DM ZIKALALA DELIVERS KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT THE ANNUAL BUILT ENVIRONMENT COLLOQUIUM FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Article by Fanisa Makhubela, Pictures by Mahlogonolo Makwela

05 December 2025

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), through the Disability Management Unit together with the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) and the University of South Africa (UNISA), hosted the Third Annual Built Environment Colloquium for Persons with Disabilities.

This third instalment held under the theme: “Amplifying Inclusion through Universal Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities in the Built Environment” brought together notable leaders, academics, and advocates including:

• Prof Motebele, Acting Vice Chancellor of UNISA
• Prof Mpine Makoe, Executive Dean of the College of Education, UNISA
• Mr Daniel Marais, Senior Manager: Projects & Programmes, National Council for and of Persons with Disabilities
Dr Tshepo Monakedi, CBE Council Member
• Dr Msizi Myeza, CEO of the Council for the Built Environment
• Ellen Hlatywayo Director DPWI Disability Management and Surprise Mokgope Deputy Director
• Researchers, disability rights activists, NGOs, students and professionals in the built environment

Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala reaffirmed the Department’s vision of a transformed, accessible, people-centred public infrastructure system that leaves no one behind. He emphasised that accessibility is a constitutional right and a pillar of the DPWI’s mandate to provide equitable access to government services for all citizens.

Zikalala commended the ongoing partnership between the DPWI, CBE, and UNISA, noting that the collaborative nature of this Annual Colloquium continues to strengthen national efforts to build a universally accessible South Africa.

In his speech, the Deputy Minister underscored that the DPWI’s vision is guided by three central principles:

1. Accessibility of government buildings and services for persons with disabilities
2. Promoting inclusive economic participation through procurement and infrastructure development
3. Embedding Universal Design as a standard in all public infrastructure projects

He stressed that the Built Environment must champion this transformation, reminding attendees that accessibility should never be an add-on but a starting point.

DM encouraged architects, engineers, project managers, contractors, and property professionals to prioritise Universal Design. He highlighted the need for safer, more intuitive, and disability-friendly public spaces warning that recent audits showed significant gaps in accessibility across facilities in Tshwane.

The Deputy Minister also reiterated DPWI’s commitment to:

• The EPWP Disability Inclusion Framework, which sets a 2% target for work opportunities for persons with disabilities
• Supporting provinces in setting minimum norms and standards for accessible clinics, hospitals, courts, and community facilities
• Strengthening compliance with the National Building Regulations to ensure accessibility is non-negotiable