DSD TO HANDOVER REPORT OF PUBLIC HEARINGS ON DRAFT POLICY ON SERVICES TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN MPUMALANGA AND NORTHERN CAPE

• As part of National Disability Rights Awareness Month (3 November–3 December), the Department of Social Development will present reports from public hearings held in Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape on the Draft Policy on Social Development Services to Persons with Disabilities, which call for regular progress updates from provincial governments.
• The report advocates for increased government investment in education, skills development, employment opportunities, and access to essential resources like wheelchairs and hearing aids for persons with disabilities.
• This year’s theme, “Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy: Creating a Disability-Inclusive Society for a Better Quality of Life,” underscores the need for inclusion, with the Department of Social Development playing a key role in advancing disability rights through support services and care.

As part of National Disability Rights Awareness Month (3 November–3 December), the Department of Social Development will hand over reports from public hearings conducted in Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape this week. These reports capture province-specific feedback on the Draft Policy on Social Development Services to Persons with Disabilities, which was approved by Cabinet in 2023 for public consultation. The feedback has been synthesised into an action plan, requiring all provincial governments to provide regular progress updates.

The report strongly advocates for government investment in education, skills development, employment opportunities, and funding initiatives for persons with disabilities. It also emphasises the need to ensure access to assistive devices such as wheelchairs and hearing aids, among other essential resources.

National Disability Rights Awareness Month aims to promote the human rights and socio-economic inclusion of persons with disabilities while fostering an environment that ensures their full and equal participation in all aspects of South African society. According to the 2022 census, approximately 3.3 million South Africans identify as persons with disabilities, with women representing the majority at 8.3% compared to 6.5% for men.

This year’s theme, “Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy: Creating a Disability-Inclusive Society for a Better Quality of Life and Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities”, underscores the importance of inclusion in improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities. The Department of Social Development, as a lead government entity, plays a critical role in providing prevention, early intervention, residential care, and alternative support services to advance disability rights.