​Thembisa Shologu
The Gauteng Provincial Government hosted the Gauteng Disability Rights Excellence Awards to recognise and celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities, organisations, and individuals in the disability sector.
The event, held in Houghton, Johannesburg, recognised individuals across various categories, including the Social Transformation Award, Disability Rights Equity Award, Disability Business Award, Media and Communications Award, Disability Research and Development Excellence Award, Disability Rights Best Practice Award, Disability Rights Lifetime Achiever Award, and Premier's Special Award for Excellence.
The Premier's Special Award for Excellence recognised outstanding support for persons with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The month of December underscores the importance of integrating persons with disabilities into all aspects of society, aligning with the Gauteng City Region's vision for 2030. 
"This campaign celebrates diversity, removes barriers and creates inclusive communities where everyone has the chance to thrive. The disability rights awareness month holds special significance in Gauteng within the context of celebrating 30 years of democracy," said Acting Premier Lebogang Maile.
MEC Maile said the disability rights campaign was a powerful reminder of the government's commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and progress for people with disabilities.
Over the past few decades, Gauteng has made significant strides in recognising and protecting the rights of these individuals, thanks to a combination of legislative action, advocacy, and public policy efforts.
"The principle of leaving no one behind underscores our determination to ensure that no person with disabilities is overlooked or excluded. 
"In Gauteng, we champion these principles, striving for a future where barriers are dismantled, stereotypes are shattered, and every person, regardless of ability, can thrive. The commitment to disability rights extends beyond December as it is a continuous journey towards a more accessible and compassionate society," he said. 
Whilst Gauteng has made noticeable strides in championing the rights of people with disabilities, Maile acknowledged that challenges remain, such as the need to implement and monitor existing policies. 
He emphasised the need to address the intersectionality of disability and poverty through targeted interventions. 
"Despite these challenges, Gauteng has an important opportunity to create a genuinely inclusive society. Let us work to create environments that accommodate and celebrate diversity. 
"Equally to communities and families, please note that inclusion begins at home. Let us teach our children to value empathy, to see the person before disability, and to embrace diversity as a strength. To persons with disabilities, we say your disability does not define you but by your resilience, talent, and determination. Your voice matters, and your contributions are invaluable," concluded Maile. 
The Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation (GDSACR) funds various sports-related initiatives, including school sports, learn-to-swim and water safety programmes, and hosting major sporting events.
Bronze winner of the Social Transformation and Excellence Award, the Central Gauteng Lions Blind Cricket Team, was represented by Noluthando Sicholo, who expressed her excitement and gratitude for the recognition.
The team, which recently won the Disabled Sports Team of the Year award at the Gauteng Sports Awards, comprises partially blind, totally blind, and partially sighted players.
"We are happy about the award; it means a lot. Some team members in Pakistan represent the country in the Cricket World Cup and will return on Thursday. 
"When they come back, we have a lot to celebrate, but the challenge is funding within blind cricket, which is not enough," said Sicholo. 
This marked the second edition of the Gauteng Disability Rights Excellence Awards. The winners included:
Social Transformation and Excellence Award: Wheels of Change
Disability Rights Equity Award: Department of Social Development
Disability Business Excellence Award: Voice out DEAF
Media and Communication Excellence Award: SABC Activated Television Series
Disability Service Excellence Award: Nomasonto Madlala
Disability Research and Innovation Excellence Award: Professor Claudine Storbeck
Disability Rights Best Practice Excellence Award: Little Eden Society
Disability Rights Lifetime Excellence Award: Sandra Heyman
Premier's Special Award for Excellence: Muslim Association of South Africa