Imagine having a world-class wheelchair but living two kilometers away from the nearest paved road. For many of the families in our Parent Network, the “first/last mile” is the biggest barrier to healthcare, community, and education. Where the “first/last mile” is not accessible, public transport is not accessible. For people with a disability, the “first mile” is the trip from home to public transport as opposed to industry which treats the trip from public transport to home as the “last mile.”We know that thousands of children with disabilities are tragically excluded by a lack of access to adequate physical support. Even when the right physical support is provided, the environment itself can present an insurmountable hurdle. Inclusion means nothing if you cannot even get out of the front door.
The Reality of the Rural Landscape
At Shonaquip Social Enterprise, we understand that a wheelchair is limited in its assistance if it cannot be used outside the home. While we champion assistive technology designed for South African terrains, devices that excel on muddy tracks and soft gravel paths to ensure a child can actually go to school, we recognise that deeply rural and township environments demand an entirely different level of innovation.
For a child living in a remote village, the gap between their home and the nearest transport node, paved road, or clinic is a daily crisis. This “first/last mile” isolates families, making even simple outings feel overwhelming. It is a stark reminder that real change comes when devices are designed for both the users’ personal needs and for the environments they will be used in.
Overcoming the “First/Last Mile” Barrier
To bridge this geographic gap, we have expanded our focus beyond the wheelchair itself, introducing the Off-Road Transporter Device.
Originally conceptualised and designed for rugged terrain, this innovation is showing incredible promise as a dedicated “First Mile/Last Mile” solution. It is specifically built to navigate the narrow, steep, uneven, and unpredictable paths that standard vehicles and even robust wheelchairs simply cannot traverse safely.
Creating Sustainable Solutions and Opportunities
We are currently engaging with the government to evolve the Off-Road Transporter device into a sustainable, community-driven Micro-Mobility as a Service. The vision is to ensure that even the most remote home is connected to the wider community, transforming a daily struggle into a safe, dignified journey.
Crucially, this project is not just about mobility; it is about economic empowerment. By establishing the Micro-Mobility as a Service, we are creating income opportunities for local community-member porters who operate the devices. Inclusion is an economic imperative, a smart investment in the country’s future growth, not a favour or charitable nice to have. Just as localised wheelchair provision provides the added benefit of job creation for local technicians, this rural transport solution creates vital micro-enterprises within these communities.
Moving Forward with Dignity
For our Shonaquip Social Enterprise team, this is not just about getting from A to B. It is about dignity. Mobility, the ability to move around freely is essential to ensure the rights of persons with disabilities, to be able to enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms, and once adherence to the human right is committed to, we can make it a reality.
We are changing the landscape of transport, one rural path at a time. We invite individuals, organisations, partners, and the public sector to join this movement by simply sharing the message and raising more awareness.
To get involved or for more information, visit www.shonaquipse.org.za or learn more about the Off-Road Transporter here.
📥 Download the “Introducing the Transporter” Leaflet Here
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