ACCELERATION STARTS NOW: KZN APPLAUDS DISABILITY POLICY REPORT

By Precious Mupenzi

• The provincial report on public hearings for the Draft Policy on Social Development Services to Persons with Disabilities reflects months of community engagement across KwaZulu-Natal.
• The report was officially presented to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development in Durban on 25 March 2025. 
• Receiving the report, the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development, Mbali Shinga, applauded the work done in capturing the voices of people with disabilities and translating them into actionable policy.

KwaZulu-Natal has taken a decisive step toward inclusive governance with the official handover of the provincial report on public hearings for the Draft Policy on Social Development Services to Persons with Disabilities. 

Presented during a gathering at the Coastlands Hotel in Umhlanga in Durban on Tuesday, 25 March 2025, the report reflects months of engagement across communities and was received with widespread approval by delegates representing government, civil society, and the disability sector.

Applause echoed as stakeholders commended the Department of Social Development for amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities – and pledged to move swiftly from policy discussion to practical implementation.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development, Mbali Shinga, accepted the report on behalf of the province and applauded the department’s work in capturing the voices of people with disabilities and translating them into actionable policy.

“This report represents a significant milestone in our journey toward creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all,” said MEC Shinga.

“Through this policy, we aim to address the unique challenges faced by persons with disabilities and ensure that they have access to quality social development services that promote their well-being and empowerment.”

Shinga noted that the draft policy was not developed in isolation but emerged from the lived experiences of the community.

We heard their voices

“The public hearings provided a platform for persons with disabilities, their families, and caregivers to share their experiences, concerns, and suggestions. We heard their voices, and we are committed to using their input to shape our interventions.”

Highlighting specific achievements, the MEC said the department has already extended targeted support to children with disabilities.

“Children at Bersig School received school uniforms purchased by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA),” she noted.

“We are assisting with school enrolment, providing psychosocial support, foster care placements, and addressing cases of abuse.

“This is a demonstration of our commitment to ensure that children with disabilities are not overlooked.”

Shinga emphasised that collaboration remains critical.

“We are working closely with departments like health, higher education and training, SASSA, TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges, and SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities) to ensure persons with disabilities are prioritised in policy and service implementation.

“Disability is not inability. We must provide every opportunity for full participation.”

Coordination is key to progress

Echoing this sentiment, Sabelo Ntuli from the KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier emphasised that coordination across departments is key to achieving meaningful progress.

“As the Office of the Premier, we are delighted to be part of this handover report. The deputy minister has shown that he is hands-on, especially in raising issues like sheltered employment—once a safe and dignified space for persons with disabilities,” said Ntuli.

The provincial report was formally handed over to the MEC by the Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ganief Hendricks.

Ntuli commended the Department of Social Development’s leadership in developing cross-cutting policies, adding: “We’ve seen progress with youth policies and others. Now, with this disability policy, we must ensure the voices from public hearings find true expression in the final legislation.”

Ntuli also detailed the work being done by the Office of the Premier to support the sector.

“We are in the process of reviewing our provincial disability strategy. It must include clear interventions that speak to issues raised in the policy. We’ve identified five thematic pillars and are monitoring them using a Vulnerability Scorecard.”

Among the scorecard indicators, Ntuli cited procurement set-asides, the employment of persons with disabilities in provincial departments, access to health services, and the distribution of sanitary towels to special and public schools.

“Frankly, as government, we are not doing well when it comes to disability sector allocations. We need to move from 2% to 7% employment by 2030.”

He added: “Once the (Promotion of Equality and Protection Against Discrimination of Persons with Disabilities) Bill becomes law, failure to implement it will be a punishable offence. The sector is at war for recognition and inclusion. We must work together to ensure no one is left behind.”

A call for immediate implementation

The delegates, many of whom participated in the public hearings, echoed their support for the department and called for immediate implementation.

Phumlani Mhlungu from the uThungulu district praised the visibility and dedication of social workers in the disability space.

“In our district, social workers have gone above and beyond, especially in supporting persons with albinism. If all districts could follow this example, we would see the dignity and rights of people with albinism fully restored,” said Mhlungu.

From the uMkhanyakude district, Alex Ntuli raised a pressing concern for the permanent employment of social workers. “Social workers are the backbone of community intervention. We must move beyond short-term contracts and ensure permanent placement to sustain meaningful services,” he said.

The day closed with a collective call to action: the time for consultation is over, the time for implementation is now. The delegates applauded the department’s leadership and urged all government departments to align their budgets and programmes with the vision of the draft policy.

With the energy in the room profound, one message rang clear: this policy has brought renewed hope to the sector, and its acceleration begins now.