Disability Spotlight

An opinion piece in The Citizen explores how some fitting benefits emerge when society rethinks “special needs.” What starts as policy around disability badges or fast-queue access begins conversations about visibility, dignity and inclusion. Conditions not always visible—such as mental health or chronic pain—raise questions about fairness and authenticity of access. By Jennie Ridyard – […]

Sassa has released the payment schedule for October 2025. Older Persons Grant will be paid on Thursday, 2 October; Disability Grant on Friday, 3 October; and Children’s Grants on Monday, 6 October. By Oratile Mashilo – The Citizen The article also lists current grant amounts: Old Age (60–74) and Disability at R2 315, Old Age

At its spring graduation, the University of Cape Town (UCT) awarded honorary doctorates to two leading disability rights advocates, Dr Mohammed Cassiem D’Arcy and Shaib Chalklen. By Myolisi Gophe – UCT News Dr D’Arcy, an activist and scholar, has long advanced the rights of persons with disabilities through both grassroots organising and academic work. His

Cape Town’s Dial-a-Ride (DAR) service is a rare example of public transport that works for older people living with disabilities — and cutting it back would be a step backwards. An opinion piece highlights how typical clinic or SASSA trips can cost R240 by e-hailing, involve unsafe transfers near taxi ranks, and take seven hours

South African para surfer Sabelo Ngema is seeking sponsorship to continue competing and representing his community at national and international events. In a letter to potential partners, Ngema says his surfing journey began in 2018 and quickly became a career path. The ocean, he writes, offered healing, strength and freedom. Through discipline and resilience he

Australia has appointed an expert-led committee to test which NDIS supports should be funded, with a focus on best-practice and evidence-based results. The NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee (EAC) will be chaired by Associate Professor Jill Duncan OAM, with a majority of members being people with disabilities. By Department of Health – The Mirage News The

Nevonia Moodley lives with Friedreich’s ataxia and refuses to let the condition define her—she often says “the only disability is a bad attitude”. Diagnosed at 12 in 2002 after flu-like symptoms led to a life-altering diagnosis, she was once told she might not live beyond her teens. She has defied those predictions and built a

Labour’s response to questions from the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) argues that both the current Mental Health Act and the Mental Health Bill are compatible with the Convention. Disability advocates quoted in the analysis say this shows little appetite for change or understanding of lived experience. By Charli Clement

On 26 August, the Minister of Social Development met with the Minister for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities to refine a draft policy on service provision for persons with disabilities. The discussion focused on mainstreaming services across the social development sector from national to district level. By SA Government According to the Department of

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has urged the Welsh Government to toughen its draft Disabled People’s Rights Plan with clear targets, timelines and regular public progress reports, warning that weak accountability has held back real change. By Wired Gov What the EHRC wants The EHRC welcomed the plan’s long-term intent but said commitments