Matthew Lundall, a 48-year-old resident of Sydenham, isn't waiting for anyone to offer him a golden platter. He spent years mastering technology to bypass the physical barriers posed by cerebral palsy, eventually carving out a 13-year career in the software industry. Now, he’s shifting his focus to motivational speaking, aiming to teach others that they have something unique to offer, even when society ignores them.
Nearly thirty years ago, he was a bright student needing a break. A 1997 Daily News report titled ‘Bright Matt Needs Computer’ helped him secure his first machine, a tool that would define his professional trajectory. That small bit of community kindness gave him the opening he needed to prove his capabilities in an environment that often looked the other way.
People warned me that no one was going to hand you anything on a golden platter. You would have to work for what you want.
After matriculating in 1997, he pushed forward with a law degree through Unisa. While studying, he attended a specialized college for disabled learners, focusing on computer literacy and web design. He began blending academic knowledge with a deep fascination for human behavior, sparked by reading the classic self-help guide, How to Win Friends and Influence People.
His entry into the formal job market wasn't a smooth ride. He faced constant rejection, but rather than giving up, he bought the Sunday Times and started cold-calling local businesses. On the third Sunday, he finally captured the attention of a receptionist who granted him an informal interview. He walked into that meeting prepared to show them exactly what he could do.
During that interview, he showcased a keyboard he’d engineered himself to accommodate his hand tremors. It worked flawlessly, proving he could operate a computer as efficiently as any other developer. That demonstration secured his employment, proving that his ingenuity outweighed the limitations others saw in him.
Lundall eventually learned to live independently, a choice he says forced him to reflect on his past and build true mental toughness. As he grew, friends and acquaintances began reaching out for advice. He recalls people returning years later to tell him how his words helped them survive their own dark patches, reinforcing his belief that everyone has a unique, pure value to offer others.
He has now launched a motivational initiative known as H.A.M. He’s already booking speaking engagements, including appearances at corporate team-building events and for the Democratic Alliance. He maintains that his goal isn't to talk about disability but to teach people how to rebuild their inner strength.
He argues that society constantly underestimates the endurance of disabled people. He believes they often overcome significant obstacles without complaining or asking for handouts. His success isn't defined by bank balances, but by the ability to reason, empathize, and show compassion toward others.
His approach to life remains rooted in direct action. He didn't just ask for a seat at the table; he built the chair that allowed him to sit there. He remains a testament to the idea that persistence, when combined with a little bit of engineering, can break almost any barrier.