By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – A nationwide World Autism Awareness Day march to Parliament on 2 April has intensified pressure on government to move beyond rhetoric and deliver full disability inclusion.
Civil society groups, led by Autism Matters RSA, handed over memorandums demanding urgent action on access to education, support services and policy implementation.
The Qwaqwa-based Still I Rise Foundation, led by Charmaine Thale, ensured local voices were represented in the national push.
Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga acknowledged the demands, pledging a shift from symbolic recognition to full integration.
“Disability inclusion must not be an afterthought – it must be part of everything,” she said.
Chikunga confirmed that all government departments will be held accountable for responding to the memorandum, with compliance monitoring already underway.
She also revealed that the Department of Basic Education is reviewing policies to improve support for learners on the autism spectrum.
Despite commitments, activists warned that barriers remain – including limited specialized schooling, weak support systems and poor coordination across departments.
The march has now placed government under mounting pressure to turn policy promises into measurable change.
2 Responses
Our government didn’t take our children serious. They treat them like they don’t have rights
Good work team you are the best