MINISTER CHIKUNGA CALLS FOR A DISABILITY-INCLUSIVE SOCIETY FOR A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE AND THE PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

• Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM), running from 3 November to 3 December 2024, is launched by Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga to advocate for the rights and better quality of life for persons with disabilities in South Africa. 
• The campaign’s theme, “Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy: Creating a Disability-Inclusive Society for a Better Quality of Life and the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,” emphasises the need for a society that embraces inclusion and equality. 
• Aligned with the 2024-2029 Medium-Term Development Framework, DRAM2024 aims to empower persons with disabilities and foster socio-economic contributions, while encouraging public engagement in the development of the Disability Rights Bill.

(DWYPD), Sindisiwe Chikunga, has called for a disability-inclusive society that upholds a better quality of life and protects the rights of persons with disabilities. This appeal marks the beginning of Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM), observed from 3 November to 3 December 2024, under the theme: “Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy: Creating a Disability-Inclusive Society for a Better Quality of Life and the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.”

This month-long campaign underscores the universality, interdependence, and fundamental rights of persons with disabilities, advocating for the full enjoyment of these rights without discrimination. It aims to promote awareness, inclusion, and empowerment of persons with disabilities across South Africa.

Aligned with the 2024-2029 Medium-Term Development Framework, which seeks to address current socio-economic challenges, DRAM2024 serves as a bridge uniting South Africans to build a disability-inclusive, barrier-free society. It envisions a South Africa where persons with disabilities actively contribute to socio-economic empowerment within their communities.

“This month provides an important platform to champion disability rights and to work towards a South Africa where dignity and equality are universal. Whether disabled or able-bodied, all individuals must be empowered to contribute towards an inclusive society,” said Minister Chikunga.

The government also urges all members of society to participate in the significant process of domesticating the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, facilitated by the South African Law Reform Commission. This process will contribute to the development of the Disability Rights Bill.

Disability Rights Awareness Sub-themes and Objectives
DRAM2024 will focus on commitments to disability inclusion, aligned with the government’s priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 10 on reducing inequality.