WCAG Adoption Policy in South Africa
Overview
The WCAG Adoption Policy in South Africa is part of the country’s commitment to making digital content accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. It aligns with international standards—the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)—to ensure websites, apps, and digital services are usable by all, regardless of ability.
Key Provisions & Requirements
- WCAG Compliance – Public and private sector websites must follow WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards, which include:
- Text alternatives for images and videos (for screen readers).
- Keyboard navigation (for users who can’t use a mouse).
- Clear colour contrast (for users with visual impairments).
- Captions and transcripts for audio/video content (for deaf/hard-of-hearing users).
- Government Mandate – The policy requires government websites and digital services to lead by example in adopting accessibility standards.
- Private Sector Encouragement – While enforcement is stricter for public entities, private businesses are urged to comply to avoid legal risks under broader anti-discrimination laws like PEPUDA (Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act).
- Implementation & Monitoring – Organisations must conduct regular accessibility audits and fix barriers. Automated tools and manual testing are recommended to ensure compliance.
Important Dates
- The policy was introduced as part of South Africa’s Public Service Corporate Governance ICT Policy Framework.
- While exact deadlines vary, government entities are expected to comply as soon as possible, with gradual enforcement for private businesses.
Based on Official Documentation
This explanation summarises the WCAG Adoption Policy in South Africa as outlined in the official government framework. For full details, refer to the source:
Public Service Corporate Governance: ICT Policy Framework.