S1 #11 Jul 08, 25

How do we design a world that includes everyone?

What happens when we stop designing for an imaginary “average” person?

Bandile Mndebele speaks with disability rights advocate and inclusive innovation researcher Bongani Mapumulo about accessibility, disability inclusion, identity, education, assistive technology and lived experience.

The conversation explores how public spaces, institutions and technologies can exclude people—and why understanding people’s real lives must come before designing solutions for them.

Inclusive design begins with listening.

Guest: Bongani Mapumulo

Topics: accessibility, disability inclusion, inclusive design, assistive technology, education, innovation, identity, universal design and technology.

The Add IDEAS Podcast is an OTHERWISE production.

(00:00) - Introduction
(00:20) - Personal Story
(01:47) - Challenges and Activism in Student Life
(05:17) - Institutional Preparedness and Accessibility
(07:06) - Assistive Technology and Support
(12:25) - Reasonable Accommodation and Equity
(22:36) - Intersectionality and Lived Experiences
(27:48) - Personal Story and Impact
(28:50) - Navigating Identity and Spaces
(30:25) - Challenges and Opportunities in Education
(38:54) - Representation and Inclusion
(41:24) - Influence of Supportive Figures
(42:33) - The Importance of Early Belief
(43:49) - Grassroots Representation
(44:00) - Unheard Voices and Broader Solutions
(45:55) - Final Thoughts

Episode Video

Creators and Guests

Host

Bandile Mndebele

Bandile Mndebele is a passionate advocate for intersectional inclusion, committed to creating equitable and inclusive environments. Their journey began at Stellenbosch University, where they pioneered a gender-neutral initiative, making it the first top South African university to recognize the gender-neutral marker, Mx. Following their academic pursuits, Bandile has held influential roles in various organisations, including serving on the Global Council for DEI and as a PRIDE Network Chair at a major S&P 500 company, where they co-founded Ubuntu South Africa. They have been instrumental in driving initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly for marginalised groups such as LGBTQ+ individuals and neurodivergent people. They have also been recognized for their leadership and impact, receiving awards such as the Top 100 Outstanding LGBT+ Future Leader and Top 100 Outstanding Executive Role Model. Through their podcast, newsletter, and speaking engagements, Bandile shares insights and inspires others to create a more just and equitable world. Their work highlights the importance of intersectional inclusion.

Guest

Bongani Mapumulo

Bongani Mapumulo, a leading disability rights advocate and champion of inclusive innovation in South Africa. Bongani shares a personal and professional journey shaped by systemic challenges, transformative learning, and a passion for social and redistributive justice. With a robust background in Political Science, Sociology, Social Anthropology, and advanced diplomas in Disability & Rehabilitation and Intercultural Communication from Stellenbosch University, Bongani is currently pursuing a Master of Philosophy in Inclusive Innovation at the UCT Graduate School of Business. His pioneering research focuses on advancing assistive technologies and inclusive design within low- and middle-income contexts, promoting universal access as a foundation for equity and human dignity.