Events
Casual Day 2024 Launch
May
30 Years of Casual Day and 30 Years of Democracy in SA: Celebrating a Legacy of Inclusion and Impact
“I SEE YOU” transcends the ordinary act of seeing with eyes; it is about recognising the inherent worth, dignity, and uniqueness of each of us.
The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) launched the 30th annual Casual Day campaign that has, since its inception in 1994 raised more than R455 483 million for persons with disabilities.
Casual Day is marked on the first Friday in September when South Africans wear Casual Day stickers, Casual Day apparel and display digital badges on their social media profiles to show their support of persons with disabilities.
Casual Day 2024 was launched at the SABC Studio M1, Auckland Park, Johannesburg. The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities views this anniversary as a moment of reflection and appreciation, and a springboard to further shape a future where inclusivity is not just a concept, but a lived reality. Too often over the last 30 years persons with disabilities have had their rights overlooked, they have been unseen. With this, foremost in our minds we have come to our 2024 theme: “I SEE YOU”.
At the Casual Day Launch, we were honoured to have an incredible lineup of speakers who truly made the event memorable. Tylo Ribeiro, Mister Supranational South Africa 2023, as our Master of Ceremony, guiding the proceedings with charm. Our NCPD Chairperson, Alex Msitshana opened the event with a warm and inspiring Welcome Address, setting the tone for the day. Therina Wentzel our National Director then took us on a nostalgic journey with captivating videos that reflected on Casual Day’s 30-year history and revealed the exciting theme for 2024. A heartfelt thank you to Erin for the stunning visuals that accompanied these presentations.
Our performances were simply outstanding, featuring electrifying acts by Smashizo and Thandisile, along with a moving poetry recital by Daphney Twala. We are deeply grateful to our distinguished Patron; Dr. Vincent Maphai, for officially opening Casual Day 2024, and to our esteemed speakers: Mpumi Mabuza, Acting Chief Marketing Officer at Brand South Africa, and Zain Bulbulia, Acting Chief Director at the Gauteng Office of the Premier. Additionally, a special thank you goes to our guest, Clicks Brand Executive Phathiswa Sefatsa. Thank you to each person who contributed significantly to the success of the launch, and we are truly thankful to the SABC’s Staff, Technical Team and Management for their contribution, especially Nkhumeleni Madlala from the SABC Diversity Equity and Inclusion Unit.
Every year a theme is assigned to Casual Day. The theme this year is “I SEE YOU”. It’s a reminder that the human rights of persons with disabilities are often overlooked. It’s also a reminder to South Africans to affirm the diversity that persons with disabilities bring to communities and to invest in community spaces that are universally accessible. “I SEE YOU” acknowledges people who support Casual Day and thanks them for caring and contributing.
Patron Dr Vincent Maphai and Phathiswa Sefatsa: Brand Executive from Clicks officially open Casual Day 2024 #ISEEYOU
Watch the full launch video
This year, in its 30th anniversary year, Casual Day has set a target of raising R30 million for persons with disabilities and organisations, schools and projects in the field of disability.
Says Therina Wentzel, National Director at the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) that owns the Casual Day trademark: “The 30th anniversary of Casual Day is an opportunity to reflect, appreciate and focus on shaping a society where inclusivity is not just a concept, but is a lived reality. The theme this year recognises the inherent worth, dignity, and uniqueness of all people.”
According to the World Health Organisation, 17 percent of all persons have a disability. By this reckoning, there are approximately 10,500,000 persons with disabilities in South Africa today.
“As South Africa commemorates 30 years of democracy, Casual Day marks three decades of defending disability rights. It’s imperative to recognise the integral role persons with disabilities played in our struggle for democracy. As an integral part of the revolutionary forces, persons with disabilities fought for our democracy, contributing significantly to the fabric of the nation,” says Alex Msitshana, Chairperson of the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD). “Each person with a disability embodies incredible resilience and adds invaluable diversity to our communities. As we launch Casual Day 2024 under the theme “I SEE YOU”, we affirm our commitment to upholding the human rights of persons with disabilities and celebrating their vital contributions to our society. We invite the nation to join us and support Casual Day.”
Money raised on Casual Day is allocated countrywide to organisations, schools and projects in the field of disability. The campaign is strongly dependent on each person in South African getting at least one Casual Day sticker.
“We urge everyone to look beyond the surface and truly acknowledge the essence of the people that makes up the rich tapestry of our nation. Let’s build a society where everyone is seen, heard, and valued for their unique contribution,” Therina Wentzel says.
South Africa’s very first Casual Day (in 1994) raised R413 000. Casual Day last year (in 2023) raised R20 million. Money raised between those two years have fluctuated from R28 million in 2014 to R6.7 million in 2020 when Casual Day activity was restricted due to Covid-19 and lockdown conditions.
Casual Day stickers are available for a donation of R20 each from participating disability rights organisations, public sector departments, schools and retailers. Digital stickers and Casual Day merch may be purchased via the Casual Day website: https://casualday.co.za/shop/