South Africa – Disability

What are the general attitudes towards disability in South Africa?

The ways in which South Africans perceive and respond to disability are shaped by the country’s rich and varied cultural fabric. Central to understanding this is the concept of “ubuntu,” a philosophy through which a person’s identity is understood in relation to those around them and the broader community. When applied to disability, this means that the experience of being disabled is not solely an individual matter — it touches an entire web of relationships, creating what might be described as a “disabled family” dynamic. This communal orientation can be a genuine wellspring of solidarity and practical assistance, but it can equally reinforce stigma in certain contexts.

A convergence of social, economic, and political forces produces conditions of underdevelopment, marginalisation, and unequal resource distribution that weigh disproportionately on people with disabilities. Barriers range from the absence of step-free access to buildings and inaccessible public transport, to communication systems that exclude people with sensory impairments. These inequalities are deeply intertwined with South Africa’s broader socioeconomic difficulties and the long shadow cast by its history of apartheid.

Given that South Africa’s democracy is still relatively young and its sociopolitical history deeply contested, the full realisation of disability rights has remained elusive. Meaningful improvement — particularly in healthcare — has been slow since the transition to democracy in 1994. Nevertheless, there are encouraging signs in certain areas: higher education institutions, for example, have developed reasonably effective systems of reasonable accommodation for students with disabilities, with most universities operating dedicated Disability Units that actively champion the interests of those requiring support.

South Africa’s constitutional and policy thinking is anchored in the social model of disability, which situates the problem in the barriers erected by society rather than in the individual’s condition — a perspective that contrasts with the medical model that still dominates thinking in many other countries. Laws and policies have been developed to advance the position of people with disabilities, and translating this framework into everyday lived experience remains an ongoing and pressing challenge.

What legal protections exist for disabled people in South Africa?

South Africa’s legislative and policy architecture for protecting and advancing the rights of disabled people is among the most extensive anywhere in the world, and disabled people participate at all tiers of government. In practice, however, the application of these protections is uneven.

The Constitution makes it explicit that disability is a ground on which unfair discrimination is prohibited, recognising that disabled people have historically faced — and may continue to face — discrimination on account of their disability. This protection, embedded in the Bill of Rights (Section 9) since 1996, forms the bedrock upon which all subsequent legislation rests. In this respect, South Africa’s approach resembles frameworks in other countries — such as the United Kingdom’s Equality Act 2010 — where disability protections are woven into overarching equality law, though South Africa’s provisions are constitutional in nature rather than merely statutory.

Both the Constitution and equality legislation forbid discrimination on disability grounds across employment, education, housing, and access to public services. The Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA), enacted in 2000, explicitly bans unfair discrimination and establishes a mechanism for redress through dedicated Equality Courts. The Employment Equity Act additionally requires employers to take affirmative steps to incorporate people with disabilities into the workforce.

Notwithstanding these protections, South Africa currently lacks a comprehensive standalone statute specifically addressing injustice and inequality on disability grounds, and accessibility and genuine inclusion remain aspirational for millions of disabled people. To begin closing this gap, the Protection and Promotion of Persons with Disabilities Bill was released by the South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC) on 1 October 2024 — a landmark draft aimed at fulfilling South Africa’s obligations under the CRPD. The Bill proposes a sweeping legal framework to secure equality, accessibility, and inclusion for all persons with disabilities, spanning education, employment, healthcare, and public services. As of 2025, this Bill has not yet passed into law; readers should consult the South African Law Reform Commission for the most current information on its progress.

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and the Public Protector — both established under Chapter 9 of the Constitution — carry responsibility for safeguarding all human rights, including those of disabled people. Any disabled person, or a representative acting on their behalf, may submit a complaint to the SAHRC if they believe their rights have been infringed. Those wishing to understand their specific entitlements are encouraged to contact the SAHRC directly for up-to-date guidance.

Has South Africa ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)?

South Africa ratified the CRPD and its Optional Protocol on 30 November 2007, thereby assuming an obligation to incorporate the Convention’s provisions into its domestic legal order. This places South Africa among the earlier African signatories. The CRPD is an international human rights instrument designed to protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. States that are parties to it are required to promote, protect, and guarantee the full enjoyment of human rights by persons with disabilities. The Convention has been a powerful catalyst in the global disability rights movement, facilitating a shift away from treating persons with disabilities as passive recipients of charity or medical intervention, and towards recognising them as full rights-bearing members of society.

By ratifying both the Convention and the Optional Protocol, South Africa accepted the jurisdiction of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to entertain individual complaints — a procedure analogous to complaints mechanisms under other UN human rights treaties. In the years since ratification in 2007, however, South Africa has not adequately incorporated the Convention into its domestic legal framework, which has blunted its practical impact. South Africa also failed to submit its initial report to the UN Committee within the required timeframe.

Although Section 231 of the Constitution requires parliament to enact incorporating legislation before an international agreement such as the CRPD becomes part of domestic law, Section 39(1)(b) obliges courts to take international law into account when interpreting the Bill of Rights. This means that even in the absence of full legislative incorporation, the CRPD can serve as an interpretive reference point for courts — a meaningful status, but one that falls short of making the Convention directly enforceable.

South Africa also ratified the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa (the African Disability Protocol), which entered into force on 3 May 2024. South Africa is among the fifteen African Union Member States to have ratified this Protocol. The African Disability Protocol addresses issues particular to the African setting — including harmful practices and the rights of older persons with disabilities — and works alongside the CRPD to reinforce disability rights protections.

The 2024 Protection and Promotion of Persons with Disabilities Bill is specifically designed to bring the CRPD into South African domestic law. Progress on this legislation can be followed at the SALRC website.

How accessible is public transport in South Africa for disabled people?

Accessibility on public transport is a widely acknowledged and serious challenge in South Africa. Disabled people encounter a range of structural and environmental barriers that include the near-total absence of step-free access across much of the transport network, as well as communication systems that fail to accommodate people with sensory impairments. The picture is highly inconsistent depending on where in the country one travels.

In the major metropolitan areas of Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, bus rapid transit (BRT) networks — notably Johannesburg’s Rea Vaya and Cape Town’s MyCiTi — have been developed with a degree of accessibility in mind, incorporating low-floor buses, dedicated boarding platforms, and audio announcements. By the standards of middle-income countries, these systems compare reasonably well. Coverage, however, is patchy, and the transport options connecting passengers to and from these BRT networks frequently offer no accessibility provisions whatsoever.

Minibus taxis are the backbone of everyday transport for most South Africans, yet they remain largely inaccessible to wheelchair users and people with significant mobility impairments, with no currently enforced legal requirement compelling operators to provide accessible vehicles. The Metrorail commuter rail network — though extensive — suffers from ageing infrastructure, with few lifts and minimal ramp access at stations. This stands in contrast to jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom, where an ongoing accessibility programme for the London Underground is underway, or Australia, where the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport impose legally enforceable minimum requirements on transport operators.

Long-distance coach operators such as Intercape and Greyhound maintain varying policies on wheelchair accessibility; expats are strongly advised to contact individual operators well in advance to find out what assistance can be arranged. Rural and peri-urban parts of the country generally have the fewest accessible transport options of all. The ongoing campaigns by disability advocacy groups — including Disability Revolution, which has staged protests at civic centres demanding improved transport access — illustrate how wide the gap remains between policy intent and everyday provision.

How accessible are public buildings and spaces in South Africa for disabled people?

South Africa’s National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act mandates that new buildings incorporate accessibility features, including ramps, accessible toilet facilities, and adapted entrances. The South African National Standard (SANS) 10400-S establishes prescriptive requirements for facilities for persons with disabilities in buildings. In its scope and ambition, this framework is broadly comparable to building accessibility codes found in many other countries.

In practice, enforcement is inconsistent. Newer shopping centres, hotels, and commercial buildings in cities such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria often comply reasonably well with these requirements, offering ramps, designated accessible parking bays, and adapted facilities. Major hospitals, government buildings, and cultural institutions in urban centres have generally made visible efforts to meet compliance obligations.

Despite these constitutional and legislative foundations, accessibility and genuine inclusion remain out of reach for millions of disabled people. Older buildings, informal settlements, and rural areas routinely lack even the most basic accessibility features. Pavements and pedestrian infrastructure across many towns are broken, uneven, or entirely absent, creating serious obstacles for wheelchair users and those with visual impairments. One area of notable recent progress is the recognition of South African Sign Language (SASL) as the country’s 12th official language — an important step towards realising the rights of people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and a meaningful advance in communicative accessibility even as physical accessibility continues to lag.

Expats intending to visit specific venues — restaurants, museums, or sports facilities — are advised to call ahead to confirm what accessibility arrangements are in place, as standards can differ significantly even within a single city.

What disability benefits or financial support is available to expats in South Africa?

The principal mechanism for disability-related financial support in South Africa is the SASSA Disability Grant, administered by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). SASSA was established under the South African Social Security Agency Act of 2004 with a mandate to deliver comprehensive social security services to those facing vulnerability and poverty. The legal basis for administering seven distinct social grants is provided by the Social Assistance Act of 2004 and its associated regulations.

The maximum disability grant is R2,320 per month (as of 2025), although the sum an individual actually receives depends on the outcome of a means test. Social grants in South Africa are means-tested, meaning that the value of an applicant’s income and assets is assessed, and eligibility is contingent on both falling below specified thresholds. This differs markedly from more comprehensive national disability insurance models — such as Australia’s NDIS, which provides individually tailored funding packages irrespective of income — as the SASSA grant is a comparatively modest income-support payment directed at those in genuine financial need.

The critical restriction for most expats is eligibility. To qualify, applicants must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee, and must be resident in South Africa. Expats holding temporary visas — including work permits, critical skills visas, or retirement visas — are not eligible for the SASSA Disability Grant, regardless of the nature or severity of their disability or the length of time they have been living in the country. Only those who have secured permanent residency, refugee status, or South African citizenship are able to apply.

Applicants must also fall within the age band of 18 to 59, must provide a medical assessment report confirming permanent, severe disability (completed no more than three months before the date of application), and both the applicant and their spouse must satisfy the means test requirements. Applications typically take around three months to process; if approved, however, payment is backdated to the date on which the application was submitted.

A supplementary Grant-in-Aid is also available to meet the basic needs of adults who are unable to look after themselves and who have been certified by a medical officer as requiring full-time care. It is paid as an additional grant to adults already in receipt of a Disability Grant, Older Person’s Grant, or War Veteran’s Grant.

For the majority of expats, the practical conclusion is clear: obtaining comprehensive private disability insurance before or immediately upon arriving in South Africa is essential. The grant system is not intended as a substitute for earnings-replacement insurance or privately held disability income protection. Always verify the most current eligibility criteria and grant amounts directly on the SASSA website, as figures are revised annually.

What healthcare and rehabilitation services are available to disabled expats in South Africa?

South Africa’s healthcare system is divided into two distinct sectors: a public sector overseen by the National Department of Health, which delivers services free of charge or at low cost to those who cannot afford private care but is significantly under-resourced in many areas, and a private sector that provides substantially better facilities but requires either private medical aid membership or direct out-of-pocket payment.

The full realisation of disability rights — particularly in healthcare — has been slow to materialise. Rehabilitation services, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and assistive technology provision, are under particular strain in the public sector. Waiting times for specialist rehabilitation can be lengthy, and the shortages are more severe in rural and peri-urban areas than in cities.

Expats who use South Africa’s public health system for disability-related needs are generally entitled to access public hospitals and clinics, but should expect extended waits for specialist care and constrained availability of advanced assistive technology. Unlike a fully universal system such as Germany’s statutory health insurance — which mandates comprehensive rehabilitation coverage for all insured persons — South Africa’s public health system provides for rehabilitation in principle while delivery in practice remains inconsistent.

Private medical aid membership is strongly recommended for expats. Leading South African medical aid schemes — including Discovery Health, Momentum Health, and Bonitas — offer a range of plans with varying degrees of cover for rehabilitation and chronic conditions. Expats should carefully verify that their chosen plan covers the specific disability-related treatments and equipment they require before signing up. Pre-existing condition exclusions and waiting periods may apply, making it advisable to arrange medical aid cover before arriving or immediately upon entry.

The National Health Insurance (NHI) Act was signed into law in 2023 and, once fully implemented, is intended to provide universal health coverage for all people in South Africa. As of 2025, however, full NHI rollout remains a long-term undertaking. Readers are encouraged to monitor the National Department of Health for the latest developments on NHI implementation and its implications for expats.

How does the process of having a disability assessed or recognised work in South Africa?

In South Africa, the formal assessment of disability for social grant purposes is carried out through SASSA’s medical assessment process. Applicants are required to undergo a medical examination conducted by a state-appointed doctor, who evaluates the extent and nature of the disability. Applicants should bring any previous medical records and supporting documentation to the assessment. The doctor then prepares a medical report and submits it to SASSA; this report remains valid for three months from the date of the assessment.

A person may apply for either a temporary disability grant — where the condition is expected to last between six months and one year — or a permanent disability grant, where the condition is expected to persist for longer than one year. A “permanent” grant does not guarantee lifelong payments; rather, it means the grant will continue for a period exceeding 12 months. Permanent grants may be periodically reviewed to confirm that the condition continues to satisfy the qualifying criteria.

The SASSA assessment process is entirely separate from the recognition of disability in employment and educational settings. For workplace reasonable accommodation purposes, employers may accept medical reports from any registered practitioner, whether South African or overseas. In educational contexts, schools and universities typically require documentation from a registered professional and may conduct their own supplementary assessments. Most higher education institutions operate Disability Units that actively support students with disabilities and provide assistance to those who approach them.

Foreign medical documentation — such as a diagnosis or assessment made in another country — is generally treated as supporting evidence in South Africa. However, SASSA requires a fresh assessment by a state-appointed medical officer for grant purposes (as of 2025). Expats should not assume that an overseas diagnosis alone will be sufficient to meet SASSA’s eligibility requirements. Always confirm current procedures with your nearest SASSA office.

The following step-by-step guide outlines how the SASSA disability grant assessment and application process works:

1. Book a medical assessment through the SASSA online portal or by visiting your nearest SASSA office in person. You will receive assessment date and venue details via SMS.
2. Attend the medical assessment with a state-appointed doctor. Bring all existing medical records, previous diagnoses, and any reports from foreign or South African practitioners.
3. Doctor submits a report to SASSA, valid for three months from the assessment date. Confirm that the doctor has forwarded the report to SASSA before proceeding with your application.
4. Visit your nearest SASSA office in person to complete the disability grant application form (forms are not available online as of 2025).
5. Bring required documentation: your 13-digit bar-coded South African ID or permanent residency or refugee documentation, the medical report, proof of marital status (if applicable), and proof of income and assets for the means test.
6. SASSA reviews your application. Medical officers within SASSA assess the submitted documentation to determine whether the disability meets the qualifying criteria for the grant.
7. Receive a decision, typically within approximately three months of application. If approved, payment is backdated to the date of application. If rejected, you have the right to lodge an appeal within 90 days.

What support exists for disabled children and young people in South Africa?

South Africa’s National Plan of Action for Children has identified children with disabilities as a particularly vulnerable group warranting specific attention. Beyond developing inclusive programmes to uphold the rights of all children, the plan has sought to create targeted interventions specifically designed to address the needs of disabled children.

South Africa’s Department of Basic Education has adopted policies in support of inclusive education. Children with hearing difficulties, for instance, are being supported through the use of sign language in teaching and learning environments, helping to equip them with the tools needed to build independent lives. White Paper 6 on Special Needs Education (2001) is the defining policy framework in this area and commits the department to constructing an inclusive education and training system.

Most educational institutions operate Disability Units that champion the needs of students requiring support and provide practical assistance to all who seek it. This applies most robustly at the higher education level. Within basic (school-level) education, provision is more variable: some mainstream schools have trained staff and appropriate resources for learners with disabilities, while others do not. Full-service schools and special schools are distributed across the country, though access can be restricted in rural communities.

Expat children are generally entitled to attend the same public schools as South African children, and their right to reasonable accommodation and educational support should not be diminished by their nationality. In practice, access to specialist support will depend on the resources available at a given school. Parents of disabled children are strongly advised to visit prospective schools in person before enrolling, enquire specifically about disability support staff and facilities, and request a copy of the school’s inclusion policy.

Families of children with severe disabilities may also qualify for a Care Dependency Grant — a social grant designed to assist parents, primary caregivers, or foster parents of any child with a severe mental or physical disability up to the age of 18 who requires full-time home care, provided the child is not being cared for in an institution. Eligibility for this grant is subject to the same citizenship, permanent residency, or refugee status requirements as the adult disability grant.

What advocacy and support organisations exist for disabled people in South Africa?

South Africa has a well-established and active civil society network of disability organisations. The following are among the most important for expats to be aware of:

• Disabled People South Africa (DPSA) — The national umbrella body for disabled people’s organisations (DPOs) in South Africa. DPSA campaigns for policy change, monitors the implementation of government commitments, and maintains a network of provincial and local structures. Website: www.dpsa.org.za
• South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) — The constitutional body charged with protecting all human rights, including those of disabled people. It receives complaints and offers guidance on rights. Website: www.sahrc.org.za. Toll-free: 0800 212 116.
• Retina South Africa — Provides support to people living with degenerative retinal conditions and advocates on behalf of the visually impaired community. Actively engaged with the 2024 Disability Bill. Website: retinasa.org.za
• Deaf Federation of South Africa (DeafSA) — Advocates for the rights of Deaf and hard-of-hearing people, including in relation to the recent recognition of South African Sign Language as an official language. Website: www.deafsa.co.za
• Association for the Physically Disabled (APD) — Delivers rehabilitation, skills training, and support services to people with physical disabilities across several South African provinces. Website: www.apd.org.za
• South African Federation for Mental Health (SAFMH) — Champions the rights of persons with mental health conditions and intellectual disabilities, including through the Disability Rights Charter of South Africa. Website: www.safmh.org
• Disability Revolution — A grassroots advocacy group working to make disability rights materials accessible in local languages including isiXhosa, Afrikaans, and South African Sign Language, so that people with limited formal education can engage meaningfully with disability legislation. Particularly prominent in the Western Cape.
• Centre for Disability Law and Policy, University of the Western Cape — A leading academic and advocacy centre that monitors South Africa’s compliance with international disability law and supports disability rights litigation. Website: www.uwc.ac.za

While most of these organisations focus on South African residents broadly rather than expats as a specific group, both DPSA and the SAHRC can assist any individual — regardless of nationality — who experiences disability discrimination in South Africa.

What practical tips should disabled expats know before moving to South Africa?

Relocating to South Africa as a disabled person demands careful advance preparation. The country’s progressive legal framework is real and meaningful, but the gap between policy aspiration and practical reality means that self-advocacy and thorough planning before arrival are indispensable. The following are the most important considerations to keep in mind:

• Secure comprehensive private medical aid before you arrive. Do not depend on the public health system for ongoing disability management or specialist rehabilitation. Research South African medical aid schemes — such as Discovery Health, Momentum Health, or Bonitas — and compare their disability, chronic illness, and rehabilitation benefits carefully. Be alert to waiting periods that may apply to pre-existing conditions.
• Bring certified translations of all medical records and disability documentation. While South African medical professionals and institutions will generally accept diagnoses made abroad, having documentation available in English — South Africa’s primary administrative language — will simplify assessments, employer negotiations, and applications for services or accommodations.
• Do not assume that benefit entitlements from your home country will transfer automatically. Payments such as the UK’s Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Germany’s Schwerbehindertenausweis (severe disability pass), or any national disability income from your home country do not carry over to South Africa. Check with your home country’s benefit authority whether payments can continue while you are living abroad, as the rules vary significantly by country and benefit type.
• Research the accessibility environment in your specific city. Cape Town and Johannesburg have the most developed accessibility infrastructure in the country, while smaller cities and rural locations offer considerably fewer provisions. Spend time on expat forums and, if at all possible, visit before committing to a move, so that you can assess your likely neighbourhood firsthand.
• Ask potential employers directly about their reasonable accommodation policies. South Africa’s Employment Equity Act obliges employers to take steps to include people with disabilities, but the quality of implementation varies widely. Ask prospective employers what adjustments they have made for other disabled employees, whether remote or flexible working arrangements are available, and who holds responsibility for occupational health decisions.
• Confirm accessibility arrangements with landlords before signing any lease. Building accessibility codes apply primarily to new commercial premises; residential properties vary enormously. Check for ramp access, lift availability in apartment buildings, bathroom adaptations, and accessible parking before making a commitment.
• Make early contact with local disability organisations. DPSA, APD, and the SAHRC can provide invaluable local knowledge, point you towards services, and assist if you encounter discrimination. International expat communities in South Africa’s major cities can also be a source of peer guidance and practical support.
• Factor safety into your planning. South Africa experiences elevated rates of crime in certain areas. Disabled expats should take accessibility into account when selecting a neighbourhood, and bear in mind that some assistive devices — powered wheelchairs, hearing equipment — may be targets for theft. Register with your home country’s embassy and keep emergency service contact details readily accessible.
• Keep track of the Disability Bill’s progress. The Protection and Promotion of Persons with Disabilities Bill proposes a comprehensive legal framework to guarantee equality, accessibility, and inclusion for all persons with disabilities. If enacted, it could substantially improve the practical rights and support available to disabled people in South Africa. Monitor developments at the SALRC website.

Frequently asked questions

Can I access South Africa’s disability grant as an expat on a work visa?

To qualify for the SASSA Disability Grant, applicants must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or refugee, and must be resident in South Africa. Expats on temporary visas — including work permits, critical skills visas, or retirement visas — are not eligible. Only those who have obtained permanent residency, refugee status, or South African citizenship may apply.

Is South Africa’s disability legislation comparable to that in Europe or Australia?

On paper, South Africa’s legislative and policy framework for protecting and promoting the rights of disabled people is among the most extensive in the world. However, the full realisation of disability rights in practice has been slow, with meaningful improvement — particularly in healthcare — having stalled since 1994. The legal framework is robust, but enforcement, infrastructure, and funding fall well short of what many expats arriving from Western Europe or Australia are likely to be used to.

Will my foreign disability diagnosis be recognised in South Africa?

Foreign medical documentation is generally accepted by South African employers, schools, and universities as evidence of disability. However, for the specific purpose of applying for the SASSA Disability Grant, applicants must undergo a fresh assessment conducted by a state-appointed medical officer, irrespective of any existing overseas diagnosis. Always bring comprehensive medical records, with certified translations where relevant.

What healthcare options are available to disabled expats who cannot access the public system?

Private medical aid is the principal route for expats who require reliable disability-related healthcare and rehabilitation. Major schemes such as Discovery Health and Momentum Health offer plans that cover chronic conditions, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and assistive devices, though the level of benefits varies by plan. Out-of-pocket private care is also widely accessible in major cities. Review your medical aid benefits carefully before arriving, since waiting periods for pre-existing conditions may apply.

How accessible is South Africa’s public transport for wheelchair users?

Accessibility across public transport varies considerably. BRT networks in Cape Town (MyCiTi) and Johannesburg (Rea Vaya) incorporate some accessible features, including low-floor buses and adapted boarding stations. Minibus taxis — the most widely used form of public transport in the country — are generally inaccessible, and the commuter rail network has substantial accessibility gaps. Rural areas have very limited accessible transport options. In cities, private vehicle use or ride-hailing services may offer more dependable accessibility than public transport.

Are disabled expat children entitled to educational support in South Africa?

Expat children are generally entitled to access South Africa’s public schooling system on the same basis as South African children, including the right to reasonable accommodation for disability. Most educational institutions — particularly at the higher education level — operate Disability Units that advocate for and provide support to students who need it. The quality and availability of specialist disability support in basic schooling varies considerably between institutions. Parents are strongly advised to visit prospective schools, ask directly about disability support staff and resources, and review the school’s inclusion policy before enrolling.

Has the Protection and Promotion of Persons with Disabilities Bill been passed into law?

The South African Law Reform Commission published the Protection and Promotion of Persons with Disabilities Bill for public comment on 1 October 2024. As of 2025, the Bill has not yet been enacted into law. If passed, it would represent a watershed moment for disability rights in South Africa. The SALRC website carries the most up-to-date information on the Bill’s status.

What is the South African Human Rights Commission and can it help disabled expats?

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is an independent constitutional institution mandated to protect all human rights in South Africa, including the rights of disabled people. It can receive complaints from any person — regardless of nationality — who believes their disability rights have been violated while in South Africa. The SAHRC can be reached on its toll-free line (0800 212 116) or through its website at www.sahrc.org.za.