Al Jama-ah’s President, Hon Ganief Hendricks in his capacity as Deputy Minister of Social Development, has co-hosted a high-level delegation from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development of the Republic of Uganda on a Benchmarking Visit to South Africa on Disability Inclusion Social Protection Systems and Programmes.
The session with the Ministry of Uganda was held in Pretoria on the 7 October 2025, where they were welcomed by Deputy Minister Hendricks. People with Disabilities is one of the functions delegated by Social Development Minister Sisisi Toloshe to Deputy Minister Hendricks.
Hendricks said a 2022 census report revealed that: “The socio-economic status and living arrangements of persons living with disabilities are shaped by a complex interplay of societal, economic, and individual factors. These challenges require a comprehensive approach that addresses barriers to employment, housing, education, and healthcare while promoting inclusivity, accessibility, and social justice for all members of society.”
He added that South Africa values its friendly and cordial relationship with Uganda, which is one its closest partners in the African Union (AU) based on shared values and mutual respect, the promotion of Pan-Africanism and a commitment to the emancipation of women and the attainment of gender equality.
The Ugandan delegation was represented by Minister of State for Disability Affairs, Hon Asamo Hellen Grace; Chairperson of Uganda’s Parliament’s Committee on Gender, Labour and Social Development, Hon Agnes Kunihira; Deputy Chair of the Budget Committee, Hon Achia Remegio; Permanent Secretary for the Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development, Mr Aggrey David Kibenge; Commissioner for Disability and Elderly, Mr Proper Muhumuza and Senior representatives of UNICEF and World Food Program
