Rustenburg: Government has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing a disability-inclusive society through strengthened partnerships, improved access to services, and the protection of the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. Delivering the keynote address at the national commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, held on Wednesday in Rustenburg, North West, Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, stated that the government is focusing on concrete reforms to protect the rights of persons with disabilities across all sectors.
According to South African Government News Agency, the event concluded the National Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM), observed under the theme ‘Disability Inclusion: Creating Strategic Multisectoral Partnerships for a Disability-Inclusive Society.’ At a global level, the United Nations has called on countries to foster disability-inclusive societies that advance social progress.
Chikunga emphasized that progress must be measured by the ability of persons with disabilities to learn, work, travel, access services, participate in sports, and live safely and independently. She acknowledged persistent barriers faced by many South Africans with disabilities, such as inaccessible buildings and transport, services that do not accommodate different needs, and attitudes that exclude, which should not exist.
Rustenburg will host the 2026 Special Olympics South Africa National Summer Games and prepare athletes for the 2027 World Games in Santiago, Chile. Chikunga noted that the city’s role reflects South Africa’s broader commitment to recognizing people with disabilities as rights-holders and leaders.
Earlier in the day, leaders participated in the ceremonial handover of the Special Olympics Flame of Hope, symbolizing dignity, courage, and inclusion. The flame was passed to the North West Province as the next host of the National Summer Games, representing a shared commitment to uphold dignity, safety, and inclusion.
Chikunga highlighted several initiatives underway, including finalizing an overarching Disability Rights Bill to consolidate protections into a comprehensive law and reconstituting the Presidential Working Group on Disability to ensure persons with disabilities help shape policy.
Economic inclusion efforts include reforms allowing public entities to procure from Supported Employment Enterprises (SEE), creating jobs for persons with disabilities. Government is also working toward a 7% public-sector disability employment target and urging the private sector to improve beyond current levels.
Chikunga discussed ongoing work to electrify special schools, improve inclusive education, strengthen community-based support, and increase accessibility across public infrastructure. Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) response programs are being adapted to protect women and girls with disabilities better.
As part of the legacy of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, a Disability Inclusion Nerve Centre is being established as a national hub for data, research, and coordination to turn commitments into measurable change. Chikunga emphasized the need for political will, resources, partnerships, and respect to ensure a South Africa where everyone can belong, participate, and thrive.
