CREATING A DISABILITY-INCLUSIVE, BARRIER-FREE FREE STATE BY 2030

Tshepiso Matona

• The Free State Department of Social Development is leading efforts to create a disability-inclusive, barrier-free province by 2030, with a focus on empowering children with disabilities and supporting their families.
• Ms. Matu Mohale, Deputy Director for Partial Care Development, plays a central role in implementing initiatives such as temporary respite care and inclusive education advocacy.
• Despite challenges like limited funding and space constraints in specialised schools, the department remains committed to advancing disability rights and raising awareness through campaigns like Disability Rights Awareness Month.

The Free State Provincial Office of the Department of Social Development is leading efforts to create a disability-inclusive, barrier-free province by 2030. Central to this mission is Ms. Matu Mohale, Deputy Director responsible for partial care development, whose dedication to the well-being of children with disabilities reflects the department’s unwavering commitment.  

Partial care, a vital aspect of the department’s initiatives, is defined in the Children’s Act of 2005 as a form of childcare provided outside the family environment. “Partial care supports children while they remain under the care of their parents or guardians, offering supplementary services like after-school programmes,” explained Ms. Mohale. The department has identified four key types of partial care: temporary respite care, early childhood development (ECD), private hostels, and after-school programmes. “Our primary focus is on temporary respite care, which is crucial in providing caregivers with much-needed support,” she added.  

The responsibilities tied to partial care are extensive and include empowering district officials, maintaining a database of the province’s 43 operating facilities, and ensuring compliance with the Children’s Act. Ms. Mohale emphasised that guiding facilities to meet safety and hygiene standards and ensuring their registration are critical to safeguarding the well-being of children. Registration enforces adherence to norms and standards designed to protect and nurture children.  

Despite progress, challenges persist. Limited funding has delayed the implementation of after-school programmes and private hostels, while space constraints in specialised schools, such as the Free State School of Autism, highlight the growing demand for services. Ms. Mohale acknowledged these hurdles, stating: “These challenges underscore the urgent need for additional resources to meet the increasing demand for services.” The department’s efforts extend beyond funding and grants. It collaborates with other agencies to ensure children with disabilities access critical services, including education and documentation. “We use White Paper 6 to advocate for inclusive education, ensuring that children with disabilities are not excluded from schools,” said Ms. Mohale. “Social workers partner with parents to address cases of discrimination and work with school management to create accessible environments for all learners.”  

The department’s initiatives align with its broader campaign to promote disability rights. Since 2018, the department has observed Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM) annually from 3 November to 3 December, coinciding with International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December. This extended period allows stakeholders to raise awareness about disability rights, promote inclusivity, and encourage the implementation of disability-friendly policies and practices. “The theme, ‘A Disability-Inclusive Barrier-Free South Africa by 2030. Be the Legacy,’ has guided us over the past five years to advance the rights of persons with disabilities, irrespective of their age, race, gender, culture, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, geographical location, or socio-economic status,” explained Ms. Mohale.  

Ms. Mohale urged parents, especially fathers and young caregivers, to see the potential in children with disabilities. “A child with a disability is a miracle,” she affirmed. “Within that disability lies unique potential. Parents must nurture and discover that miracle rather than seeing it as a curse.” She reassured mothers that the department offers comprehensive support, including counselling and temporary respite care services.  

Since joining the Free State Department of Social Development in 2012, Ms. Mohale has played a pivotal role in advancing programmes for children with disabilities. Her work in early childhood development and partial care has been particularly impactful. Reflecting on her journey, she shared: “Every day brings joy as I see the difference these initiatives make in the lives of children.”  

Through campaigns like DRAM and the dedication of leaders like Ms. Mohale, the Free State Department of Social Development is turning its vision of a disability-inclusive province into a reality, one step at a time.