Discussing and Introducing Voices of Ability Podcast with Host: Andiswa Mvandaba

Today on the Emmanuel P. Makate Podcast, we introduce an initiative built around a simple but powerful idea: every person, regardless of disability, deserves to be seen, heard and given an opportunity to participate. Voices of Ability is a podcast and community-focused project founded by Emmanuel P. Makate and co-founder Lerato Lechalaba. The project was established with the intention of creating a platform where disability can be discussed openly, respectfully and meaningfully, while giving people with disabilities an opportunity to share their experiences, abilities, challenges, dreams and perspectives. The concept behind Voices of Ability is to use conversation, storytelling and media to promote awareness and encourage greater understanding of disability within communities. It is intended to bring people together and create meaningful interaction between people with disabilities, young people, families and the broader community. As the project develops, we are also introducing a young voice into this vision — Andiswa Mvandaba, a grade 9 learner at Steynsrus Combined School and the host of the Voices of Ability Podcast. Andiswa joins this initiative with the intention of using her voice and the podcast platform to contribute to conversations about disability, inclusion and community awareness. As a learner and young person, she represents the importance of creating opportunities for young voices to participate in conversations that affect society. Her role as host is part of the broader concept established by the founders: creating a platform where conversations can take place and where people who are often overlooked can have an opportunity to speak for themselves. Through Voices of Ability, the intention is not simply to talk about people with disabilities, but to create opportunities to talk with them — to listen to their experiences, recognise their abilities and understand the realities they face. This initiative is therefore about more than a podcast. It represents an idea for community engagement, awareness and inclusion, using media as a tool to start conversations and encourage positive social interaction. In today’s discussion, we introduce the concept of Voices of Ability, the vision behind the project, the role of its founders Emmanuel P. Makate and Lerato Lechalaba, and the contribution that Andiswa Mvandaba intends to make as the host of the podcast. Voices of Ability — because every voice has ability, every story has value, and every person deserves to be heard. Project: Voices of Ability Podcast & NGO Founders: Emmanuel P. Makate & Lerato Lechalaba Guest: Andiswa Mvandaba School: Steynsrus Combined School Presented on: The Emmanuel P. Makate Podcast Published: 22 August 2026 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-emmanuel-p-makate-podcast--7107305/support.