The DBE, through its Inclusive Education Directorate, has initiated quarterly engagements with organisations representing persons with disabilities. These structured meetings aim to strengthen collaboration, promote shared learning and drive the effective implementation of inclusive education across South Africa’s education system. The first of these meetings was held on 17 June 2025, at the DBE Conference Centre in Pretoria, and was attended by various line functions in the Department.
The meeting was attended by the Ministry and Deputy Ministry, as well as senior managers responsible for the following line functions: Ms Neo Sediti from the National School Nutrition Programme; Mr Matome Kgatla from Infrastructure; Ms Vonani Mathonsi from Continuing Professional Teacher Development; and Ms Leticia Munday from Human Resource Planning. Dr Praveena Sukhraj-Ely, Chief Director for Governance and Compliance for the Disability Rights Branch, represented the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD). Dr Sukhraj-Ely’s attendance reaffirms the active steps towards strengthening intergovernmental collaboration.
This initiative reaffirms South Africa’s commitment to Education White Paper 6 and Articles 24 and 27 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), safeguarding the right to inclusive, quality and free education for persons with disabilities.
The key objectives of the Forum are to promote mutual understanding and dialogue on issues affecting learners with disabilities; share updates on policies, programmes and strategic priorities related to inclusive education; and identify and address systemic barriers through joint strategy development. The Forum is also a platform for the exchange of good practices, research findings, and innovation, whilst strengthening advocacy, training, and community engagement. In addition, it provides an opportunity to monitor progress and address emerging issues collaboratively; align stakeholder efforts through a shared Terms of Reference; and reinforce the strategic direction of the Inclusive Education Directorate.
Organisations representing persons with disabilities are essential partners, offering unique insights into the lived experiences and challenges of learners with special education needs. Their involvement ensures policy and practice are grounded in reality and aligned with the needs of learners, educators, and families. Through regular engagement, the DBE aims to inform policy implementation with on-the-ground realities and enhance transparency, accountability and responsiveness. This will ensure document interventions to guide future policy development and alignment with global best practice.
This partnership brings valuable expertise, strengthens advocacy and enhances outreach, whilst supporting capacity-building and innovation in teaching and learning for all learners. The next meeting of the Forum will take place on 23 September 2025 at the DBE in Pretoria.