Praveena Sukhraj-Ely appointed as South Africa’s first blind national department head

Dr. Praveena Sukhraj-Ely has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of South Africa’s Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD). This appointment marks a historic milestone, as she is the first person who is totally blind to lead a national government department in the country.

Sukhraj-Ely, who has dedicated her career to advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities, noted the significance of being trusted with the highest level of civil service leadership. She highlighted the ongoing challenges regarding stereotypes, stigma, and prejudice that persons with disabilities face in professional environments.

Her advocacy focuses on ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access employment, engage in entrepreneurship, and participate meaningfully in the national economy. She expressed a desire for her appointment to serve as a catalyst for broader systemic change, moving toward a norm where talent and qualifications are prioritized over physical expectations of leadership.