About us
Our Mission
To deliver open-access mobility for people with disabilities, the elderly, and anyone requiring safe, inclusive transport. We combine social impact with financial sustainability, ensuring long-term availability of wheelchair-accessible services in communities where none currently exist.
Our Story
WheelTide was founded in 2025 by Vidette and Hein du Plessis after witnessing first-hand the daily barriers faced by wheelchair users and their families in rural Waterford. With no consistent WAV availability, residents were often unable to reach healthcare, education, shopping, or social activities. WheelTide was created to break this cycle of isolation, offering a community-first transport solution designed for dignity and independence.
WheelTide Freedom CLG is a registered social enterprise (Reg. No. 797937) based in County Waterford. We exist to close the critical gap in accessible transport across rural towns by providing reliable, safe, and affordable wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) hackney services. Our mission is simple: mobility for all, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
GOVERNANCE
Board of Directors
Vidette du Plessis
Director
Founder of WheelTide Freedom CLG. Vidette served as Managing Director of Ukukhanya in the Helderberg Region of South Africa from 2018 to 2020, after joining the organisation in 2016. Ukukhanya, meaning “step into the light”, provides free counselling, legal support, and community programmes for victims of abuse, children, and families. During her tenure, Vidette secured vital donations, built strong awareness campaigns — including a feature in a leading women’s magazine — and oversaw a team of volunteers and students delivering critical services. Her leadership reflected both strategic expertise and a deep passion for community upliftment.
Hein du Plessis
Director
Co-Founder and Director of WheelTide Freedom CLG, With over 15 years’ leadership experience in financial management, strategy, development, and operations, he has overseen large-scale projects across Africa and Europe, building strong governance and financial frameworks. At WheelTide, Hein applies this expertise to deliver sustainable, community-driven solutions that expand mobility, dignity, and inclusion. His work reflects both professional discipline and a strong personal commitment to social impact.