Thato Mphuthi
Nominee's Province:
Gauteng
Age:
30
Project Name/Description:
Founder – Enabled Enlightenment
In a world where justice is often pursued without truly including all voices, one young South African woman, Thato Mphuthi, is making sure disability is no longer left out of the conversation. As the founder of Enabled Enlightenment, she has turned personal frustration into powerful advocacy, shaping a movement rooted in radical inclusion and dignity for disabled people. Mphuthi says growing up as a disabled black girl in South Africa, she faced exclusion, inaccessibility, and invisibility on a daily basis. “Tired of being the only disabled woman in spaces fighting for justice, I created my own platform that centres disabled voices and demands disability justice as essential to any movement for change,” Mphuthi said. She added that her work is deeply personal, fueled by a desire to build a world where access is a right, not a luxury, and where disabled children grow up seeing themselves celebrated. Through workshops, advocacy, and storytelling, she’s helping communities shift from pity to empowerment. “One unforgettable moment came during a parenting and inclusion workshop, where a mother tearfully thanked me for helping her understand and support her disabled child. That’s why I do this,” she reflects. “It’s not just about visibility—it’s about transformation.” She added that despite navigating inaccessible and unwelcoming spaces, she chose not to shrink herself. Instead, she built spaces where others can rise. Her vision for Enabled Enlightenment includes expanding across Africa, shaping policy, publishing, and building global solidarity. Her legacy? A world more inclusive, more compassionate—and one where no one waits for permission to belong.
