South Africa’s largest disability advocacy campaign is demonstrating that its impact extends well beyond its annual fundraising event, with the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) reporting widespread progress in accessibility, employment, food security, education and justice through programmes supported by Casual Day 2025.

The organisation’s newly released 2025 Impact Report highlights how funds generated through the campaign are being used throughout the year to improve the lives of persons with disabilities across the country.

Under the theme Beyond the Label, the campaign encouraged South Africans to challenge stereotypes and recognise people for their abilities rather than perceived limitations.

A school in Pretoria Moot, Alma School, was also commended in the report as one of three schools that consistently sold more than 10 000 tickets for the annual Casual Day campaign.

National Director Therina Wentzel said during the launch of this year’s campaign in late June in Krugersdorp, that the campaign continued to create meaningful change beyond financial contributions.

“As we reflect on the 31st Casual Day, I am filled with immense pride in what this movement continues to achieve, not only in rands and cents, but in the lives it touches, the systems it changes, and the attitudes it shifts.”

She said the campaign’s success was made possible through the support of schools, NPOs, businesses, government departments, retailers, and millions of South Africans who participate each year.

One of the campaign’s major areas of impact has been improving access to justice for persons with disabilities, particularly survivors of gender-based violence.

Through disability equity training programmes designed and delivered by persons with disabilities, Casual Day funding enabled the training of 362 South African Police Service members, 137 court preparation officers, 47 victim assistance officers, 100 shelter staff, and 266 practitioners working across the gender-based violence and justice sectors.

According to the report, the training has resulted in significantly fewer complaints to the NCPD’s helpline about police conduct in areas where officers have completed the programme.

Wentzel pointed out that the campaign also continued investing in food security through accessible agriculture projects.

Wheelchair-friendly vegetable gardens, aquaponics systems, and tunnel farming initiatives support skills development, income generation, and sustainable food production, particularly in rural communities where disability exclusion and food insecurity often overlap.

Accessibility projects supported through Casual Day funding have expanded opportunities for mobility and recreation.

During 2025, a beach access mat and two amphibious floating beach wheelchairs were handed over at Gonubie Beach in the Buffalo City Metro.

Fourteen Blue Flag beaches across the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and the Western Cape were assessed for universal accessibility.

The organisation also issued 135 beach permits to people with substantial mobility impairments, processed 43 vehicle rebate applications for adapted vehicles and issued 36 parking discs while continuing to advocate for a standardised national parking permit system.

Wentzel explained youth development and employment remain central to the NCPD’s work.

The organisation currently hosts at least 30 national interns and 400 provincial interns with disabilities through various accelerator programmes.

The NCPD’s economic empowerment initiatives provide tailored support to around 2 000 registered entrepreneurs with disabilities through mentorship, business development, market access, digital business management programmes, assistive devices, and job placements.

Schools remain one of the strongest pillars of the Casual Day campaign. More than 7 200 children and young people with disabilities who benefit directly each year through the organisation’s education programmes, with special schools accounting for more than half of all Casual Day merchandise participation.

She said that corporate participation also expanded beyond purchasing campaign merchandise.

Many companies introduced workplace awareness initiatives, creating opportunities for employees with disabilities to share their experiences and encourage greater understanding among colleagues.

The campaign also gained international recognition. South Africa’s WHO office supported the Beyond the Label campaign, while the UN in South Africa highlighted Casual Day as a leading example of disability advocacy in the country.

Since its launch in 1994, Casual Day has grown into South Africa’s largest disability advocacy campaign. Over the past 31 years, it has supported nearly 750 organisations working in areas including education, employment, accessibility, assistive devices, food security, gender-based violence support, youth development, and human rights.

Following the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, participation has steadily recovered, moving closer to pre-pandemic levels through the continued support of communities, schools, businesses, and individual participants.

Looking ahead, Wentzel announced that the 32nd Casual Day campaign for 2026 will take place on September 4, under the theme Beat As One, Rhythm Matters. The campaign will continue raising awareness while supporting disability organisations and promoting a more inclusive South Africa throughout the year. Stickers will be available from August 1 at select retailers.

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