Government Reaffirms Commitment to a Disability-Inclusive South Africa

Rustenburg: Government has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing a disability-inclusive society through strengthened partnerships, improved access to services, and the protection of the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. Delivering the keynote address at the national commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, held on Wednesday, Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, emphasized the government's efforts to protect the rights of persons with disabilities across all sectors. According to South African Government News Agency, the event concluded the National Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM), which was observed under the theme 'Disability Inclusion: Creating Strategic Multisectoral Partnerships for a Disability-Inclusive Society.' At the global level, the United Nations has also called on countries to foster disability-inclusive societies that advance social progress. Chikunga stressed that progress must not only be measured by statements but by tangible outcomes such as whether persons with disabilities can learn, work, travel, access services, participate in sports, and live independently and safely in their communities. Chikunga acknowledged that many South Africans with disabilities still face unnecessary barriers, including inaccessible buildings and transport, services that do not accommodate different needs, exclusionary attitudes, and limited economic opportunities. She stated, 'Their exclusion is not a side issue; it speaks to the kind of society we are choosing to build.' In a significant development, Rustenburg will host the 2026 Special Olympics South Africa National Summer Games and prepare athletes for the 2027 World Games in Santiago, Chile. Chikunga noted that the city's role reflects South Africa's broader commitment to recognizing people with disabilities as rights-holders and leaders. Earlier in the day, leaders participated in the ceremonial handover of the Special Olympics Flame of Hope, symbolizing dignity, courage, and inclusion. Chikunga highlighted several initiatives underway to transform disability inclusion from policy into action. An overarching Disability Rights Bill is being finalized to consolidate protections into a single, comprehensive law aligned with the Constitution and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The government is also reconstituting the Presidential Working Group on Disability to ensure that persons with disabilities and their representative organizations help shape policy and monitor implementation. Several economic inclusion measures are also being introduced. Cabinet supports reforms allowing public entities to procure from Supported Employment Enterprises (SEE), creating jobs for persons with disabilities. Provinces have started placing significant orders, such as school furniture, while the government aims for a 7% public-sector disability employment target. The private sector is urged to improve on the current 1-2% levels. Ch ikunga also mentioned efforts to electrify special schools, improve inclusive education, strengthen community-based support, and increase accessibility across public infrastructure. Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) response programs are being adapted to better protect women and girls with disabilities. As part of the legacy of South Africa's G20 Presidency, a Disability Inclusion Nerve Centre is being established as a national hub for data, research, and coordination. The goal is to turn commitments into measurable changes in education, employment, GBVF response, and service delivery. Chikunga concluded by emphasizing the need for political will, resources, partnerships, and respect to ensure that commitments lead to a South Africa where everyone can belong, participate, and thrive. - SAnews.gov.za