Shonaquip Social Enterprise

When Shona McDonald’s daughter, Shelly, was born with cerebral palsy, their family faced challenges most people never have to consider. Shelly was unable to sit or move independently, and at the time, there were no appropriate mobility devices available to meet her needs. Drawing on her background as a sculptor, Shona designed and built Shelly’s first customised postural support. This device not only made Shelly’s care safer and easier, but also opened up new possibilities for play, learning, and participation. What began as a mother’s response to her child’s needs became Shona’s life’s work. While committed to designing the best possible mobility devices, she understood that a wheelchair alone is not enough. True inclusion requires supportive systems, informed caregivers, and enabling environments. Shona went on to work with the World Health Organisation, government departments, parents, and partners to help drive disability inclusion — ultimately impacting the lives of hundreds of thousands of children and adults with disabilities, and their families. Founded in 1992, Shonaquip Social Enterprise (SSE) began with just two team members working out of Shona’s garage. Today, SSE is Africa’s leading ISO 13485–certified paediatric wheelchair services provider, employing over 75 technicians, seamstresses, therapists, and community workers. Our work has expanded beyond assistive technology to support the development of inclusive ecosystems across Southern Africa. Underpinned by the belief that all children have both the right and the ability to be included, SSE takes a holistic approach to enabling health, education, and social inclusion. By refusing to accept the status quo and championing her daughter’s inclusion, Shona created a unique social enterprise model — one driven by need and impact rather than profit. She brought together diverse teams united by a shared commitment to making inclusion a reality for children with disabilities and their families. Today, 30% of SSE’s team members have disabilities, including a specialised group of wheelchair technicians who are wheelchair users themselves. Their lived experience strengthens the relevance, quality, and dignity of the services we provide. With over 30 years of experience and a mission to impact 350,000 lives by 2030, Shonaquip Social Enterprise is transforming the future of disability inclusion in South Africa and beyond. Through appropriate assistive technology, inclusive education, and family empowerment, SSE works to dismantle barriers and build systems that enable people with disabilities to thrive. Inclusion is not about charity, it is about justice. SSE goes beyond service delivery to build sustainable, inclusive ecosystems where people with disabilities can live full lives in supportive and enabling environments. When communities function as holistic ecosystems, real inclusion becomes possible.