Ebenhard Ripunda’s life changed forever after a car accident left him paralysed at 21. From building a successful business in Namibia to co-founding a national disability advocacy organisation, his story is about resilience, leadership, and the fight for inclusion. Featured in the lead-up to Be Fearless, Be Me – Inclusive Celebration Day.
My name is Ebenhard Ripunda, and I am an international student undertaking my Masters of Disability Practice and Leadership at Flinders University on an Australia Awards Scholarship. I am also a leader in the disability civil society movement in Namibia. My journey has been one of personal triumph over life’s adversities and a broader mission to represent people with disabilities, advocating for their rights and inclusion in community life.
I was introduced to disability just before my 21st birthday, through a tragic car accident on December 24, 2007, that resulted in a spinal cord injury and left me paralysed from below the chest. Having been an athlete, I had previously based my identity on my body strength, aesthetics, and what my body could do. With such a sudden change in body function, my life was transformed completely. It was painful. I was weak and dependent, unable to do much on my own.
Living in a resource‑limited context such as Namibia, I was quickly confronted with the harsh reality of the lack of access to autonomy, independence, inclusion, and equal enjoyment of human rights. The prevailing belief in Namibian society was that people with disabilities were useless and could not meaningfully contribute to society. Instead of breaking me, this provoked me to prove society wrong and challenge the status quo. I earned an Advanced Diploma in New Media Studies and Technology in 2011, and by 2013 I had established and run a graphic and web design business. At first it was difficult, but every obstacle propelled me to new heights. Over a decade, I employed up to four full‑time staff and built a business that stood as a testament to resilience and possibility.
As I forged a new identity and challenged society’s views about disability, I realised that I was not alone—others with disabilities were fighting similar battles. In 2016, together with fellow wheelchair users, I co‑founded the Association of Wheelchair Users of Namibia (AWCU). Our mission was to empower people with disabilities, advocate for their rights, and push for a society where full participation was possible. Through AWCU, I represented the interests of persons with disabilities in crucial discussions, including land reform in Namibia, and led campaigns inspiring others to challenge societal norms and overcome barriers.
I also contributed to impactful projects, such as developing guidelines for reasonable accommodation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and workplaces. Collaborating with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNESCO, I participated in a multi‑country initiative to combat stigma and discrimination against persons with disabilities. These experiences taught me that while passion and lived experience are powerful, systemic and structural reforms require technical knowledge. That realisation led me to Flinders University, where I am now deepening my expertise through the Masters of Disability Practice and Leadership program.
Beyond my professional commitments, I am a devoted husband and father. My personal experiences fuel my passion for advocacy, as I seek to empower others to live fulfilling lives despite their circumstances. I embody the belief that every individual, regardless of ability, deserves equal opportunities and respect.
Being fearless, to me, means refusing to be defined by limitations and daring to challenge injustice. Being me means embracing my identity as a person with a disability, a leader, a husband, a father, and a student who continues to grow. Today, as part of the Flinders Be Fearless, Be Me celebration, I stand proud of my journey – from tragedy to triumph, from exclusion to advocacy, and from local activism to global engagement. My story is not just about me; it is about the collective fight for dignity, inclusion, and equality. I celebrate this day with gratitude, courage, and hope, knowing that together we can build a world where everyone belongs.
Ebenhard’s story reminds us that inclusion is not just about access, it is about creating opportunities for leadership and systemic change. Join us for Be Fearless, Be Me – Inclusive Celebration Day as we celebrate students like Ebenhard who are transforming adversity into advocacy and shaping a more inclusive future.
Event Details:
📅 Date: 3rd December, 2025
📍 Location: Plaza/Student Hub, Bedford Park Campus
🎉 Hosted by: International Student Services (ISS), Flinders University Students with Disabilities Association (FUSDA) and the Career Readiness team
Want to read more inspiring journeys? Explore Raymond’s, Ken’s, Maria’s and Faith’s story as part of our Be Fearless, Be Me series.