ShonaquipSE began in a garage in 1992 and has since grown into a unique social enterprise that combines commercial success with a strong social mission. It brings together three affiliated organisations to deliver life-changing assistive technology solutions for children with mobility disabilities and their families.

Through its innovative designs, community outreach, training, and capacity-building initiatives, ShonaquipSE works toward a more inclusive and accessible future for people with disabilities across Africa. The organisation designs a range of manual and powered wheelchairs, 24- hour posture support systems, and rehabilitation equipment.

All products are built to international gold standards, compliant with ISO 13485, SAHPRA, FDA, EN, and EU regulations, and specifically tailored for South Africa’s diverse and outdoor environments. ShonaquipSE established Africa’s first Wheelchair Testing Centre, ensuring that devices meet ISO and SANS standards for quality, safety, and durability. Their Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship supports young innovators through the full development cycle—from concept to testing and production.

Flagship products such as the Madiba2Go and Sully Active posture chairs are designed to be adaptable, user-friendly, and suitable for both urban and rural terrains, helping improve mobility and long-term health outcomes. In 2024, for example, a 5-year-old girl named Hannah with cerebral palsy received a Madiba2Go wheelchair to improve her posture, support feeding, and enable mobility on uneven ground.

ShonaquipSE reaches over 13,000 direct beneficiaries annually, with a broader impact on more than 360,000 individuals. Their clinical team provides assessments, outreach clinics, and training across Southern Africa, empowering therapists, healthcare providers, and users. Founded by Shona Mcdonald, the organisation actively contributes to local, regional, and global improvements in wheelchair provision and design. Their work helped rewrite the 2023 Wheelchair Provision Guidelines and has been featured in numerous academic publications.

ShonaquipSE proudly represents Africa on international boards, advocating for inclusive employment, local innovation, and high-quality assistive technology production. Our custom-built mobility devices not only give users back their dignity and independence but also reduces the physical and emotional burden on the people supporting them.

"Image courtesy of Door of Hope & Hannah Thompson"