Nothing About Us Without Us: Why Disability Inclusion Must Shape South Africa’s Development

There is an African idiom that has always grounded me: “motho ke motho ka batho” in SeSotho and in isiZulu:, “umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu”, which means “a person becomes a person through others”. This, to me, is more than a cultural expression; it is a blueprint for development.

A young person with a disability should never have to wonder whether their voice matters. Yet, too often, inclusion is treated as an afterthought — something considered once decisions have already been made. In my role as Coordination and Inclusion Officer for the United Nations in South Africa, I see daily how meaningful participation transforms outcomes. When we design programmes in health, education, livelihoods or governance, disability inclusion cannot be a side conversation. It must be central to how we plan, budget, implement and evaluate our work.

I often say that inclusion begins with listening. The phrase “Nothing about us without us” is not just a rallying call — it is a development necessity. When persons with disabilities are involved from the very beginning, their lived realities shape better, smarter and more sustainable interventions. We avoid costly last-minute adjustments. We build programmes that are accessible by design. Most importantly, we affirm dignity.

But good intentions alone are not enough. To turn commitment into measurable action, the UN system is guided by the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy and its Disability Inclusion Scorecard. I often describe the Scorecard as our mirror. It forces us to look honestly at ourselves: Are our offices accessible? Are we collecting disaggregated data? Are persons with disabilities represented in decision-making? Are our partnerships inclusive?

The Scorecard measures performance across leadership, programming, human resources, accessibility and culture. It gives us benchmarks and helps us track progress over time. Aligning our programmes with it ensures that disability inclusion is not symbolic or reactive, but systematic and intentional. For me, that accountability is powerful. It moves inclusion from aspiration to action. It also sends a clear message: disability inclusion is everyone’s responsibility, not the work of one focal point or unit.

Of course, the greatest barrier is not always technical — it is attitudinal. Misconceptions and unconscious biases about persons with disabilities still shape decision-making spaces. Too often, disability is seen through a lens of limitation rather than contribution. Yet I have witnessed, time and again, the innovation, leadership and resilience that persons with disabilities bring when given the opportunity to participate fully.

When people feel valued, included and protected, they invest in the success of programmes. They become partners, not passive recipients. Communities become stronger because solutions are grounded in real experiences. Institutions become more responsive and equitable.

Looking ahead, I imagine a South Africa where disability inclusion is so embedded that it no longer needs special mention — where accessibility is standard practice, where participation is expected, and where development is measured not only by outputs, but by dignity.

Inclusion is not charity. It is not a favour. It is justice. And when we truly embrace the spirit of “umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu,” we understand that sustainable development can only succeed when everyone has a seat at the table.