Since 1940, APD Nelson Mandela Bay has been a beacon of hope for persons with disabilities championing inclusion, dignity, and empowerment.
Our mission is to create meaningful change by advancing vocational skills, fostering social development, and reducing inequality, poverty, and exclusion. We believe in a future where every person is valued by finding the ability within every disability.
Through sustained growth and focus in key areas, we aim to shift mindsets and break the stigma around disability building a truly inclusive society for all.
Breaking Barriers
APD NMB is elevating the employability of our young people to break the cycle of poverty and unemployment. We believe there is no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person as equal.
That’s why we champion the inclusion of young people with disabilities in communities, education, and the workplace. Inclusion isn’t optional it’s essential.
At APD Nelson Mandela Bay, our leadership team is committed to creating inclusive, empowering spaces for persons with disabilities. Get to know the people driving impact behind the scenes.
Latest statistics reveal that 7.5% of South Africans live with disabilities, and 90% remain unemployed. The Eastern Cape one of the most poverty-stricken provinces recorded a 42.4% unemployment rate, and an alarming 63% youth unemployment rate in 2024.
For young persons living with disabilities, the road to employment is nearly impossible without intervention. Many are left isolated, discouraged, and sitting at home not by choice, but by circumstance. We exist to change that.
We support persons with physical and intellectual disabilities, including those with speech, hearing, and partial sight impairments. Our services are open to individuals from all communities, with a special focus on disadvantaged and vulnerable groups.
You can contact our office directly or visit our premises at 55 Paterson Road, Port Elizabeth. Our social support team will guide you through the process and help assess your needs.
You can support us by donating funds, equipment, or your time. Visit the “Get Involved” page for details on how to donate, volunteer, or become a corporate partner.
We offer vocational skills development, enterprise training, and sensitization workshops to prepare individuals for employment and entrepreneurship, while also educating the public and businesses on inclusion.
APD NMB is a registered nonprofit that relies on a mix of public donations, sponsorships, and limited government support. Community contributions are vital to the sustainability of our work.
Chenenvor is an intellectually challenged young man residing in the heavily poverty stricken and gang influenced Northern Areas of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole. He was enrolled in APD’s Adult Day Care Centre to protect him from exposure to day to day dangers within his community. He developed a keen interest in the branding department of APD where he would observe and ask questions in relation to the machinery and products. The Branding department manager suggested that we offer him an opportunity to train in the department. Chenenvor today is a silk screen printer operator in APD’s branding department with a meticulous eye for detail and quality.
Graduated from our Sewing program in June 2024, during her program and having the advantage of a sewing machine at home she started advertising her services for alterations as well as selling items she was making within her local community. Sihle is an incredibly driven young woman and applied for funding to start her own business in selling clothing as well as a cleaning company. She was successful and is now thriving as a Business owner using all her skills learned at APD to assist her for a successful future.
Graduated from our Sewing program in December 2024, during her program she saved a small amount of her transport money each week so she could purchase a Sewing Machine at the end of her program. She is fully equipped to generate an income from home. Candice showed such determination and excellent work ethic during her program that we offered her a permanent employment opportunity at APD as an assistant facilitator within our Sewing program. We will be investing in her by enrolling her onto a facilitator training program and her appointment will enable us to assist more disadvantaged youth with disabilities in skills development going forward.
Nqaba was born with a hearing impairment, he came to APD to learn to sew as he always loved the creativity of designing clothing. He completed the Ability Skills and Job Creation program where he was identified as being a fast learner with a passion for the trade. He was employed by APD within the Ability Work Ware Production Centre as a seamstress. Nqaba is the youngest employee of APD and is one of the top three seamstresses for speed and quality. He is excelling in his environment and we look forward to assisting him to achieve his future goals and aspirations.
Following a severe car accident Ashlene obtained significant permanent disabilities. Mentored by APD she has obtained skills and experience in multiple branding operations as well as digital design systems. In 2021 Ashlene launched her own Business Bokhoni Branding which provides a branding service to the public. 2025 will see the launch of her own T-Shirt range.
