SOUTH AFRICA LAUNCHES DISABILITY RIGHTS AWARENESS MONTH WITH KEY REPORT ON INCLUSION AND SUPPORT

Precious Mupenzi

• South Africa marked the start of National Disability Rights Awareness Month with the presentation of the Western Cape Provincial Public Hearings Report, the first in a series aimed at addressing the needs and challenges faced by persons with disabilities nationwide.
• Delivered by Deputy Minister of Social Development Ganief Hendricks, the report reflects the government’s commitment to building a disability-inclusive society and strengthening community-based support systems.
• As part of a month-long campaign under the 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,” the initiative aims to advance South Africa’s progress in promoting the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with disabilities. 

As South Africa begins National Disability Rights Awareness Month, Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mr. Ganief Hendricks, today presented the Western Cape Provincial Public Hearings Report—the first of nine reports that reflect the needs and concerns of persons with disabilities across the country. Held at the Lagoon Beach Hotel in Cape Town, the handover ceremony coincided with the nationwide awareness campaign themed, “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.” Since 2013, South Africa has observed Disability Rights Awareness Month from November 3 to December 3, promoting the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities and underscoring the government’s commitment to a more equitable society.

“It is my great pleasure to join you all today for the handover of a report containing inputs gathered during public hearings. These voices, represented by individuals and organizations, are central to our mission of providing services that promote independent living and inclusion,” Deputy Minister Hendricks said in his address. He emphasized that the new policy aims to enhance the Department’s support for persons with disabilities in line with the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

As part of the government’s commitment to equity, Hendricks outlined the policy’s focus on addressing stigma, discrimination, and social isolation faced by persons with disabilities. The policy emphasizes community-based services that promote family and community support as primary means of protection. “We are committed to strengthening families and communities to break down barriers and bring people with disabilities into the heart of our society,” he added.

The Deputy Minister’s remarks followed the official launch of National Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM), which runs from November 3 to December 3 under the theme, “Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy: Creating a Disability-Inclusive Society for a Better Quality of Life.” This month-long observance seeks to educate the public on disability issues, acknowledge progress, and celebrate the achievements of persons with disabilities. Hendricks noted that recent census data show a national disability prevalence rate of 7.5%, with a higher rate among women than men.

“Disability is more prevalent among females, with 8.3% of women affected compared to 6.5% of men. Additionally, the prevalence of disability increases with age, with over half of individuals aged 85 and older reporting disabilities,” Hendricks shared, citing data showing that the Western Cape was the only province with an increase in disability prevalence, rising from 5.3% in 2011 to 5.4% in 2022.

Hendricks reaffirmed South Africa’s constitutional commitment to equality and dignity for all, highlighting the need to create an enabling environment that respects the human and socio-economic rights of persons with disabilities. “Our Constitution enjoins us to ensure the full and equal participation of all South Africans, including persons with disabilities. This report embodies our commitment to understanding and addressing their concerns, not merely as a procedural requirement but as a genuine effort to include their lived experiences in our policies,” he stated.

The report outlines critical areas for improvement, including inclusive opportunities in education, skills development, employment, and funding, as well as better access to assistive devices like wheelchairs and hearing aids. It also proposes a high-level action plan to address these areas and hold the government accountable through regular monitoring and public transparency. “The high-level action plan will be published and fully accessible. I believe it will be a powerful tool in ensuring that persons with disabilities are included in all aspects of national life,” Hendricks said, pledging to work closely with provincial MECs in implementing the plan.

In his closing remarks, Hendricks expressed his commitment to ongoing collaboration with stakeholders across the country. “Ensuring the full inclusion of persons with disabilities is a journey, not a destination. I stand ready to walk this journey with you and all MECs in their respective provinces,” he added.

With this report, South Africa continues to strive toward a more inclusive society. Disability Rights Awareness Month provides a timely occasion for the country to reflect on its progress in disability rights and to envision a future that is accessible and equitable for all.