Challenges faced by disabled people in rural and township communities

In South Africa, around 3 million individuals, about 7.5% of the population, live with disabilities, facing significant challenges due to the lack of essential services, particularly in rural and township communities. The Africa Disability Alliance has highlighted the ongoing struggles these individuals face in acquiring necessary resources, urging government intervention. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these difficulties, as expressed by residents in informal settlements like Fulani. President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged the issue, stating that economic recovery plans should include more efforts to empower and employ people with disabilities by making workplaces accessible. However, many, including those sustaining themselves on minimal disability grants, continue to struggle with gaining employment. The African Disability Alliance criticizes the government's inadequate policy implementation, especially around infrastructure development in townships, which remains severely lacking. Basic accessibility features prevalent in other areas are viewed as unattainable luxuries in townships, highlighting ongoing marginalization.