deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, purpose, and hope.