As South Africa observes Child Protection Week, new data from Statistics South Africa’s 2022 Census has shed critical light on the urgent need to protect and uplift children with disabilities—especially in the education system.
By Stats SA
According to the report, over 2.5 million South Africans aged five and older are living with disabilities, representing 7.5% of the population. This includes a significant number of children and youth, many of whom face disproportionate barriers to education, early development support, and inclusive learning environments.
The data, collected using the internationally recognised Washington Group Short Set, shows that:
- Mobility and sight challenges are the most commonly reported
- Disability prevalence increases with age but is already present in early childhood
- Girls with disabilities experience compounding vulnerabilities, especially in under-resourced communities
📚 Access to Education Still Unequal
While the Department of Basic Education has committed to inclusive schooling, the Census highlights ongoing gaps. Children with disabilities—especially in rural provinces like the Eastern Cape and Limpopo—continue to face:
- Limited access to inclusive schools
- Long waiting lists for special needs placements
- Lack of transport, assistive devices, and trained educators
- Social stigma and bullying, often driving dropout rates
These barriers directly contradict the goals of Child Protection Week, which centres on ensuring every child grows up safe, supported, and included—regardless of ability.
“We cannot speak of protecting children if we continue to fail children with disabilities,” said a disability education advocate.
🛑 From Data to Dignity
The headline figure—2.5 million people with disabilities—is more than a statistic. It is a call to action.
As South Africa builds toward universal education and inclusive policy, child-focused disability interventions must be prioritised. That includes investing in early detection, inclusive curriculum development, and community-based support networks. Disability rights advocates say this Census marks a turning point: we now have the data. What we need next is the political will to act.
