Meet this week’s #AbsaSmallBizFriday featured business – The Wheelchair Doctor and Manufacturing.
Wheelchair Doctor focuses on designing, manufacturing, and repairing wheelchairs, particularly for people living in rural areas and townships. They specialise in innovative wheelchair solutions, such as an off-road wheelchair and a 100% manual stair-climbing wheelchair that allows users to ascend and descend stairs. In addition to repairs, they also sew custom wheelchair upholstery, backrests, and armrests.
The Wheelchair Doctor and Manufacturing was founded by Ernest Majenge. After Ernest completed a degree in internal auditing at Nelson Mandela University, he started his journey as an entrepreneur by founding The Wheelchair Doctor. Ernest saw the challenges faced by people with reduced mobility (PRM), especially in rural areas and townships, where standard wheelchairs often don’t meet the terrain’s demands. This inspired him to focus on creating affordable, innovative mobility solutions.
Throughout this journey, Ernest has worked closely with caregivers, teachers, and organisations to validate the problems PRMs face, ensuring that Wheelchair Doctor’s designs truly meet the needs of PRMs. From sewing wheelchair upholstery to pitching their innovation at summits, the goal has always been to improve mobility and make a positive impact in people’s lives.
As his business grew, he realised the importance of combining innovation with real-world feedback. Early on, Ernest involved stakeholders like caregivers and organisations working with people with disabilities to better understand the challenges they face. This hands-on approach allowed them to fine-tune their wheelchair designs to be practical and effective.
His team includes experienced wheelchair technicians with decades of expertise, and young, skilled graduates who help them push the boundaries of design. Together, they developed a 100% manual stair-climbing wheelchair, a world-first solution that empowers PRM to ascend and descend stairs safely. Wheelchair Doctor also makes off-road wheelchairs, addressing mobility issues in difficult environments.
Beyond manufacturing and repairs, Ernest has been active in pitching Wheelchair Doctor’s products at events like the SA Summit 2024 and seeking partnerships with foundations and donors. One of their goals is to make their stair-climbing wheelchair accessible worldwide, offering mobility solutions that go beyond the limitations of current designs. This journey continues to be both challenging and rewarding as they work to make mobility more accessible for all.
Some of Ernest Majenge’s greatest successes in his business include:
Developing the stair-climbing wheelchair: This 100% manual, world-first innovation allows people with reduced mobility (PRM) to ascend and descend stairs while seated in their wheelchair. It’s a breakthrough design aimed at addressing real challenges PRM face in environments with limited accessibility.
Winning awards: He has been recognised with awards for his innovative wheelchair designs, which has boosted their reputation and opened doors for further growth.
Impact in rural areas: Wheelchair Doctor provides affordable, accessible wheelchairs to underserved communities, including townships and rural areas, adapting their designs to suit rough terrain.
Protecting intellectual property (IP): Securing IP rights for their unique designs has been a key success, allowing them to stay competitive in the global market.
Building a skilled team: His team combines over 35 years of industry experience with the creativity of young, educated graduates.
Ernest Majenge’s journey as an entrepreneur has deeply shaped both him and his business. Starting Wheelchair Doctor taught him resilience and the value of persistence, especially when working in an industry that requires constant innovation. The challenges he has faced in developing mobility solutions for underserved communities has strengthened his commitment to making a meaningful impact. Working closely with stakeholders, such as caregivers and organisations, has shown him the importance of listening to people’s real needs and using that insight to drive product development.
His experiences have also made him more focused on sustainability and inclusivity, ensuring that Wheelchair Doctor’s products are not only innovative but also affordable and accessible. This journey has taught him to balance ambition with practicality, allowing his company to grow steadily while staying true to their mission.
In the future, he sees Wheelchair Doctor expanding globally, particularly with their stair-climbing wheelchair.
In 2024, Wheelchair Doctor received the National Innovation Award at the South African Small Business Awards – this prestigious awards programme celebrates the most outstanding businesses and the exceptional business people behind these successful and growing businesses.
We look forward to seeing Ernest Majenge and his team at Wheelchair Doctor make mobility more accessible to the globe.