Dr Praveena Sukhraj-Ely is a blind advocate of the High Court.

Dr Praveena Sukhraj-Ely, a blind advocate of the High Court, has been appointed as the acting director general of the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, marking a significant step towards inclusive leadership in South Africa.

Her appointment was announced by Sindisiwe Chikunga, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, last week.

Sukhraj-Ely has extensive experience in governance, constitutional law, disability rights, Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), public administration and policy development.

She holds a PhD in Public Policy and a Master of Arts in Political Science, awarded Cum Laude, and has built a career focused on advancing inclusive governance, democracy, and human rights.