Disability Connect

Parliamentarians call for stronger protection of people with disabilities within CPA member countries

In Focus, In the News / Disability Connect

Delegates to the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) underway in Cape Town on Tuesday called for stronger legal measures to protect the rights and participation of people with disabilities, emphasising the need for inclusive laws, effective implementation and meaningful representation, writes Jabulani Majozi. This call was made during a meeting of the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with […]

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Graduand’s master’s – ‘a journey of becoming’

By Niémah Davids Photos taken by Lerato Maduna Life has dealt Ncikazi Nyoka a difficult hand. In 2009, a car accident robbed her of her ability to walk, leaving her with a lifelong disability. But that wasn’t the worst part. When her husband filed for divorce because helping to care for her after her accident was just

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South Africa builds critical neurodiversity expertise as UJ students graduate

Graduates, Learnerships & Workplace Readiness, In Focus / Disability Connect

The University of Johannesburg’s Mpedi Family Scholarship for Neurodiversity Studies recently celebrated the graduation of three students who received their Masters’ qualifications. The graduation is an early outcome of the direct private-sector contribution focused specifically on the capacity shortage South Africa is currently facing, where there are few professionals trained to identify and support neurodivergent

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Hundreds walk in silence for deaf awareness

In Focus, In the News / Disability Connect

People who can hear wore earplugs for the 5km route By Mary-Anne Gontsana, GroundUp Picture: Mary-Anne Gontsana The Deaf Federation of South Africa (DeafSA) kicked off national deaf awareness month with its annual silent walk on Saturday. This was the 12th annual walk. The event aims to bridge the gap between deaf and hearing people. Participants

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Inclusivity is a universal right for all

Disability, In Focus / Disability Connect

Source: Tshwane University of Technology The Pretoria Campus leg of the Disability Awareness Campaign put the spotlight on the importance of communication in ensuring that students with disabilities also feel a sense of belonging to the University. The event, themed “Our University, Our Space Our Belonging” was recently hosted by the Disability Unit and Transformation,

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Celebrating disabled South African women at Bree Street gallery exhibition

Disability Spotlight / Disability Connect

By: Leah Samuels, The Cape Towner Picture: First Thursdays, Cape Town An inspirational photographic exhibition celebrating disabled South African women, dignity, and inclusion is open to the public at 33BREE in the Cape Town CBD. The exhibition, titled As She Is, features a portfolio of portraits capturing disabled women in high fashion and couture, using expressive compositions

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Franklin Players’ inaugural Playground Fest puts inclusion centre stage

In Focus / Disability Connect

The two-night festival showcased everything from improv comedy to inspiring performances celebrating disability awareness and community connection. By: Neo Phashe – Northcliff Melville Times Photo: Neo Phashe Laughter, music, and powerful storytelling filled the Roosevelt Park Recreation Centre on August 1 and 2, as the Franklin Players welcomed audiences to the inaugural Playground Fest –

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Ready to Work, Ready to Contribute: Sakhile Brian Malinga’s Story

Work Readiness / Disability Connect

My name is Sakhile Brian Malinga. I am a 38-year-old South African man living with Parkinson’s disease and dystonia. I turned 38 on the 26th of June, 2026. I was born in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, to a Swati mother and a Swati father. As I look around me, I see that we, as South Africans, are

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MEC brings hope to Bophelong

In the News / Disability Connect

Hope met technology in Bophelong as Gauteng MEC Bonginkosi Dhlamini marked Mandela Day with blankets, free WiFi and a promise of ICT skills to empower people with disabilities. By: Sifiso Jimta, Sedibeng Ster, Picture: Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) on Facebook BOPHELONG – Smiles, hope and promises of a better future filled the Amohelang Bophelong Disability

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How a Deaf student experienced real inclusion at UCT

Graduates, Learnerships & Workplace Readiness / Disability Connect

Story: Myolisi Gophe. Photos: Lerato Maduna. When meningitis robbed him of his hearing at the age of eight, many believed Ibrahim Tukur’s future had been written off. His teachers could no longer reach him. Friends drifted away. Some mocked him. Even his father, convinced there was no future for a deaf child, withdrew him from school. Today, that same

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