When it comes to going above and beyond to help others, Mitchells Plain resident Randall Wynkwartd is a prime example of generosity. Not only is he an activist who is raising awareness around disabilities, but he is also a painter, motivational speaker, community benefactor and even an occasional guest lecturer at the University of Cape Town (UCT).
“My goal is to make a difference in the lives of others, especially in my community and our youth who make the wrong choices in life, such as gangsterism, dropping out of school and using drugs. My goal for the youth is to motivate them to go back to school, to value educational opportunities and to create jobs.”
— Randall Wynkwartd, disability activist
After a falling incident when he was nine years old, Randall was paralyzed from the shoulders down. He has spent the last 25 years in a wheelchair as a result. He uses his experiences to raise awareness about spinal cord injuries and disability, while also motivating children in his community to follow their dreams.
“I would like to create more awareness for spinal-cord injuries to show them my disability but also my ability, to share my 25 years of challenges in my wheelchair but also my achievements.”
— Randall Wynkwartd, disability activist
While completing his Matric at False Bay College, he also studied mouth painting. Not only is it a hobby he enjoys, but it is also another way he raises awareness.
“My painting is another way to create awareness, especially in schools as the children can see my ability and that I can paint with my mouth and use my computer with my head.”
— Randall Wynkwartd, disability activist
“I hope to motivate the learners by showing them that if I can achieve my goals then surely they can too, and do even more.”
— Randall Wynkwartd, disability activist
In 2014, he partnered with activist Chaeli Mycroft, who is also a wheelchair user, and took part in ballroom dancing competitions – recapturing his passion for dancing and winning several trophies since.
In terms of his community work, Randall is part of several local initiatives. He hopes to help have his ward’s park cleaned and repainted, and also started a soup kitchen that helps feed community members twice a month.
To help with his initiative, Randall is looking for donations and sponsors who can aid in his efforts.
“We need donations like groceries for the soup kitchen and paint, trees for the park, etc. I also need some art materials like paint, canvases and fabric paint or oil paint to start doing bigger paintings. I will use my art to showcase my ability and to use it to motivate others to achieve their goals. My dream is to have my own studio at the back of my home. I am looking for sponsors to be so kind and make my dreams come true.”
— Randall Wynkwartd, disability activist
