National Disability Rights Awareness month: 03 November – 03 December 2025

Disability is not inability

Disability is the consequence of an impairment that may be physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional, developmental or some combination of these. A disability may be present from birth or occur during a person’s lifetime.

The existence of any of these impairments does not, however, mean a lack of talent, intelligence or worth. Every individual, regardless of physical or mental differences, has potential, creativity and purpose. What we do at Unisa to emphasise the notion that disability is not inability is to address the access barriers for people with disabilities. We build inclusive institutional structures, policies and technologies to facilitate universal access.

South Africa celebrates National Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM) annually between 3 November and 3 December. The DRAM offers an opportunity for all of us to remove these barriers and to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities through concrete actions.

The month culminates in the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, which is also observed as National Disability Rights Awareness Day. This awareness drive is meant to acknowledge that what limits persons with disabilities is the barriers society builds. These barriers include inaccessible buildings, discrimination in hiring practices and stereotypical notions about the abilities of persons with disabilities. We are thus called, during this time, to reflect on what is working and what is not, and to explore what we can do better to remove physical, social and systemic barriers in our higher education teaching and learning environment and workplace.

The higher education sector has seen many persons with disabilities experiencing challenges and not feeling included, either through the structures that universities have or through the channels of communication. These challenges include equitable access in the classroom and workplace. These exclusions are also experienced in a lack of employment opportunities and/or access challenges and discrimination in the workplace.

It is therefore essential for the higher education sector to undertake the necessary work to share transformative knowledge on how to effectively improve institutional cultures, thereby facilitating better access for persons with disabilities. It is for these reasons that the Department of Leadership and Transformation at Unisa is leading a year-long disability campaign beginning in November 2025 to November 2026 to address various issues around sustainable access for persons with disabilities. The powerful idea that disability is not inability is an invitation for all of us to remember the importance of equality, respect, compassion and inclusivity for sustainable transformation.

*  By Tholiwe Lamola, Employment Equity Officer, and Prof Grace Khunou, Executive Director: Department of Leadership and Transformation, Unisa

Source: Disability awareness at Unisa: Disability is not inability

World Pneumonia Day 2025: Protect Every Breath & Save Every Life – 12 November 2025

World Pneumonia Day is observed every year on November 12th to raise awareness about pneumonia. Pneumonia has a severe impact on health. It remains one of the leading causes of death among children and older adults worldwide.

Many people still do not fully understand how dangerous it can be or how it can be prevented. This pneumonia day reminds us to be more aware of symptoms, encourage early diagnosis, get vaccinated, and practice good hygiene. It also highlights the need for timely medical attention because pneumonia can worsen quickly if left untreated.

World Pneumonia Day 2025 is celebrated to bring families, communities, healthcare workers, organisations and governments together for a healthy, “pneumonia-free world”.

What Is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection that affects the lungs. It causes the air sacs (alveoli) to fill with fluid or pus, making it difficult for the lungs to function normally. This reduces the amount of oxygen entering your body.

Viruses, bacteria, and fungi can cause infections or be inhaled as environmental particles. Common causes include pneumococcus bacteria, influenza virus, and other respiratory viruses.

Pneumonia can range from mild to severe, depending on your age, immunity, and overall health. While many healthy adults recover well with treatment, pneumonia can be very serious in young children, older adults, and people with weak immune systems.

Importance of World Pneumonia Day

Why does this pneumonia day matter? Because pneumonia still causes a large number of preventable deaths worldwide.

World Pneumonia Day always reminds us that no one should lose their life to a preventable disease. This day highlights gaps in prevention, such as vaccine access, diagnosis, treatment and the availability of antibiotics and oxygen. It pushes communities and leaders to act so that fewer children and adults die from a treatable disease.

Source: World Pneumonia Day November 12 2025 : Importance, Prevention & Awareness 

World Prematurity Day – 17 November 2025

Give preterm babies a strong start for a hopeful future

A strong start isn’t just about survival – it’s about honouring the promise of every tiny life. It’s about giving these babies the chance not only to survive but to thrive and one day, transform the world.

Strong starts for hopeful futures

Around 1 in 10 babies worldwide is preterm – born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Without effective care, they are at high risk of life-threatening health conditions like respiratory distress, infections, and hypothermia, which together lead to hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths each year.

Governments, health systems, communities, and individuals have a shared responsibility to protect these tiny babies and ensure their families get the support they need.

Source: World Prematurity Day 2025