By the SayPro Royal Committee Deputy Secretary
Date: 16 May 2025
Location: SayPro Midrand Headquarters
Distinguished guests, SayPro leadership and partners, members of the Royal Committee, colleagues, disability rights champions, and dear friends,
Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening.
It is both an honour and a great responsibility to stand before you today, representing the SayPro Royal Committee as we observe Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2025—a day that reminds us of the critical importance of building a truly inclusive and accessible society for all.
At SayPro, accessibility is not a side conversation—it is at the heart of who we are and what we do. It is woven into our vision for development, empowerment, and social justice. It is a core part of our work across youth development, education, innovation, and economic transformation.
This year’s GAAD theme—“Designing for Dignity”—is more than a slogan. It is a principle that demands intentional action. It means designing environments, systems, and digital platforms that recognize every person’s inherent worth—regardless of ability or background.
As Deputy Secretary of the SayPro Royal Committee, I have seen firsthand the power of inclusive leadership, policy, and programming. I am proud to share that SayPro continues to advance accessibility by:
- Funding assistive technologies that bridge the digital divide;
- Supporting inclusive education and training that empowers young people with disabilities;
- Promoting barrier-free public spaces and infrastructure;
- And fostering collaborations that keep people with disabilities at the centre of decision-making.
But our journey is far from over. For every young person who cannot access an online class, every entrepreneur who faces physical barriers to opportunity, and every community still excluded from progress—we are reminded that accessibility must be continuous, not conditional.
To the disability community: Your voice, your ideas, and your leadership are essential. You are not simply included—you are central to SayPro’s mission.
To our partners, allies, and fellow institutions: Let us challenge ourselves to do more. To build better. To move from awareness to action, from intention to impact.
Because accessibility is not a favour—it is fairness. It is about dignity. It is about ensuring that no matter who you are or where you come from, you can participate fully, confidently, and equally in society.
As we mark GAAD 2025 today, I invite you all to reflect, to recommit, and most importantly—to act.
Let us build a future where access is automatic, not optional.
Where inclusion is built-in, not an afterthought.
And where dignity is guaranteed, not negotiated.
Thank you for your presence, your partnership, and your continued commitment to a more inclusive world.
Happy Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2025. Together, we move forward—accessible, inclusive, and united.
Leave a Reply