Her appointment as the first totally blind person to lead a national government department marks a significant milestone for disability representation in South Africa. As South Africa observes National Disability Rights Awareness Month from 3 November to 3 December, Dr Praveena Sukhraj-Ely’s rise to one of the highest positions in the public service stands out as an important milestone in the country’s pursuit of equality and inclusion.
In July, Sukhraj-Ely made history when she became the first totally blind person to lead a national government department, following her appointment as Acting Director-General of the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD). Her appointment represents progress in breaking down longstanding barriers that have limited the participation of persons with disabilities in senior leadership positions.
A qualified legal practitioner, public policy specialist and disability rights advocate, Sukhraj-Ely has built an extensive career in public administration, constitutional law, governance and policy development. Originally from Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, she attended Arthur Blaxall School for the Blind in Pietermaritzburg, where she matriculated in 1995.
Her academic achievements include a Bachelor of Social Science, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Arts in Political Science, completed cum laude, and a PhD in Public Policy from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her professional journey began with pupillage at the Durban Bar at the age of 24. She subsequently established a private practice and served as an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa between 2003 and 2006.
She later joined the South African Law Reform Commission as a Senior State Advocate before moving to the Department of Justice, where she worked in the Chief Litigation Office. Her career progressed into senior management, with responsibilities covering domestic violence, femicide, older persons and persons with disabilities.
In 2022, she was appointed Chief Director for Governance and Compliance at the DWYPD, before taking up her current acting position. Beyond her government responsibilities, Sukhraj-Ely has contributed to disability advocacy through various national and international organisations. These include the South African National Council for the Blind, the South African Federation for Mental Health and the South African Disability Alliance.
She also holds international leadership positions, including Treasurer of the International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment and Co-Chairperson of the Accessible Books Consortium. Her work includes advocating for improved disability representation in employment, including a proposed target of 7% employment of persons with disabilities by 2030.
Her appointment comes at a time when South Africa continues to confront challenges around workplace accessibility, equal opportunities and the representation of persons with disabilities in decision-making structures. National Disability Rights Awareness Month provides an opportunity to reflect on these challenges and the importance of creating an environment where people with disabilities can participate fully in public life. Sukhraj-Ely’s career demonstrates the value of recognising professional ability, qualifications and experience while challenging assumptions about who can occupy positions of leadership.
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