ActionSA notes that the Disability Grant proposed by the Minister of Finance during the 2025/6 Budget Speech this week, has been increased from R2,190 to R2,320 per month, effective 1 April 2025.
For over 3,3 million people with disabilities in South Africa, the proposed increase of R130 per month is not sufficient to cover their daily needs for rent, food, toiletries and specialised transport, as well as cost of replacing crutches or wheelchairs at public hospitals, or the cost of special skin care products for people with albinism.
In addition, the proposed VAT increase of 0,5% this year and 0,5% next year is only adding fuel to the fire of their financial plight. The financial challenges that people with disabilities face in South Africa leave them dependant on others for their survival, and robs them of human dignity.
People are considered persons with disabilities when they have a physical or mental impairment that is long-term or recurring, which limits their prospects of entry into or advancement in employment. An impairment may be physical or mental, or a combination of both. Physical refers to a partial or total loss of bodily function and includes sensory impairments. Mental impairment refers to a clinically recognized condition or illness affecting the person’s thought processes, judgment, or emotions.
So as to make provision for the increased financial burden on people with disabilities and to assist in their integration and independence in society at large, the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 mandates that employers aim for a 2% representation of persons with disabilities in their workforce.
While learnerships for people with disabilities generally target individuals between 18 and 35 years old, in reality, applications for learnerships are open for persons aged 18 to 28 years old. Persons over the age of 28 are unable to apply for learnerships, and are forced into a spiral of poverty at a young age.
ActionSA calls for government to prioritise people with disabilities by not increasing VAT by 1% over the next two years, but rather by ensuring that provisions made for their integration in the workforce by the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 are upheld, and that learnerships for people with disabilities are made possible until 35 years old.
The dignity of 3,3 million people with disabilities in South Africa is dependent on government to allow them opportunity to compete in the market space. ActionSA will continue to advocate for an inclusive and prosperous society for all its people.
