Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga will be one of the speakers at the 6th Annual Disability Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Conference
“Diversity invites us in. Inclusion ensures we belong.”
South Africa finds itself at a pivotal juncture where transformation and diversity necessitate decisive action. As disability remains one of the most overlooked areas in workplace policy, health systems, and public leadership, the time has come for bold, systemic change that moves beyond symbolism to create tangible impact.
The 6th Annual Disability Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Conference, hosted by the Intelligence Transfer Centre, will take place on 20th and 21st August 2025 at the CSIR Convention Centre in Pretoria. This landmark gathering represents more than a conference—it is a national call to action for a more inclusive South Africa.
A Crisis That Demands Urgent Response
Across Africa, persons with disabilities remain amongst the most marginalised populations, facing barriers that deny them fundamental rights and opportunities. The statistics paint a sobering picture: an estimated one in ten Africans has a disability, yet persons with disabilities are twice as likely to be unemployed, three times more likely to live in poverty, and frequently excluded from mainstream education and healthcare systems.
These are not merely statistics—they represent lives left behind, potential unrealised, and a society that fails to harness the full spectrum of human capability and contribution.
Uniting Influential Voices for Change
This year’s conference will bring together an unprecedented assembly of influential leaders from government, healthcare, corporate South Africa, and disability advocacy. The distinguished speaker lineup includes
Government Leadership:
- Honourable Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga from the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
- Dr Darion Barclay , representing the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA)
- Dr Busisiwe Ndlovu from the National Department of Health
- Sibusiso Phakathi from the Department of Labour
Corporate and Healthcare Expertise:
- Dr Miranda Moloto from Rand Mutual Assurance’s Mining Sector
Organisational Representatives: Leading voices from Proconics, Blind SA, Deaf Empowerment, Rand Water, the City of Windhoek, South African Employers for Disability, and numerous other pioneering organisations will contribute their expertise and experience.
The conference is particularly proud to welcome Ms. Meagan Chauke-Adonis, a distinguished disability activist and special guest speaker, whose advocacy work continues to inspire transformation across the continent.
Addressing Critical Themes for Systemic Change
The two-day program will tackle pressing challenges through carefully curated sessions designed to drive meaningful action:
Leadership and Policy Transformation Sessions will focus on developing disability-inclusive policy frameworks and fostering organisational cultures that prioritise accessibility and inclusion from the ground up.
Economic Participation and Workplace Barriers Delegates will explore strategies for dismantling systemic barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from full economic participation, examining both legislative requirements and practical implementation approaches.
Global Best Practices for Local Solutions. The conference will showcase international success stories while adapting these approaches to South Africa’s unique social, economic, and cultural landscape.
Inclusive Employment Strategies Comprehensive discussions will cover inclusive hiring practices, effective onboarding processes, and career development pathways that support long-term success for employees with disabilities.
Holistic Workplace Wellness Moving beyond traditional frameworks, sessions will address comprehensive wellness initiatives, including menopause support, mental health resources, rehabilitation programs, and universal accessibility design.
Strategic Partnerships Driving Impact
The conference benefits from the generous sponsorship and partnership support of Rand Mutual Assurance, Blind SA, Deaf Empowerment, and the TEARS Foundation. These collaborations exemplify the public-private partnerships essential for creating sustainable change.
The event strategically aligns with the National Strategic Framework on Disability and Rehabilitation, ensuring that discussions translate into actionable policy implementation. Furthermore, the conference reflects South Africa’s commitment to international standards outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on reducing inequality and promoting inclusive societies.
Beyond Conversation: A Catalyst for Action
This gathering transcends typical conference boundaries by fostering meaningful collaboration between public and private sectors. The focus remains firmly on translating policy discussions into lasting, measurable change that improves lives and creates opportunities.
In a nation with diversity like South Africa, inclusion cannot remain a luxury or symbolic gesture—it must become a fundamental necessity embedded in leadership approaches, legislative frameworks, hiring practices, educational systems, and the very environments where South Africans live and work.
The conference represents a catalytic moment for disability inclusion, bringing together the expertise, resources, and commitment needed to drive transformation across all sectors of society.
Registration Information: To participate in this transformative gathering, contact Marcus at marcus@intelligencetransferc.co.za or call 011 326 2501. Additional information is available at www.intelligencetransferc.co.za.
The time for symbolic gestures has passed. The moment for meaningful action has arrived. Join South Africa’s most influential leaders in shaping a future that prioritises uncompromising access, intentional inclusion, and making sure no one falls behind.
