In Focus

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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“Disability is just one part of our life” – meet the dancer breaking barriers on stage

Disability Spotlight, In Focus / Tumelo

Lethabo Shai lost her leg aged two. Now she’s a professional dancer telling her story. Written by Ihsaan Haffejee Pictures taken by Ihsaan Haffejee Lethabo Shai was two-years-old when bone cancer led to her leg being amputated. Today, she is a professional dancer. Her latest production, Womxn in Me, is inspired by the women who raised her

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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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Eros School alumni to raise funds for pupils with disabilities

In Focus / Hannah Thorpe

Marsha Bothma, Athlone News Former Eros School pupils and staff will come together next month to reconnect, honour those who shaped their lives, and raise funds for the special education school in Bridgetown. Eros School caters for pupils with disabilities, including children with cerebral palsy, and has previously produced pupils who have excelled in sport

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South Africans invited to wear jeans for Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Disability Spotlight / Hannah Thorpe

Down Syndrome South Africa is calling on individuals, schools, communities and businesses to support its Beauty in the Genes campaign this October and help turn awareness into meaningful inclusion. October marks Down Syndrome Awareness Month, with National Down Syndrome Awareness Day observed across South Africa on 20 October. To mark the occasion, Down Syndrome South

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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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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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