In the landscape of South African higher education, a pressing conversation has emerged around ensuring equitable access for all students, particularly those living with disabilities. Recent remarks by Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, have spotlighted the stark underrepresentation of disabled students in universities and colleges, igniting discussions on systemic transformation. With enrolment rates hovering at just 1.3 percent in public universities as of 2023, the push for genuine disability inclusion is more critical than ever. This article delves into the minister's call to action, the underlying challenges, ongoing initiatives, and pathways forward to create truly accessible institutions.

At the recent Africa Universities Summit in Nairobi, Minister Buti Manamela delivered a keynote that resonated across the continent. He emphasized that true inclusion in higher education is not merely about opening doors but redesigning the entire structure to accommodate diversity from the ground up. "Inclusion is not a speech. It is design," he stated, underscoring the need to integrate accessibility into infrastructure, curricula, and institutional culture.

Manamela highlighted how current systems often fail students with disabilities beyond admission stages. Issues like inaccessible buildings, lack of assistive technologies, and untrained staff perpetuate exclusion. His message calls for African universities, including those in South Africa, to measure progress through disaggregated data on retention, graduation, employment, and leadership roles for disabled individuals.

South Africa's higher education enrolment data paints a sobering picture. In 2023, out of over 1.07 million students in public universities, only 13,722—or 1.3 percent—identified as living with disabilities. This figure drops to about 1 percent when considering the broader Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system, which includes Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.

These numbers reflect not just access barriers but also low self-disclosure rates due to stigma and inadequate support. Compared to the general population prevalence of disabilities—estimated at 7-15 percent by Statistics South Africa—the gap is glaring, signaling a need for urgent intervention.

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) laid groundwork with the 2018 Strategic Policy Framework on Disability for the PSET System. This policy adopts a human rights-based approach, aligning with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and South Africa's Constitution. It mandates institutions to create enabling environments through universal design principles, where facilities and services are accessible to everyone without special adaptations.

Key pillars include mainstreaming disability into institutional plans, providing reasonable accommodations like extra exam time or sign language interpreters, and establishing Disability Rights Units (DRUs). Institutions must report disaggregated data via the Higher Education Management Information System (HEMIS), fostering accountability. For more details, explore the full policy framework.

Despite policy advances, students with disabilities encounter multifaceted barriers. Physical infrastructure remains a primary hurdle: many campuses lack ramps, braille signage, or elevators. Digital exclusion is rising with online learning, where platforms fail to support screen readers or captions.

• Inaccessible lecture venues and labs hinder participation.
• Negative attitudes from staff and peers foster isolation.
• Financial burdens for assistive devices and transport.
• Curriculum rigidity ignores diverse learning needs.
• Low awareness leads to inconsistent accommodations.

Research from the University of Cape Town (UCT) reveals that even admitted students feel marginalized without holistic support spanning academic, social, and emotional domains.

Photo by Laura Rivera on Unsplash

Several South African universities are pioneering change. UCT's Disability Service offers comprehensive support, including academic adjustments, assistive tech loans, and advocacy. Their 'Leaving No One Behind' approach integrates universal design, resulting in higher retention rates.

The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) Disability Rights Unit (DRU) collaborates with Afretec on tech-driven inclusion, hosting workshops on AI tools for accessibility. Stellenbosch University (SU) runs sensitisation programs for staff, while the University of Johannesburg (UJ) provides personal assistants and adapted housing.

These units exemplify best practices: proactive identification via orientation sessions, peer mentoring, and partnerships with NGOs.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is transforming campuses. This framework offers multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement, benefiting all students. Examples include:

• Captioned videos and audio transcripts.
• Flexible assessment options (oral exams, extended deadlines).
• Trained sign language interpreters in residence.
• Accessible e-learning platforms like Moodle with alt-text.

Staff training is crucial; DHET guidelines recommend mandatory modules on disability etiquette and accommodations. Collaborative funding via NSFAS covers extra costs, ensuring equity.

Students report mixed experiences. A visually impaired learner at Rhodes University praised braille materials but lamented slow administrative responses. Academics advocate for curriculum audits to embed inclusivity. Policymakers like Manamela stress data-driven accountability, urging annual equity reports.

Industry partners seek graduates with disabilities, highlighting employability gains from inclusive education. The Higher Education Disability Services Association (HEDSA) pushes for national standards.

NSFAS plays a pivotal role, with provisions for disability-related allowances like personal aides. In 2023, it supported thousands, but uptake remains low due to awareness gaps. DHET's ring-fenced funding upgrades infrastructure, targeting 80,000 trained educators by 2030 per National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030.

Private sector involvement, via SETAs, funds skills programs tailored for disabled youth.

Manamela envisions a 2030 horizon with 10 percent disability equity in PSET, per NDP. Universities must audit facilities, professionalize DRUs, and track outcomes. Emerging tech like AI proctoring and VR simulations promises breakthroughs.

Cross-sector collaboration—DHET, Health, Social Development—will address root causes like poverty and violence exacerbating disabilities.

Photo by Arno Senoner on Unsplash

To accelerate inclusion:

1. Conduct annual accessibility audits.
2. Invest in staff development programs.
3. Promote self-disclosure through trust-building campaigns.
4. Partner with tech firms for assistive innovations.
5. Integrate disability metrics into vice-chancellor performance agreements.

By treating disability inclusion as a design imperative, South African higher education can lead Africa toward equitable transformation, empowering a diverse generation.