As South Africa prepares for the 2026 Local Government Elections, Western Cape APD is encouraged to see disability inclusion taking its rightful place in election planning discussions.

Following on from our involvement reported in an earlier edition of Inclusive Insights, WCAPD recently participated in another engagement hosted by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) Western Cape. This workshop formed part of an ongoing series of consultations aimed at identifying barriers to electoral participation and ensuring that upcoming elections are as accessible and inclusive as possible for persons with disabilities.

Representing WCAPD was Erica, whose extensive experience in disability awareness and advocacy continues to ensure that the voices and lived experiences of persons with disabilities are reflected in these important conversations.

The Disability Sector Workshop brought together representatives from the Electoral Commission and the disability sector to explore practical ways of strengthening accessibility and participation ahead of the elections. The morning programme featured presentations by Provincial Electoral Officer Michael Hendrickse, Commissioner Judge Dhaya Pillay, Deputy CEO Dr Victor Shale, and Mr Anthony Ghillino from the Western Cape Network on Disability.

Participants then worked through a series of facilitated breakaway discussions focusing on key areas that directly impact the voting experience of persons with disabilities. Conversations explored disability awareness and electoral staff preparedness, the recruitment of persons with disabilities within election processes, accessible communication and voter education, the accessibility of registration and voting venues, as well as mechanisms for ongoing stakeholder collaboration and monitoring.

The workshop concluded with a plenary session where recommendations from each group were presented. Collectively, these recommendations focused on removing barriers, improving accessibility throughout the electoral process, and strengthening partnerships between the IEC and the disability sector.

For WCAPD, these engagements represent far more than attendance at a meeting. They reflect years of advocacy calling for greater consultation, representation, and recognition of the challenges persons with disabilities may encounter when exercising their democratic rights.

We are honoured to be included in these discussions and consulted as part of the planning process. It is encouraging to see disability organisations being invited to contribute their expertise and insights at this stage rather than after decisions have already been made. In many ways, this signals an important turning point in the journey towards more inclusive elections and demonstrates the growing understanding that accessibility must be built into planning from the outset.

Meaningful inclusion begins when those most affected by decisions are given a seat at the table. Through continued collaboration with stakeholders such as the IEC, WCAPD remains committed to advocating for electoral processes that enable all citizens, regardless of disability, to participate with dignity, confidence, and independence.

As preparations for the 2026 Local Government Elections continue, WCAPD looks forward to participating in future engagements and contributing to an electoral environment where every voice can be heard, and every vote can count.

Your voice matters.  If you are a person with a disability, family member, caregiver, advocate, or organisation working in the disability sector, we encourage you to continue sharing your experiences and raising accessibility concerns.  Every insight helps inform discussions, influence planning, and strengthen the case for more inclusive elections.  Together, we can help ensure that the 2026 Local Government Elections are accessible, welcoming, and reflective of the rights of all South Africans.  If there are barriers you believe need to be addressed, we’d love to hear from you.  Reach out to WCAPD – awareness@wcapd.org.za – and be part of the conversation shaping a more inclusive democracy.