The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) on 6 September celebrated a milestone of, for 30 years, positively changing lives through its flagship awareness and fundraising project, Casual Day.
This initiative with life-changing impact is as old as South Africa’s democracy, as the NCPD conceptualised it in 1994.
Its chief objective aims at raising funds and creating awareness about the challenges and potential of persons with disabilities.
The theme for 2024 is: “I See You”. This transcends the ordinary act of seeing with one’s eyes; it is about recognising the inherent worth, dignity and uniqueness each person holds.
“The NCPD views this anniversary as a moment of reflection and appreciation, and a jumping-off point to further shape a future in which inclusivity is not just a concept, but a lived reality,” the body has stated.
“Too often over the last 30 years persons with disabilities have had their rights overlooked; they have been unseen. With this foremost in our minds, we have come to our 2024 theme.”
This flagship project is held annually at the start of September, urging for support through the public’s contribution of, in recent years, R20 for a Casual Day sticker. Displaying one of these entitles them to express their individual interpretation of the yearly theme through their outfits, showing their support for the full inclusion and equity of persons with disabilities.
The organisation encourages South Africans to continue supporting beyond Casual Day, by purchasing merchandise such as T-shirts, bucket hats and caps.
“We urge everyone to look beyond the surface and truly acknowledge the essence of each person, which makes up the rich tapestry of our nation. Let us build a society in which everyone is seen, heard and valued for their unique contributions.”
According to the NCPD, the Casual Day initiative has grown into the largest and most successful fundraising and awareness campaign for persons with disabilities, having raised and distributed over R455 483 million since 1994. It is also an important national campaign through which the rights of persons with disabilities are promoted.
These include easy access to public areas, equality, social inclusion, and economic participation.
