By the SayPro Royal Committee Non-Executive Member
Date: 16 May 2025
Location: SayPro Midrand Headquarters
Distinguished guests, esteemed partners, members of the Royal Committee, colleagues, and friends,
Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening to all of you, wherever you are joining us today.
It is both an honour and a responsibility to stand before you as a Non-Executive Member of the SayPro Royal Committee on this important occasion—Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2025. Today, we come together to reflect on our shared commitment to creating a world that is accessible to all, and to renew our collective determination to remove the barriers that prevent so many from fully participating in society.
At SayPro, we know that accessibility is not just about compliance or meeting standards—it is about empowerment and dignity. Accessibility is the cornerstone of inclusion, and inclusion is the key to ensuring that every person, regardless of ability, can lead a life of purpose, contribution, and equality.
This year’s theme—“Designing for Dignity”—echoes deeply within our mission. Designing for dignity means ensuring that every decision we make, every policy we adopt, and every system we build prioritizes the rights, needs, and aspirations of people with disabilities. It means creating spaces, both physical and digital, where all are welcomed, all are valued, and all are given the opportunity to thrive.
As a Non-Executive Member of the SayPro Royal Committee, I am proud to witness our ongoing work to make this vision a reality. From our efforts to support inclusive education and accessible digital platforms, to our investment in assistive technologies and community-driven initiatives, SayPro continues to champion accessibility across the continent and beyond.
However, we must acknowledge that while progress has been made, there is still much to be done. The fight for true accessibility is ongoing. Whether it is ensuring that every public building is barrier-free, that every website is designed with accessibility in mind, or that every person with a disability has access to the resources they need to succeed, we must continue to act with urgency and purpose.
To those living with disabilities: We see you. We hear you. We are with you.
You are not simply the beneficiaries of change; you are the drivers of it.
To our partners—governments, businesses, NGOs, and community leaders: I urge you to join us in making accessibility a core value in everything you do. Let’s work together to create a future where everyone, regardless of ability, can live with dignity and have the chance to reach their fullest potential.
Because accessibility is not a favour—it is a fundamental right. And when we make the world more accessible for some, we make it better for all.
As we observe GAAD today, let it be a day of renewed commitment. Let it inspire us to think differently, act boldly, and design with dignity in every part of our society, whether it’s in the built environment, digital infrastructure, or social policies.
Let’s continue to break down barriers—together.
Thank you for your time, your commitment, and your ongoing support of a world that is truly accessible to all.
Happy Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2025.
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