Pretoria: South Africa has emerged as a global leader in disability inclusion, driven by significant advancements in government policy and legislation over the past 30 years. During a parliamentary debate concluding the 2024 Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM) campaign, Sindisiwe Chikunga, the Minister for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, highlighted the country’s journey from a health and welfare approach to a constitutional recognition of disability rights.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Minister emphasized that disability rights are deeply embedded within the nation’s Bill of Rights. Section 9 of the Constitution explicitly prohibits discrimination based on disability, ensuring equality and human dignity. The introduction of the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities further underscores the government’s commitment to advancing these rights.
Over the last three decades, South Africa has prioritized disability inclusion within its legislative framewo
rk. Key initiatives include the Framework on Self Representation affecting State-Owned Enterprises, the National Strategic Framework on Reasonable Accommodation, and the Universal Access and Design Framework. These efforts aim to establish norms and standards for universal accessibility in infrastructure.
In addressing educational challenges, the department, in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education, has formed a task team on inclusive education. This initiative is equipping schools with the necessary infrastructure, teaching resources, and trained educators to support learners with disabilities. The number of special schools has increased significantly, and more learners with disabilities are now enrolled in both special and ordinary schools.
For tertiary education, the Department of Higher Education and Training has developed the Strategic Policy Framework on Disability for the Post School Education and Training (PSET) System. This framework mainstreams disability considerations across insti
tutions, fostering an enabling environment for students with disabilities. Additionally, the Framework and Guidelines for Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges are being implemented to better accommodate these students.
The launch of Phase One of the National Skills Fund Disabilities Programme, with a budget of R1 billion, represents a transformative initiative aimed at empowering people with disabilities through tailored skills training. In social security, monthly Disability Grants provide essential financial support, and South African Sign Language is now recognized as the 12th official language in the country.
Chikunga concluded by advocating for more targeted interventions across government departments and entities, emphasizing the need for clearly defined opportunities for persons with disabilities.