Unified Effort: South Africa's Commitment to Disability Inclusion

18 April 2025 - Johannesburg. Rare Diseases South Africa (RDSA) is excited to share some important updates regarding South Africa's ongoing efforts to uphold and advance the rights of persons with disabilities. Recently, the South African Disability Alliance (SADA), Disabled People South Africa, the Presidential Working Group on Disability, and the National Council of Persons with Disabilities collaborated to compile a comprehensive UN Country Report responding to the UN List of Issues on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). RDSA, as a member of SADA, played a role in contributing to this report.

Key Highlights from the Report:

1. Legislative and Policy Reforms:

   • Mental Health Care Act: Amendments include new regulations for residential and daycare facilities and the adoption of the National Mental Health Policy Framework and Strategic Plan 2023-2030.

   • Disability Rights Bill: Drafted to entrench monitoring and protect disability rights.

   • Recognition of South African Sign Language: SASL was recognized as the twelfth official language, addressing historical marginalization of the deaf community.

   • Marriage Bill: Aligns marriage rights with international disability standards.

2. Inclusive Education:

   • Expansion of full-service schools and special schools to accommodate learners with disabilities.

   • Training for teachers and officials on inclusive education practices.

   • Provision of assistive technologies and devices in schools.

3. Access to Justice:

   • Introduction of the National Policy Framework on Reasonable Accommodations in Courts.

   • Training for court officials on disability rights and reasonable accommodations.

   • Establishment of victim support centres and the GBV Command Call Centre.

4. Economic Empowerment:

   • Affirmative action measures and incentives to promote employment of persons with disabilities.

   • Skills development programs and financial support for entrepreneurs with disabilities.

   • Implementation of the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act to support economic inclusion.

5. Healthcare and Social Services:

   • Expansion of community-based mental health services.

   • Provision of social grants and support services for families caring for children with disabilities.

   • Implementation of the Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution program.

6. Awareness and Advocacy:

   • National Strategic Framework on Awareness Raising Campaigns to combat stigma and discrimination.

   • Collaboration with traditional and religious leaders to dispel myths and integrate protections for persons with albinism.

Impact on the Rare Disease Community: This development is particularly significant for the rare disease community in South Africa. With over 4.2 million South Africans affected by approximately 7,000 rare diseases[1], the inclusion of rare disease considerations in national disability policies and reports is a crucial step forward. The efforts to improve healthcare access, policy development, and patient advocacy will help address the unique challenges faced by individuals with rare diseases, such as limited healthcare access, underdiagnosis, and lack of information[1].

Next Steps: The report has been approved by the cabinet and submitted to the United Nations within the deadline. It will soon be published on the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) website, and the link will be shared with all networks.

Conclusion: This report marks a significant milestone in South Africa's journey towards a more inclusive and equitable society. The collaborative efforts of various organizations, including RDSA, highlight the importance of unity and shared commitment in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities. As we move forward, it is crucial to continue raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and ensuring that the voices of persons with disabilities are heard and respected.

Key Steps Going Forward:

1. Dissemination: Circulate the report among members and organizations to raise awareness and support ongoing efforts.

2. Engagement: Encourage active participation in discussions and initiatives aimed at promoting disability rights.

3. Advocacy: Continue to advocate for policy changes and the implementation of inclusive practices across all sectors.

4. Monitoring: Track the progress of the initiatives outlined in the report and hold stakeholders accountable for their commitments.

Together, we can continue to make strides towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Read the reports below:

RSA Combined UNCRPD Report to the LOI Final.pdf

Download PDF • 361KB

List of Issues by the Committee regarding South Africa Periodic Reports on CRPD.pdf

Download PDF • 548KB

References

[1] Millions of South Africans fight rare diseases | African Reporter