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Disabled people hail their day
07 December2009 By Keotshepile wa Mogotsi SCORES of disabled people from across Mogale City gathered in the Banquet Hall at the Civic Centre to mark International Day of Disabled Persons, to raise awareness among the general public of issues affecting them. The rights and privileges of disabled people were on the agenda, and the achievements of people with disabilities were celebrated at the event, on 3 December. About 200 people filled the hall. Organised by the Office of the Mayor in conjunction with the Office on the Status of Disabled Persons (OSDP), the day affirmed the dignity and worth of people with disabilities. Executive Mayor Koketso Calvin Seerane committed himself to specifically meeting disabled people on Integrated Development Plan (IDP) road shows; such meetings had not happened in the past. “When we look at our programmes of government, especially municipality, there are areas which need improvement. One of our big weaknesses is that we never engage the disabled sector. Our view is that disabled people need to have a voice separate from other people. I am making a commitment that on the next road show, we will engage disabled people separately,” promised the mayor. International Day of Disabled Persons, observed annually on 3 December, has been promoted worldwide by the United Nations since 1992. Each year, the day focuses on a different issue; this year it focused on “Empowerment of persons with disabilities and their communities around the world”. In response to the mayor’s public commitment to engage disabled people on IDPs, Ana “Ouma” Lekalakala, a blind supervisor for Kha Ri Gude, warned the mayor to keep his promise. “Thank you, Mr Mayor, for committing yourself. I will remind you because I don’t forget,” she said. She also urged disabled people to stand up for their rights. Kha Ri Gude is Tshivenda for “let us learn”. Speaker after speaker called for an increase in public awareness, and an understanding and acceptance of persons with disabilities. They also encouraged disabled people to form an organisation through which they could express their views and promote action that would bring about improvements in their lives. Education was also mentioned by every speaker. Disabled people were urged to study so as to empower themselves and join the world of the employed. The local arm of the OSDP is spearheaded by Mokutu Moeketsi and Moss Komane; it actively asserts that disabled people have the strength and confidence in their own abilities to lead self-reliant and independent lives. Komane, who has always been vocal that the government does not take disabled people seriously, thanked the mayor. “We know politicians attend our functions and leave after giving a speech, but I would like to thank the mayor for being with us for almost the entire function.” Speaking on behalf of disabled people, Mokutu reiterated what other speakers had said and pleaded with people to do something for the disabled. “Today, people around the whole world celebrate this day for disabled people. I wish that what people did on Mandela Day, they would do the same [today] and spend their time doing something for disabled people,” said Mokutu. The day culminated with a deejay pumping some house tunes for the attendees, who danced the day away.
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 Executive mayor Koketso Calvin Seerane promises greater engagement with the disabled community
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