Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga's Department led the IDPD proceedings
Ministry partners to observe IDPD in the North West Province
Rustenburg, North West — 5 December 2025: The Ministry of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, in partnership with Special Olympics South Africa (SOSA) and the North West Provincial Government, successfully concluded a powerful two-day provincial programme marking the National Celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).
The event, held from 2–3 December 2025, brought together government leaders, traditional leaders, disability organisations, persons with disabilities, Special Olympics athletes, families and communities—culminating in a vibrant national celebration attended by over 600 learners with disabilities and participants in the Disability Dialogue.
Day 1: Disability Dialogue Sets the Foundation for Action
The programme opened on 2 December with the North West Disability Dialogue, hosted by the Office of the Premier. The Dialogue created a dedicated platform for persons with disabilities, civil society and government departments to address critical issues affecting persons with disabilities in the province. Stakeholders discussed strengthened collaboration between government departments, service providers and disability organisations to improve outcomes for people with disabilities across the province.
This engagement set a meaningful foundation for the national celebration that followed on the IDPD.
Day 2: A Powerful National Celebration Marked by Unity and Inclusion on the IDPD
The National IDPD event on 3 December delivered a memorable day that showcased South Africa’s commitment to dignity, inclusion and equal opportunity.
The Special Olympics Flame of Hope and Law Enforcement Torch Run Create a Stirring Opening
The IDPD began with the ceremonial Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), where the Flame of Hope—Special Olympics’ global symbol of unity and courage—was proudly carried by North West law enforcement representative Brigadier Ntoagae, accompanied by the Special Olympics South Africa National Law Enforcement representative Brigadier Martin van Staden and SOSA athlete leaders.
They were supported by:
• Honourable Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities • Honourable MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation for the North West Province, Galerekwe Virginia Tlhapi
• SOSA Board Members Ms Melanie Ramjee and Mr Themeli Avathakali
• Dignitaries, ambassadors, football legends, celebrities and members of North West law enforcement
The Flame’s entrance onto the field, followed by the lighting of the cauldron, marked a major milestone—officially affirming the North West Province as the host of the 2026 Special Olympics South Africa National Summer Games.
Voices of Leadership Reaffirm Government Commitment
The formal programme featured strong messages of support from civil society, SOSA and government leaders, including:
• Mr Kalamore, Chairperson of the North West Disability Forum
• Brigadier Ntoagae, SAPS North West Province
Deputy Chairperson of SOSA, Ms Melanie Ramjee, stated:
“As we gather on this IDPD, let us remember: Inclusion is a national responsibility. Dignity is a universal right. And every person with a disability deserves opportunity, respect and protection.
For Special Olympics South Africa, this IDPD holds deep meaning. It reaffirms our purpose: to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are not only included but embraced, supported and empowered in every aspect of society.
This IDPD challenges us to remove barriers, confront stigma and recognise the unique strengths and talents of persons with disabilities. Our athletes embody these values every day with courage, passion and determination.
Together, let us continue building a South Africa where every person with a disability is valued and included.”
The Honourable MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation for the North West Province, Galerekwe Virginia Tlhapi, confirmed the province’s support:
“As the North West Provincial Government, we are deeply honoured to welcome the Flame of Hope on this IDPD into our province. Its arrival is symbolic of the unity, resilience and hope carried across the world by the Special Olympics movement.
We pledge to host the 2026 Special Olympics South Africa National Games in alignment with the highest standards of Special Olympics—ensuring that every detail and requirement is observed with precision and respect. In doing so, we reaffirm our responsibility to uphold the rights of persons with intellectual disabilities, guaranteeing that their voices, talents and aspirations are fully recognised.”
Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, reaffirmed the Department’s commitment:
“Our presence here—across all spheres of government, SAPS and law enforcement, Special Olympics South Africa, families, communities and athletes—signals a shared undertaking: that persons with disabilities will never be treated as an afterthought, but as rights-holders whose full participation strengthens our democracy.
As part of the legacy of our G20 Presidency, we are establishing a Disability Inclusion Nerve Centre—a national hub for data, research and coordination—to turn commitments into measurable change in education, employment, GBVF response and service delivery.
The government must ensure commitments become accessible schools, clinics, transport and services. The private sector must open real pathways into workplaces. Communities and families must reject stigma and ensure that no child or adult with a disability is ever hidden or excluded.
Persons with disabilities must continue to guide and hold us accountable. If we feed this flame with political will, resources, partnerships and respect, it will burn brighter—lighting the path toward a South Africa where everyone can belong, participate and thrive.”
Special Olympics Unified Celebrity Football Match Delivers Celebration and Joy
The IDPD event concluded with a dynamic Special Olympics Unified Celebrity Football Match, featuring Special Olympics athletes and renowned football legends, including:
• Mark Fish
• Doctor Khumalo
• Siphiwe Tshabalala
• Simphiwe Dludlu
• Kaizer Chiefs legends: Willard Katsande, Bevan Fransman and Tefu Mashamaite
The IDPWD event and Unified match were well supported by honoured guests, including:
• His Excellency Mr Cash, Ambassador of Nicaragua
• Traditional leaders, including HRH Princess Azola Mabinza (Eastern Cape) and HRH Prince Vusi Dlamini Snr (Eswatini)
• Celebrities Stacey Holland, Kayise Ngqula and Sbu Shongwe
The match celebrated the heart of Unified Sports—promoting equality, breaking down stigma and showcasing the abilities of every participant. The two-day programme was widely regarded as a significant success—uniting learners with disabilities, government partners, traditional leaders, disability advocates and communities in a shared commitment to inclusion.
The strong participation across both days highlighted the North West Province’s readiness to host the 2026 Special Olympics South Africa National Summer Games, reinforcing South Africa’s growing movement toward inclusive communities for all.
