Wednesday, 9 September 2026

Disability activist Magic Nkwashu called for political parties to include people with disabilities in leadership and municipal planning, rejecting tokenistic campaign appearances and urging “nothing about us without us”.

Nkwashu proposed allocating 2% of South Africa’s national budget to disability needs, saying the 2026 budget of R2.67 trillion would make that roughly R53 billion.

Fedusa deputy general secretary Ashley Benjamin backed raising the national minimum wage from R30.23 to R33 an hour, while supporting exemptions for genuinely struggling employers.

Mental-health specialist Dr Avron Urison said about one in three South Africans is affected by mental illness, urging people to seek help when changes in mood, sleep, appetite or functioning persist.

Urison recommended exercise, consistent sleep and a healthy diet as key mental-wellness measures, and directed people needing urgent support to SADAG’s 24-hour helpline on 0800 456 789.