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Speech by Executive Mayor Advocate Lentswe
Mokgatle at the International day of disabled persons
Councillors present The sixteen days of activism against women and children abuse this month provides us with an opportunity to demonstrate our desire to include vulnerable members of the society. South Africa is a non-racial, non-sexist and non-discriminatory democratic country, which accommodates everyone including the vulnerable groups of our society. Disabled persons are amongst the most vulnerable in our communities. Disabled women and children, especially are most likely to be neglected, isolated and therefore open to abuse. They are targets of violence and abuse. Programme Director, it is sad to observe that the rights of disabled persons are violated daily in our communities knowingly and unknowingly, even by their very close relatives. Their disability grants are used for purposes other than to provide for their well-being as intended by the government. Some disabled children only look clean and well cared for when they are with their parents or guardians on the day of receiving disability grants. On the other days of the month they are neglected and forgotten. Ladies and Gentlemen, HIV & AIDS affects disabled persons seriously considering the fact that they are vulnerable and stigmatized because of their disability status. It becomes a double blow if a disabled person is HIV positive. In communicating about HIV & AIDS, we should not exclude disabled persons. It is crucial to ensure for example that these messages are available in Braille and health workers should be able to communicate through sign language. Our messages should not ignore disabled people. They are an important target group. In fact an important stakeholder group. Disabled persons can also live quality lives beyond HIV infection. It is important that care-givers receive training to empower them to approach issues of disability from a sensitive human rights perspective as supported by the South African legal framework. The International Day of the Disabled Persons calls on us to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. We are here to remember that disabled persons have to be integrated in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. We have to change our environment so that it is warm and friendly towards disabled persons. We need to have buildings that are accessible to disabled people. We have to stop calling disabled people by names that are humiliating. At Mogale City, we take a stand away from isolating, discriminating, and excluding disabled persons. It gives me great pleasure to announce that the Mogale City Integrated Disability Strategy and the Disability Employment Strategy was deliberated at Mogale City Disability Summit, which was held early this year. The Mayoral Committee approved both the Integrated Disability Strategy and Disability Employment Strategy at their meeting this past Thursday. These policy documents are premised on the social disability. We are guided by the fundamental principle that all people are equal before the law. We encourage disabled persons in Mogale City to stand up and be counted. The Mogale City Disability Forum is a platform that Council is going to rely on in its efforts to forge partnerships with disabled persons. Today's event is held under the auspices of Mogale City Office on the Status of Disabled Persons in partnership with the forum. This augurs well for the future of our city. Together we are creating a desirable place to live in, invest in and visit. A place where all people can enjoy a sustainable quality of life. The launching of the Mogale City Disability Achievement Awards marks a new dimension on how issues of disability should be viewed. We encourage disabled persons to strive for excellence in their endeavours and those serving disabled persons to distinguish themselves by providing outstanding service. I wish you all a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year. I thank you.
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