## Inclusion and future: towards a new ethics of disability in South African society
While speeches on the inclusion of people with disabilities are multiplying around the world, World Day of Down’s syndrome, celebrated at Nelson Mandela University, highlights crucial issues often overlooked. On that day, Dr Nominindo Makubalo, a pediatrician in Gqeberha, called for a systematic transformation in favor of people with Down’s syndrome. But beyond words, what portrait is we brushing the reality of these individuals in South Africa, and how do international statistics help us better understand the extent of the problem?
### A call for enlightening action
Dr. Makubalo’s request for better intersectoral collaboration resonates deeply. According to studies, Down’s syndrome affects approximately one in 500 birth in South Africa. Although this figure seems low, this represents a significant number of families and communities faced with daily challenges in terms of health, education and employment. The difference in the perception of disabilities on a global scale reveals that developed countries generally adopt much more advanced inclusion policies. For example, in Sweden, children with handicaps, including Down’s syndrome, benefit from direct access to adapted education systems, offering a model that South Africa could consider adopting.
### Leches of the South African system
In an ideal world, as Dr. Makubalo pointed out, each child reaching 18 months would benefit from medical and educational interventions in a single consultation visit. However, the current system in South Africa often requires several trips, aggravating families stress and slowing down access to essential care. This situation is amplified in rural areas, where access to specialized services is rare. In comparison, countries like Canada integrate community services that reduce the fracture between school registration and medical care, which avoids many journeys and delays.
## equal rights and employment: a permanent challenge
The issue of employment for people with Down’s syndrome is also worrying. Dr. Makubalo raised an essential question: “Where are they going after 18 years?” “Indeed, while about 80 % of individuals with Down’s syndrome are capable of performing functional tasks, employment opportunities remain dramatically limited. A study conducted in the United States revealed that only 20 % of adults with intellectual disability are employed. Reality in South Africa could be even darker, stressing the importance of tax incentives and employment quotas for companies.
### Education: a fundamental right
Another point raised by stakeholders during this day was access to education. Dr. Makubalo insisted that many children with Down’s syndrome wait until ten years before being admitted to schools, while early inclusion is proven to improve cognitive and social development. Statistics of the Global Inclusion Index show that less than 20 % of disabled children benefit from a suitable school environment. It is therefore imperative that South Africa will adopt a proactive approach and initiate measures to guarantee access to education for all, from an early age.
### A community strategy for change
The experience of Marsha Titus, a mother present at the event, illustrates the daily struggle of families. His concerns about the lack of individual attention and the endless waiting lists for therapies underline a growing trend: governments and institutions must be held responsible for their commitment to provide adequate support.
It becomes urgent to envisage the implementation of awareness programs focused on employers, but also on the whole of the company. A recent study revealed that 75 % of those questioned admit prejudice to people with disabilities, a societal challenge as long as perceptions are not changed. Thus, an educational campaign aimed at breaking stereotypes and celebrating diversity could strengthen social cohesion.
### Conclusion: at the doors of a future inclusive
Dr. Makubalo’s voice deserves to be heard and amplified. Based on international comparisons and successful public policies initiatives elsewhere in the world, we have the opportunity to redefine our approach against discrimination and stigma of disabled people. By promoting inclusion and support from the first stages of life, we could not only enrich the lives of those who live with Down’s syndrome, but also transform society as a whole.
A collective call for responsibility is essential: that of embodying the values of inclusion and respect for all, beyond chromosomes or capacities. Because in the end, we are all looking for recognition, opportunities and a space where everyone has the right to be themselves. It’s time to act, together.