Bongani Ntuli shifts the lens on disability

When society sees physical disability, it often focuses on what’s missing instead of who a person truly is. This tendency hides an important perspective: everyone faces challenges, and these very obstacles often guide us toward our purpose. Bongani Ntuli’s story shows how personal adversity can drive positive change and inclusion.

Meet Bongani Ntuli, a disability activist, motivational speaker, author, and founder of Ntuli Limitless Services. Born in Gauteng, Ntuli is reshaping the way South Africans think about inclusion. He works across schools, organisations, and public platforms to challenge perceptions of disability and advocate for lasting change. Through a blend of training, storytelling, and community engagement, he creates spaces where people feel seen and where inclusion becomes a shared way of living, working, and learning.

Building inclusion

Bongani facilitates inclusion workshops through his company, Ntuli Limitless Services. The areas of focus include disability awareness, self-development, and building inclusive learning environments.

He says the basis of these sessions is quite simple: “When people understand lived experience, it changes how they respond to difference.” Much of his work takes place in schools, where he engages both learners and educators in the idea that inclusion begins with language, access, and most importantly, attitude.

Bongani is an award-winning author who developed a love for writing at an early age. After being diagnosed with polio, he embraced his journey and now uses storytelling to inspire others. His books, My Life with Disability and I Choose to Be Limitless, explore how challenges can lead to growth, including the metaphor of a palm tree – flexible in every direction, yet unbreakable. “I wrote it so that others would know they can overcome what they’re going through,” he says.

Overcoming Challenges

Like many South Africans with disabilities, Bongani has faced barriers ranging from physical inaccessibility and social stigma to limited opportunities. Although people with disabilities make up over 7% of the population, less than 1% hold formal employment.

These numbers reveal the tough reality he’s up against. “I have overcome these challenges through resilience, determination, and faith,” he shares. “I focused on developing my skills, pursuing education, and using my experiences to inspire others.” Through books, motivational talks, and advocacy, he turns personal struggle into momentum for change.

Recognition and impact

Bongani has earned wide recognition for his commitment to inclusion. Named one of the 100 Young Mandelas of the Future, he was honoured for his leadership and service. His passion for empowerment is also evident in projects like a beauty pageant for women with disabilities, designed to celebrate confidence, visibility, and representation. He later received the Vaal Ambassador Disability Trophy for his continued advocacy.

Beyond public speaking and campaigns, Bongani mentors others with disabilities to find their voice – and many have gone on to become published authors. “I have assisted others to tell their stories and follow their dreams,” he says, noting how visibility leads to opportunity. His work proves that storytelling isn’t just self-expression; it’s also about impact and ownership.

His writing carries the same message he shares in person – lessons in resilience, faith, and self-acceptance drawn from lived experience.

Alongside writing and mentorship, Bongani leads workshops and campaigns that promote accessibility and inclusion in schools, businesses, and government departments. “Through my advocacy, I have learned to speak up, stand for my rights, and use my voice to empower others,” he reflects. Today, that voice is helping to shape classrooms, communities, and institutions so that more people are heard, seen, and supported.

The vision ahead

Looking ahead, Bongani plans to expand both locally and internationally. He envisions Ntuli Limitless Services as a leader in diversity and inclusion consulting, corporate training, and motivational speaking, with a focus on disability awareness and unconscious bias. He also aims to grow partnerships with schools, government departments, and private sector organisations to implement inclusive policies and improve accessibility.

It’s a vision that aligns with the A! Diversity campaign’s mission: to build a society that values, represents, and accommodates everyone, regardless of ability. Through his work, Bongani reminds us that inclusion is not an afterthought in how we build or belong.

As he says, “Never give up, no matter what you are going through. Your story tomorrow will be a testimony for someone else.”

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About the author:

Aphelele Mtwecu is a content writer, activist, and creative force passionate about youth development, transformation, and social impact. She is deeply committed to advocating for mental health and working to remove the stigma around mental health. She is also committed to creating more safe spaces for young people to engage. As a 2016 Activator and member of the ACTIVATE! Change Drivers writer’s hub, Aphelele, uses her writing to inspire and advocate for positive change.