Sebenzile Matsebula – The startup story of an inspirational South African entrepreneur who proves that disability is not a barrier to success

by Duchess Magazine
33 comments

Sebenzile Matsebula, the founder of Motswako Office Systems, is proof positive that if you have the ambition, and prepared to work exceptionally hard, and demonstrate to others that you are an entrepreneur first and foremost and successful at what you do, then disability is not a barrier to success.
South Africans who dream of managing their own business face many challenges. Disabled entrepreneurs with this ambition, face even larger challenges. Sebenzile Matsebula was diagnosed with Poliomyelitis, often called polio or infantile paralysis, at the young age of 10 months. Subsequently she became a paraplegic. She has depended on the use of crutches her whole life, however, due to her busy routine, today she says she prefers a wheelchair. “When you get older and you have post-polio syndrome, your energy levels are not as good as they were when you’re younger. Sometimes I get tired, but I am still able to have a full day,” she says.
Sebenzile is an entrepreneur and a businesswoman. She is also an activist for social justice. Most importantly, she says, “I am a mother of two amazing young men aged 28 and 25 years.” Sebenzile is the Executive Director of Motswako Office Solutions. Motswako is a Tswana word that means “in the mix.” Sebenzile explains that the company works as a singular team. All the divisions of the company are interrelated to ensure a seamless and holistic approach to delivering services to the client. She says, therefore, the “mix” of the various departments of the company, plus having people of differing expertise, experiences, backgrounds, race, disabilities, etc, all working together in rhythm to produce a wonderful melody, produce a successful and dynamic company. This ensures that Motswako Office Solutions offers high value add to all its business transactions. The company is based on sound principles of transformation and empowerment.
For Sebenzile, becoming an entrepreneur was kind of accidental. She says: “Initially I was approached by a company that wanted to up its score points on the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) score card. I am black, a woman, and have a disability. So they scored 3 different points for the price of one individual. Reading about successful black women in South Africa, who had grabbed the opportunities afforded to them to participate in entrepreneurial activities, also inspired me. I just couldn’t resist the challenge. I thrive on challenge, so I convinced myself, I want to move into business.”
This phenomenal woman has immeasurable work experience, which includes serving as Director in the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa and as head of the Office on the status of Disabled Persons. Sebenzile used to work as a development consultant at Lindandanda Consulting, before she joined the Motswako team. For the past 26 years she has been actively involved in business development to enable economic empowerment of marginalised and vulnerable groups in South Africa. Sebenzile currently chairs the Disability Workshop Development Enterprise and the Disability Empowerment Concerns Holding Company. She also serves as a board member of Action on Disability and Development, Centre for Alternative and Augmentative Communication, Cheshire Homes South Africa, First Rand Foundation, South African Development Trust for Disabled People and the Presidential Advisory Council on Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment.
According to Sebenzile, being a person with a disability in the South African labour market is extremely challenging. She says: “I have always had to work harder than non-disabled people to prove myself in the industry. The perception out there is that if one is disabled, then one is incapable in many ways. They cannot cope with the pressure, they are poorly educated if at all, they are not smart, etc. I had to prove that these were all stereotypes and not true.”
In 2012, Sebenzile was nominated to serve on the Committee of the United Nations Convention for Persons with Disabilities. She describes this as a very big honor. “I was proud to be recognised for all the hard work that I have put in for both the development of the Convention and also for my achievements in the disability sector.” Sebenzile would advise people with disabilities who are considering starting a business to get a good education. “It’s important for parents of disabled children to ensure that their children have the best possible education throughout their schooling lives. A tertiary education is also preferable to give one an advantage in working through the minefield of business.” She further says that hard work, diligence, and dedication are essential. “In the entrepreneurial space there is no charity and no handouts; it’s all about the bottom line and profits. Avoid negativity and self pity – no one is interested in that!”
This successful businesswoman and entrepreneur believes it’s important for people with disabilities to read. She says: “Be empowered by reading and understanding the industry you want to work in.” She also recommends people with disabilities to register on network forums. “Network and market yourself aggressively with confidence that you can deliver. Partner with other players in the industry of your choice such as registration on networks and forums that talk to your particular interests of business.”
When taking a break from her profession, Sebenzile loves treating herself to a day at the spa. For exercise she likes to swim. She enjoys reading and she says when she needs to relax her brain, she meditates or when all else fails, watches television. According to Sebenzile life as a disabled person is not easy but it can be worthwhile and enjoyable if you take responsibility for your life.

Related Posts

33 comments

Dan Shanklin March 1, 2016 - 10:40 am

Excellent website. A lot of useful information here. I’m sending it to several buddies ans also sharing in delicious. And of course, thank you in your sweat!

Reply
Duchess International Magazine March 1, 2016 - 11:27 pm

THANKS YOU SO MUCH DEAR

Reply
eebest8 seo March 7, 2016 - 11:35 am

You are my inspiration , I own few blogs and very sporadically run out from to brand.

Reply
ナイキ スニーカー 茶色 March 9, 2016 - 6:13 am

Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I’ve really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I抣l be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again very soon!

Reply
mbt shoes rea March 9, 2016 - 6:34 am

Wow! Thank you! I continuously needed to write on my blog something like that. Can I implement a portion of your post to my blog?

Reply
ナイキ レディース March 9, 2016 - 6:42 am

Wow, awesome blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is excellent, as well as the content!

Reply
Nike Free sko dame March 9, 2016 - 6:53 am

Great amazing issues here. Iˇm very satisfied to see your article. Thanks so much and i’m looking forward to touch you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?

Reply
mbt skor nackdelar rea March 9, 2016 - 6:59 am

Well I really liked reading it. This post provided by you is very effective for proper planning.

Reply
ナイキ ジョーダン March 9, 2016 - 7:29 am

Definitely believe that which you said. Your favorite justification seemed to be on the net the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get irked while people think about worries that they just don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people could take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks

Reply
Zapatillas Salomon Mujer Gore Tex March 9, 2016 - 7:44 am

Hello to every one, it’s truly a nice for me to pay a visit this web page, it includes important Information.

Reply
ナイキ エアジョーダン1 March 9, 2016 - 1:41 pm

Good website! I truly love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I’m wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your RSS feed which must do the trick! Have a nice day!

Reply
Billige Nike Air Max thea March 9, 2016 - 1:45 pm

I want to point out my passion for your generosity for men who require help with your idea. Your very own commitment to passing the message all around appeared to be particularly beneficial and has continuously helped folks much like me to achieve their objectives. Your own valuable help denotes much to me and extremely more to my mates. Regards; from each one of us.

Reply
barnskor timberland March 9, 2016 - 1:50 pm

What’s up, always i used to check web site posts here in the early hours in the daylight, because i enjoy to gain knowledge of more and more.

Reply
ナイキ バッシュ 新作 March 10, 2016 - 1:25 pm

Good write-up, Iˇm regular visitor of oneˇs website, maintain up the nice operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a long time.

Reply
Nike Free Run 2 mænd March 10, 2016 - 1:35 pm

This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your excellent post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks!

Reply
ナイキ ウーブン 新作 March 10, 2016 - 1:40 pm

Your mode of explaining all in this paragraph is really good, every one can without difficulty be aware of it, Thanks a lot.

Reply
ナイキ ランニング シューズ ランキング March 11, 2016 - 4:21 pm

Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I抣l be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I will certainly return.

Reply
Billige Nike Air Max Billige Sko March 11, 2016 - 5:20 pm

Great beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your site, how could i subscribe for a blog website? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear idea

Reply
アシックス メキシコナロー March 12, 2016 - 12:29 pm

Thank you for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do some research on this. We got a grab a book from our local library but I think I learned more clear from this post. I am very glad to see such magnificent information being shared freely out there.

Reply
cheap 2013 air max womens March 12, 2016 - 4:33 pm

Thank you for every other great post. The place else could anyone get that kind of information in such an ideal method of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I’m at the look for such info.

Reply
hogan calzature uomo March 12, 2016 - 5:54 pm

You made some nice points there. I looked on the internet for the subject and found most guys will approve with your blog.

Reply
Angle mort film complet March 13, 2016 - 9:43 am

wow, awesome blog post.Much thanks again.

Reply
ナイキ プリモントリオール 通販 March 13, 2016 - 11:42 am

This info is worth everyone’s attention. Where can I find out more?

Reply
Calvin Klein Shop March 13, 2016 - 11:43 am

I would like to thnkx for the efforts you have put in writing this site. I’m hoping the same high-grade web site post from you in the upcoming also. In fact your creative writing skills has encouraged me to get my own blog now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a good example of it.

Reply
アシックス ローテリブレ March 13, 2016 - 12:17 pm

Terrific paintings! This is the type of information that should be shared around the web. Disgrace on the seek engines for not positioning this post upper! Come on over and visit my website . Thanks =)

Reply
ナイキ ギャルソン スニーカー March 13, 2016 - 7:29 pm

I havenˇt checked in here for some time because I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are great quality so I guess I will add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it friend 🙂

Reply
orari tiffany bologna March 14, 2016 - 10:53 am

I am continuously invstigating online for posts that can help me. Thank you!

Reply
mbt official online store March 14, 2016 - 12:46 pm

I relish, lead to I discovered just what I was looking for. You have ended my four day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye

Reply
ナイキ エアマックス bw March 16, 2016 - 9:01 am

Nice read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing some research on that. And he just bought me lunch as I found it for him smile Thus let me rephrase that: Thank you for lunch!

Reply
Comprar Zapatillas Nike Air Max Online March 16, 2016 - 9:04 am

Hey, you used to write magnificent, but the last several posts have been kinda boring I miss your super writings. Past few posts are just a little out of track! come on!

Reply
billige jordan crawford 100 March 16, 2016 - 11:40 am

Generally I don’t learn post on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to take a look at and do so! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thanks, quite nice post.

Reply
new balance tilbud digitalkamera preisvergleich reisen March 16, 2016 - 11:48 am

I would like to thnkx for the efforts you’ve put in writing this blog. I’m hoping the same high-grade blog post from you in the upcoming as well. In fact your creative writing skills has encouraged me to get my own blog now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings quickly. Your write up is a good example of it.

Reply
homepage August 10, 2018 - 2:35 am

Hi to every one, the contents existing at this site are actually remarkable for
people experience, well, keep up the good work fellows.

Reply

Leave a Comment

WeCreativez WhatsApp Support
Our support team is here to answer your questions. Ask us anything!
? Hi, how can we help?

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

Privacy & Cookies Policy