On 5 July 2026, the South African Disability Alliance hosted a truly memorable Gala evening, celebrating inclusion, dignity, achievement, and the collective strength of the disability sector.
Under the theme: Be the Change, Inclusive Today, Sustainable Tomorrow, we brought together SADA members, partners, sponsors, government representatives, artists, advocates, and friends of the disability sector for a night filled with reflection, recognition, entertainment, and purpose.
The evening was guided by our Programme Director, Mr Marc Mutwale, who brought warmth, dignity, and care to the proceedings, ensuring that each part of the programme was introduced with respect and meaning.
The formal programme was marked by powerful and meaningful contributions from our speakers. We were deeply honoured that Deputy Minister Steve Letsike from the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) delivered the keynote address, bringing significance and gravitas to the evening. Ms Sharlene Cassel, Chairperson of SADA, followed with a warm and special welcome, setting the tone for a night of reflection, celebration, and unity. We were also privileged to hear from Ms Lungile Mahluza, Chief People and Purpose Officer of Deloitte, whose message further highlighted the importance of inclusivity, especially in the workplace. A deeply moving moment came when our youth speaker, Mr Sanele Ndlovu, shared his personal journey as a person with a disability, reminding us of the resilience, courage, and potential of young persons with disabilities.
The evening was made even more memorable by the remarkable artists and performers, all persons with disabilities, who shared their talent with us. The programme opened with a deeply moving signed performance of the National Anthem by the St Vincent School for the Deaf, setting a powerful and meaningful tone for the evening. Guests were then treated to vibrant Latin American dancing by Tyrone and Vivian Rademeyer, both persons with Down syndrome, whose performance brought joy and energy to the room. We also danced along to the jazzy vibes of Benny Palime, a talented blind musician, whose music added warmth and atmosphere to the celebration. Later in the evening, guests were mesmerised by Kallie Adams and Jessica Holtzhousen, a wheelchair user with Springbok colours in ballroom dancing, whose performance was both elegant and inspiring.
The event also featured an exciting auction and raffles, which added great energy and generosity to the celebration. The auction was expertly handled by Arnold Geerdts, the well-known television and sports personality, who brought warmth, humour, and enthusiasm to the room. Guests eagerly bid on a range of special items, including beautiful artwork created by two talented mouth painters, as well as holiday experiences and game drives. The raffles were equally well supported, with prizes that included bespoke wines, handcrafted items, and other thoughtful gifts, all helping to raise valuable funds for SADA’s ongoing work.
The evening was further elevated by an outstanding menu that added to the elegance and warmth of the occasion. From the beautifully presented selection of canapés served with champagne on arrival, to the delicious three-course meal that was plated with care and style, every detail reflected the special nature of the celebration. Guests were also gifted with beautifully handcrafted soaps from LaSoLi, a thoughtful and personal touch that made the evening feel even more memorable.
A very special moment of the evening was the honouring of three remarkable disability rights leaders. Ari Seirlis, recipient of the SADA Lifetime Disability Achievement Award, was recognised for decades of fearless advocacy, leadership, and civil action that helped advance accessibility and disability rights in South Africa. Jace Nair, recipient of the SADA Lifetime Disability Service Award, was honoured for his lifelong commitment to the rights of blind and visually impaired persons, including his role in advancing access to published works in accessible formats. Dr Emile Gouws, recipient of the SADA Rising Changemaker Award, was celebrated for his inspiring advocacy, research, and work in promoting autism awareness and the inclusion of neurodivergent persons. Together, their stories reflect courage, service, leadership, and the power of refusing to wait for permission to create change. We also presented Deloitte Africa, our main sponsor with a special 2026 SADA Impact Partnership Award.
SADA extends its deepest appreciation to our valued sponsors and partners, whose generous support helped make the Gala possible. A special word of thanks goes to Deloitte Africa, our main sponsor, for providing the beautiful venue and outstanding catering that created such an elegant and memorable experience for our guests. We are also sincerely grateful to the National Housing Finance Corporation for their generous Gold Partnership support, and to Modern Centric Holdings for their technical expertise, livestream support, event assistance, and shared commitment to inclusion and diversity. Your partnership strengthened the evening and helped SADA create a celebration worthy of the disability sector and the people we serve.
A special word of thanks goes to our two SASL interpreters, Jonathan Kebe and Nonhlanhla Ndaba, whose professional support helped ensure that the evening was more inclusive and accessible to all.
Our heartfelt thanks go to every guest, sponsor, partner, service provider, performer, volunteer, and supporter who helped make this evening such a success.
Together, we celebrated not only how far we have come, but the work still ahead in building a more inclusive South Africa.
#SADAGala2026 #DisabilityInclusion #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #InclusionMatters #SouthAfricanDisabilityAlliance
