The United Nations marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on Wednesday 3 December with a virtual event. The focus was on the importance of disability inclusion in advancing social progress.
The event follows the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha. There, global leaders reaffirmed their commitment to building equitable and inclusive societies. The summit also highlighted ongoing challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion. These issues disproportionately affect persons with disabilities (PwDs). Many remain excluded from social protection systems, face barriers to care, and experience discrimination in employment.
Challenges remain for persons with disabilities
The IDPD event included opening remarks from senior UN officials, representatives from the State of Qatar, and the International Disability Alliance. Afterwards, a panel discussion covered social protection, assistive technology, youth participation, and campaigns to combat discrimination. Speakers shared practical examples and case studies. These highlighted how global frameworks can accelerate progress towards an inclusive society.
Notukela Makohliso advocacy journey
For Notukela Makhohliso, who uses a wheelchair after surviving a crash in 2017, disability inclusion is not a policy slogan.
It is a lived reality.
“In my daily life, accessibility is a constant challenge,” she said. “Public transport, buildings, and entertainment spaces are often unaccessible. People no longer see me, but my wheelchair or disability. Employment opportunities are scarce. Even when we find work, attitudes and bias create barriers. It is exhausting to fight for every opportunity.”
The accident left Makhohliso with a non-functional right arm and impaired speech. She lost her university job, and her business closed. Despite these setbacks, she has become a leading advocate for PwDs in the Western Cape. She serves on the executive boards of the Western Cape Network on Disability and the Western Cape Black Disability Forum.
Notukela Foundation Institute empowers communities
In 2019, Makhohliso founded the Notukela Foundation Institute (NFI) in Khayelitsha. The organisation motivates and inspires through storytelling. Its aim is to serve humanity positively, impact lives, educate, and shift perspectives. Additionally, it empowers PwDs through skills development programmes in food security, local economic development, and storytelling.
“Disability inclusion is not charity, it is a human rights imperative,” she said. “Persons with disabilities are ready to contribute, innovate, and live with dignity. The system must evolve to provide meaningful employment and equal participation in all areas of life.”
Makhohliso also noted that South Africa’s policies for PwDs often exist only on paper. “Accessible transport is rare. Workplaces are often unaccessible. There is little awareness or training about disabilities. We need self-representation and inclusion at every level of government and the private sector. This will help influence policies that affect our lives.”
Calls for policy change
To mark IDPD, Makhohliso and fellow advocates submitted a petition to the Speaker of Parliament. They called for amendments to the National Land Transport Act to ensure full accessibility for seen and unseen disabilities.
The UN emphasised that disability inclusion benefits all sectors of society. By highlighting human stories like Makhohliso’s and showcasing practical solutions, the IDPD event aimed to inspire action. Its message was clear: no one should be left behind.
