Disability Rights Awareness Month: Many ways to show your support

Disability Rights Awareness Month is observed annually in South Africa from 3 November to 3 December, serving as an important reminder of our shared responsibility to promote inclusion and equality for persons with disabilities.

The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) champions the rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities throughout the year. During this month, the department will intensify its efforts to encourage residents to help build a more inclusive, accessible society for all.

The department increased its funding allocation for its Services to Persons with Disabilities programme from R196 million in 2024/2025 financial year to R224 million in 2025/2026. 

R167 million of this funding goes towards 221 NPOs that provide various support services to persons with disabilities to promote wellbeing, dignity, and protection, including: 

• Disability awareness and educational programmes;
• Developmental supportive and therapeutic services (social work interventions): counselling, support group programmes;
• Daycare programmes for adults and children with disabilities;
• Support programmes for families/caregivers;
• Protective workshops services and residential care services; and
• Residential Homes for Persons with Disabilities

DSD also operates its own residential facility for adults and children with disabilities, Sivuyile, which has been allocated over R37 million in funding for 25/26.

Provincial Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt said, “This year’s theme for Disability Rights Awareness Month is ‘Creating Strategic Multisectoral Partnerships for a Disability-Inclusive Society’. Collaboration is key. As a department, we recognise the power of partnerships – with other Western Cape Government departments, spheres of government, NGOs, NPOs, the private sector, and communities – to strengthen services and extend our reach to those who need it most. Only by sharing knowledge and resources can we build accessible and inclusive spaces for all.”

Minister Londt highlighted the Disability Accessibility Mossel Bay Model as a powerful example of this collaborative approach.

“Mossel Bay Municipality, together with our department, local organisations, and businesses, is working to become South Africa’s first disability-friendly town. Significant progress has already been made in getting hotels, facilities, and other businesses on board. We will continue to support this initiative and encourage other municipalities to follow suit. We also call on residents to support the work of organisations in the disability sector, whether through donations in kind or by volunteering your time. There are many ways to show that you care.”

For more information about DSD’s services, please visit: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/social-development/service/persons-disabilities-programme , or visit your nearest local DSD office, or contact the toll-free number 0800 220 250. For information about the Cape Care Fund visit: https://capecarefund.org.za/project/homes-for-older-persons-and-persons-with-disabilities/ .

Media Enquiries
Monique Mortlock-Malgas
Media Liaison Officer to Minister Jaco Londt
Department of Social Development
Email: Monique.Mortlock@westerncape.gov.za