Centurion entrepreneur develops wheelchair device to help the disabled

Portia Mavhungu aims to improve the lives of people with disabilities with her so-called “Para Tube”.

Mavhungu won a first prize in the GAP Medical Innovation Competition hosted by The Innovation Hub in 2017.

She used her R200 000 seed funding prize money and complementary business incubation to further innovate and finalise her invention.

“Not all disabilities are equal,” said Mavhungu.

“The privilege that one has plays a major role – access to healthcare, education and employment opportunities are all factors to take into account. I want to help improve the lives of those who use a wheelchair and don’t have assistance,” she said.

“Unfortunately, people with disabilities often bear the burden of adopting negative beliefs about their disability and feel ashamed or embarrassed by it.”

The invention is designed to help those with disabilities relieve themselves discreetly.

How the device works is simple: the middle part of the seat pulls out by means of a handle and flips to make the shape of a toilet. The product makes use of chemicals, biodegradable disposable bags, seating and sanitisers.

Mavhungu’s inspiration came from spending seven months in a wheelchair herself, after breaking her pelvis.

“I realised how tough it is for disabled persons. I found it was a challenge trying to use the bathroom by myself and felt like I had lost my independence when I had to ask for help.”

Following a setback in production due to the Covid-19 pandemic and national lockdown, Mavhungu plans to roll out her invention in nursing homes, hospitals and medical facilities in the new year.

“I want to be able to showcase the importance of this product to persons with disabilities, showing them that it is not just a product, but a product that brings change to one’s life on a personal level,” Mavhungu said.

“Disability is part of the human condition. This marvellous invention could help dismiss those negative self-beliefs and provide more independence to disabled persons,” said CEO of The Innovation Hub advocate Pieter Holl.

“It is our responsibility as a nation to drop the stigmas associated with disabled persons and to start building a better future; a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable world, now, and in the future.”