A local initiative is making gaming more accessible for people with disabilities in South Africa
For many South Africans with disabilities, the world of gaming can feel just out of reach. Physical, sensory or cognitive limitations often mean traditional gaming setups aren’t accessible. For Konke Gamers, a local volunteer- driven initiative working with Able Gamers, that’s exactly the challenge they are here to tackle.
How Konke Gamers began
David Williams, founder of Konke Gamers, was born without legs. Growing up, he often faced isolation and exclusion because of his disability.
For him, Nintendo and the world of gaming became more than just a hobby. It was a safe haven, a space where real-world limitations disappeared. As he grew older, David discovered adaptive sports, where he thrived.
His dedication and talent saw him selected as a Protea athlete four times, proudly representing South Africa in Adaptive Surfing on the world stage. Eventually, his journey came full circle.
He wanted to unite his lifelong passion for gaming with a cause deeply personal to him. His research revealed a hard truth: The gaming world that had once given him freedom was still inaccessible to many.
Some had never experienced gaming at all, while others had been forced to give it up due to illness, injury or changing circumstances.
Determined to change this, David connected with Able Gamers, an American and Brazilian non-profit dedicated to improving accessibility in the gaming space, promoting inclusion and combating social isolation.
With their support, he began bringing adaptive controllers and inclusive gaming solutions to South Africa to bridge the gap so that everyone, regardless of ability, can experience the joy and belonging that gaming offers.
The team behind the vision
David now continues his mission alongside a small but passionate team. Karen Veldsman draws on her healthcare background to identify and connect people who could benefit most.
Along the way, she’s discovered her own love for gaming, channelling creativity into shaping ideas and visuals that amplify the initiative’s message.
Bruce Cardoso, who leads PlayStation (PS) and visual impairment outreach, explains his motivation: “I joined Konke to do whatever I can to enhance someone’s life and open the door to a world I’ve long taken for granted.”
“It’s about welcoming others into a community of like-minded souls who share the same joy and passion. For me, being part of Konke means contributing to an organisation whose purpose is simple yet powerful: Bringing happiness to others.”
Liesl Gerber, joined the team to assist with fundraising and raising the visibility of accessibility in gaming.
She shares: “Gaming is often seen as a fun but rather frivolous hobby. Through Konke Gamers, we get to show people the true power of gaming: Freedom, self-expression, connection and discovery through interactive storytelling.”
“It is an often overlooked tool that we hope to bring into more people’s lives, so that they too can benefit from all that gaming has to offer.”
Making a difference
In a short space of time, Konke Gamers has already made a tangible difference. Two local players have received peer-to- peer counselling and the chance to game on PS5 and Nintendo Switch consoles using adaptive technology such as the PS5 Access Controller and the Hori Flex for Nintendo Switch, both customised to meet their unique needs.
These devices have unlocked experiences they never thought possible from competing online with friends to exploring open worlds without barriers.
Karen reflects: “The most meaningful part is witnessing the impact, seeing how gaming creates connection, sparks joy and opens doors to inclusion. Nothing beats the feeling of getting feedback from a new player and celebrating every small victory together as a team.”
Allister Glenn was injured in a head-on collision that left him without a right leg and with limited use of his right arm. He had adapted to PC gaming, but could no longer comfortably hold a console controller.
Konke Gamers provided him with a PS5 Access Controller, along with foot pedals and adaptive triggers, configured to replace the need for a second hand.
The flat design of the controller made it suitable for one-handed play, which restored his ability to enjoy console gaming.
Lusanda Mbonambi was born with underdeveloped fingers on his right hand, making it difficult to hold a controller. Konke Gamers introduced him to the Hori Flex Arcade Stick, donated by Able Gamers Brazil, and supplemented it with 3D-printed mounts and an additional analogue stick.
Once set up, Lusanda was laughing and smiling his way through Mario Kart and Semblance.
As David explains: “These controllers aren’t just pieces of technology. They’re keys to freedom. They allow players to be part of a community, to compete and to express themselves without limitations.”
Bruce adds: “We hope giving more exposure to these technologies will help increase their availability in South Africa. I would love for anyone who needs to be able to go get hold of these items in a shorter span of time.”
Gaming as inclusion
For the Konke Gamers team, gaming is far more than entertainment. It’s a platform for building friendships, breaking isolation and proving that disability does not define ability.
In South Africa, where adaptive technology is still rare and often prohibitively expensive, Konke Gamers is pushing to change perceptions and establish accessibility as a standard, not a luxury.
Karen puts it simply: “Discovering gaming through David has opened up an entire new world for me, as a way to connect, but also as a space where I can contribute meaningfully.”
Looking ahead
Konke Gamers is now focused on increasing visibility and sparking a national conversation about adaptive gaming. Their plans for the coming year include:
- Partnering with schools, rehabilitation centres and community organisations to introduce adaptive gaming tech;
- Collaborating with local and international game studios and adaptive software organisations;
- Launching social media campaigns to spotlight South African gamers with disabilities and share their stories; and
- Hosting inclusive tournaments where able- bodied and disabled gamers compete side by side.
Getting involved
Konke Gamers thrives on community support and partnerships. Whether it’s sponsoring adaptive equipment, offering technical expertise or simply spreading the word, every contribution helps create a gaming world where everyone is welcome. Contact Konke Gamers on e-mail at konkegamers@gmail.com.
As the team says: “In South Africa, we know how to make a plan. Adaptive controllers are our way of saying: ‘Here’s your seat at the table. You belong here’.”
