National Standards

Our collaboration with relevant industry authorities, coupled with continuous research on local and international regulations and best practices enables us to set a service and product-quality benchmark in the South African industry. By keeping updated with current regulations we can constantly improve the accessibility of buildings, road infrastructure, and public transport.

Our TGSI designs conform to all industry requirements and are up to date with:

• The NDoT’s Position Paper Requirements: 2016.
• The latest National Technical Requirement (NTR1): 2017, Pedestrian Crossings.
• SANS 784:2008 “Design for Access and Mobility -Tactile indicators”.
• SANS 10400-part S: 2011 “Facilities for Persons with Disabilities”.
• The Tshwane/GIBB developed standard technical drawing book, titled “Tactile Ground Surface Indicators and Pedestrian Crossings”.
• Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) Standard Book of Drawings
• The NDoT NMT Facility Guidelines: 2014.
• Complete Street Guidelines developed by Municipalities
• Standard Electrical, Mechanical & Architectural Guidelines For The Design Of Accessible Buildings – Including Facilities for Disabled Persons.

Although the International Standard, ISO 21542:2011 “Accessibility and Usability of the Built Environment”, has not officially been adopted in South Africa yet, it is in the process and is also being considered.

South Africa has started to implement Universal Access and Universal Design to a greater extent than one might think.

There has been a Presidential Working Group on Disabilities since 2016. In 2019 President Cyril Ramaphosa specifically and strongly addressed the issue of inclusion at his State of the Nation Address. The efforts of creating awareness of Universal Design and implementing its principles are being put into action from municipal divisions, to provincial levels and up to top levels of Government. Universal Access has already been implemented in our transport system, including the development of the Gautrain transport system. Various levels of inclusive design are being implemented in our education system, from preschool to tertiary institutions. Now the plea for the private sector to get involved in the process is also being emphasised.

South African Law and Legislation regarding persons with special needs

• White Paper on the rights of Persons with Disabilities (WPRPD)
• The Constitution of South Africa (1996) Bill of Rights (chapter 2)
• The Integrated National Disability Strategy White Paper, Nov 1997
• The Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA), 2000(Act No 4 of 2000)
• The SA adopted UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Optional Protocol