Theme: “80–50–30: Honouring Our Past, Advancing Our Rights, Shaping Our Future”

Blind SA, in partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL), will host the fourth National Blind & Visually Impaired Youth Sector Parliament on 25 and 26 September 2026 at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Johannesburg.

The National Youth Parliament brings together blind and visually impaired young people, youth leaders, advocates, policymakers and other stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting young people with visual impairments and to advance their meaningful participation in society.

This year’s Parliament takes place against the backdrop of three significant milestones in South Africa’s history: 80 years of Blind SA, 50 years since the 1976 Soweto Uprising and 30 years of the Constitution.

The 80–50–30 theme provides an opportunity for young people to reflect on the struggles and achievements of previous generations while considering whether the rights and opportunities promised by the Constitution are being realised for blind and visually impaired youth.

Among the key motions to be advanced include:

• Accessible and inclusive education, including accessible learning materials and career guidance;

• Sexual and reproductive health and rights, HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence education, with accessible information for learners who are blind or visually impaired;

• Economic opportunities for out-of-school youth with disabilities, including skills development, employment and entrepreneurship support.

The outcomes and recommendations of the Parliament will contribute to ongoing advocacy and engagement aimed at advancing disability rights, inclusion, equality and meaningful youth participation.

Media are invited to attend and cover the proceedings.

Date: 25–26 September 2026

Venue: Gauteng Provincial Legislature, 43 Rissik Street, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2001

Time: 8am on both days

Can’t make the event? Stream live on the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s YouTube and Facebook Pages (links below).

25 September

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/share/1ByDm9qP69/

YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/pxJhDbUbHak?feature=share

26 September

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/share/1Cur4DZ7wb/

YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/pxJhDbUbHak?feature=share

For more information, interview requests, please contact: Ms. Zandile Maramnco | Blind SA 060 976 8435| marketing@blindsa.org.za Ms. Thabisile Nzuke I GPL I 0826194411 I tnzuke@gpl.gov.za