About Us

The QuadPara Association of the Western Cape (QAWC) is a non-profit organisation (NPO 002-942) of quadriplegics and paraplegics in the Western Cape. Through advocacy, the delivery of specialised programs and services, and prevention and awareness campaigns, QAWC is working to prevent and raise awareness of spinal cord injuries and empower our members to live their lives to their full potential. 

Our vision is that all Quadriplegics and Paraplegics in the Western Cape will live their lives to their full potential.

Any Quadriplegic or Paraplegic may become a member of the association, and any individual who does not live with a physical disability may apply to be an associate member.

Our Story

The Quadriplegic Association of the Western Cape was started in 1981 by a group of quadriplegics who were frustrated by the lack of opportunities for wheelchair users and other people with disabilities. In 2011, the Association changed the name and constitution to include paraplegics, becoming the QuadPara Association Western Cape (QAWC). Today QAWC is an association of wheelchair users that offers a range of supports for quadriplegics, paraplegics and wheelchair users across the Western Cape province.

Meet our team

Anthony Ghillino

General Manager

gm@qawc.org

Charmaine Swartz

PA to the General Manager

Esmé Kleinschmidt

Administration Manager

info@qawc.org

Nazeem Khan

Communications Officer

admin@qawc.org

Meet Our Board

QAWC is managed by the Managing Board. The QAWC Management Board is elected by our members at the Annual General Meeting which is held every year in July. Of the elected 10 management committee members 9 are wheelchair users. 

  • A man sits in a wheelchair. He is wearing a pink t-shirt, a purple mask and a brown hat.
    Casper Erasmus- Board Member
  • A photo of a man sitting in a wheelchair. He has dark skin and wears a white top and navy pants.
    Akhona Makhuluma- Board Member
  • A man smiles at the camera. He wears a white cap, with sunglasses resting on top
    Heiron Joseph- Board Member/Vice Chairperson Huis Andries Olivier
  • A man sits in a power controlled wheelchair wearing a blue jumper and black pants
    Ferdi Prins- Board Member, QASAR Representative
  • A man sits in a wheelchair. He is wearing a black t-shirt and trousers.
    Donald Pitt – Board Member, Masonic House Representative
  • A woman smiles at the camera. She has grey hair and wears a white jumper
    Rosabelle Riese- Board Member, Huis Andries Olivier Representative
  • A man sits in a wheelchair wearing a blue shirt and black pants
    Terence Moore- Board Member
  • A man wearing a white jumper looks at the camera
    Rhyno Olckers – Board Member
  • A man wearing a green t-shirt and using a chin controlled wheelchair smiles at the camera
    Glenn Millen – Chairperson
  • A man smiles at the camera. He wears a blue t-shirt and has a moustache
    Johan Kasselsman – Board Member