{
  "id": 6385121,
  "title": "Activists call out political parties for excluding disabled people",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/activists-call-out-political-parties-for-excluding-disabled-people",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-09T05:20:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/elections/activists-call-out-political-parties-for-excluding-disabled-people/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Political parties in South Africa are accused of continuing to exclude disabled individuals as the nation approaches elections, claims Disabled People South Africa (DPSA) Chair Patrick Mahlakoane. The organization is deeply distressed by the marginalization of disabled people, which threatens the country's democracy and goes against the principles of equality enshrined in its constitution. Mahlakoane cites Section 9 of the constitution, which emphasizes equal rights, protection, and benefit for all, and demands a national dialogue with political parties to ensure commitments to the rights and development of disabled people. Analyst Theo Neethling warns that disability advocacy groups have consistently criticized political parties for marginalizing disabled people, who make up seven percent of the population, from leadership roles and political representation. Despite promises of improved welfare during elections, disabled citizens are often forgotten, and their concerns are not addressed in party manifestos.",
  "summary": "Disability rights groups want political parties to make measurable commitments to inclusion before voters head to the polls on 4 November.",
  "key_points": [
    "Section 9 of the constitution demands equal rights and protection for disabled people.",
    "Analyst Theo Neethling notes political parties often forget disabled citizens in election promises."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The criticism by Disabled People South Africa highlights a gap between the country's constitutional commitment to equality and the practical exclusion of disabled people from political representation and decision-making.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}