Nation Called to Rally “Beyond the Label” for Disability Inclusion

The 2025 “Beyond the Label” awareness campaign aims to increase participation from 2.8 million to 5 million South Africans in the drive for greater disability inclusion.

Johannesburg, 2 July 2025 – The National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) today issued a heartfelt call to all South Africans to join the Casual Day 2025 movement, themed “Beyond the Label”, as the nation seeks to double participation and strengthen its commitment to disability inclusion. The campaign, which has touched the lives of millions over nearly three decades, represents far more than a single day of awareness—it’s a catalyst for year-round transformation.

Growing the Movement: From Awareness to Action

Current participation reaches over 2.5 million South Africans annually, with companies, schools, and nonprofit organisations participating each year. The World Health Organisation estimates that 17% of South Africa’s population—approximately 10.5 million people—have some form of disability, highlighting its enormous potential for impact. For its 30th anniversary in 2024, Casual Day set an ambitious target of raising R30 million and selling 3 million stickers, marking the most significant campaign milestone since its inception.

“Every sticker purchased, every conversation started, every barrier questioned brings us closer to a truly inclusive South Africa,” said Therina Wentzel, National Executive Director of NCPD. “Casual Day isn’t just about raising funds—it’s about raising consciousness, challenging assumptions, and creating space for the 7.5% of our population with disabilities to be seen, heard, and valued.”

Real Lives, Real Impact: The APD Network at Work

The funds raised through Casual Day directly support over 600 nonprofit organisations and special schools across South Africa, including nine provincial Associations of and for Persons with Disabilities (APDs) and their branches. These grassroots organisations form the backbone of disability support, providing services that government resources alone cannot deliver.

In Limpopo, Fulufhelo Special School in Thohoyandou, founded in 1954, serves learners with intellectual disabilities and has consistently received support through Casual Day fundraising initiatives. These funds have been instrumental in providing essential resources and facilities for the school, demonstrating how dedicated communities can transform educational opportunities for learners with special needs.

Meanwhile, Rekgonne Bapo Special School in Brits serves just over 200 learners with special needs, ranging from those with Down syndrome to those with intellectual disabilities. The school offers a range of activities, including needlework, vegetable gardening, woodwork, crafts, beadwork, and fabric flower making. Their ample vegetable garden supplies produce for school lunches and generates additional income by selling to the community.

In Limpopo, the Unarine Day Care Centre provides special needs stimulation for children, skills development, and adult day care services for persons with disabilities in the community. These initiatives demonstrate that with proper support, persons with disabilities become contributors, not dependents.

Beyond Charity: Building Inclusive Communities

The “Beyond the Label” theme challenges South Africans to move past outdated charity models towards genuine inclusion. This means recognising that persons with disabilities are parents, professionals, innovators, and leaders—integral parts of every community.

Casual Day participation has grown significantly in schools, where educators report that it has led to improved empathy and understanding among learners. Students who participate in Casual Day activities demonstrate greater acceptance of diversity, creating inclusive classroom environments that benefit everyone.

In workplaces, participating companies report enhanced team cohesion and innovation. When colleagues engage with disability awareness content, they develop stronger problem-solving skills and more creative approaches to challenges, benefits that extend far beyond a single day.

The Numbers Tell a Story

Since its inception, Casual Day has raised over R455 million, demonstrating remarkable growth from R413,000 in 1994 to a peak of R28 million in 2014. Even during the challenging 2020 lockdown period, when fundraising dropped to R6.7 million, the movement’s resilience shone through, rebounding to R20 million by 2023.

The 2024 campaign culminated in an important event, setting the ambitious target of R30 million for the 30th anniversary—the highest goal in Casual Day history. The campaign managed to raise R20 million in that year.

Participation spans all nine provinces, with rural engagement continuing to grow in tandem with established urban support. Schools show particularly high engagement rates, creating a lasting impact through disability awareness education that extends far beyond individual fundraising efforts.

Join the Movement for the Beyond the Label theme

Casual Day stickers are available nationwide at participating retailers and through digital platforms at https://casualday.co.za/product/casual-day-digital-sticker/.

Every South African has the power to contribute to this transformation. Whether purchasing a sticker, engaging in workplace discussions, or simply questioning assumptions about disability, participation creates ripple effects that extend far beyond individual actions.

For comprehensive participation resources and information, visit www.casualday.co.za.