International Day of People with Disabilities, Galeshewe
1 December 2007
Programme Director
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
This day is an important day in the calendar of our country and world
because it marks the annual observance of the International Day of People with
Disabilities. Its main aim is to promote an understanding of disability issues
and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with
disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from
the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political,
social, economic and cultural life.
We all know that the country we inherited in 1994 was devastated by many
centuries of colonial rule and apartheid neglect and injustice. The majority of
South Africans were subjected to the most gruesome human rights violations.
Millions were afflicted by poverty, homelessness, ill-health with no access to
care and treatment, unemployment and many other related problems.
Our society was deeply divided and characterised by an institutionalised and
systemic racial, gender and disability discrimination. Our people made it
clear, when they voted the present government into power, that they wanted us
to turn this picture around. As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the
International Day for People with Disabilities, we can look back with pride and
celebrate the significant milestones we have achieved since the dawn of our
democracy. Among others, the country's economy is growing and there is improved
access to basic services such as water, electricity, social services and health
care.
We had a dual imperative - to deal with the legacy of apartheid and
transform a system regarded as crime against humanity into one that is
socially, politically and economically just and viable to give equal worth to
human life. As government, we have adopted a number of legislations, policies
and programmes aimed at empowering the designated groups, which include among
others women, children and persons with disabilities.
The theme for this year's International Day of People with Disabilities is
'Decent work for people with disabilities' which seeks to remove all barriers
and obstacles that prevent people with disabilities from leading normal lives,
including finding employment in any sector of their choice and providing care
and assistance to those in need.
Employing people with a disability is no longer an issue of goodwill; it is
an issue of basic rights and good business sense. To this end, employers are
now recognising that there are advantages to accommodating a wide range of
people in the workplace.
However, many myths about employing a person with a disability still remain.
There is still the perception that, if you employ a person who has a
disability, you are going to have a less than efficient employee. However,
research shows nothing is further from the truth if the person with the
disability is well matched to a job.
People with disabilities are participating successfully at all levels in a
wide range of occupations and industries, generating value to the economy.
People with disabilities are just as productive and as safe and reliable as
able-bodied workers.
However, a study that was conducted by the Public Service Commission about
our progress as the provincial administration over the years showed that
significant strides need to be taken in order to achieve the set target within
the given timeframe. We need to take a giant leap towards addressing the
challenges faced by persons with disabilities, both as employees in the
workplace and as users of government services.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have come a long way in sowing the seeds of
reconciliation and forging a new nation based on the principles enshrined in
our constitution. Through a myriad of activities - both public and private - we
are building a common identity of what it means to be South African, regardless
of one's racial or cultural background.
Our achievements and progress constitute solid building blocks on which to
construct future successes and effectively address the key shortcomings and
challenges that still lie ahead. The journey to a better life for all is well
underway. The legacy of apartheid is increasingly being pushed aside in the
face of a concerted and comprehensive programme of reconstruction and
development to improve the lives of all the people of the province.
People with disabilities are now treated with dignity and respect. We have
removed all forms of discrimination against these fellow citizens and are
committed to redressing all the imbalances that were created by past
discriminatory policies and practices. We have introduced policies that make it
possible for people with disabilities to lead normal lives and contribute to
the reconstruction and development of South Africa.
This year, we were among the first twenty countries in the world to sign the
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It was
not a case of chasing a position in the United Nations' roll book, but we
showed our state of readiness to integrate an international protocol into our
own legislations.
The United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities advocates:
* respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy, including the freedom to
make one's own choices and independence of persons,
* nonâdiscrimination,
* full and effective participation and inclusion in society,
* respect for differences and acceptance of disability as part of human
diversity and humanity,
* equality of opportunity,
* accessibility,
* equality between men and women,
* respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect
for the right of to preserve their identities.
The Integrated National Disability Strategy (INDS) and our Provincial
Programme of Action on Disability are being reviewed. The result of these
processes will have a direct effect on the government's planning process. They
will lay a strong foundation for the integration of disability into our
planning and budgeting processes.
The policies we are referring to are about dignity, self - worth, autonomy
and ensuring that the person with disabilities is at the centre of decisions
affecting them. The Constitution guarantees the rights of persons with
disabilities to be the treated equally and enjoy the same rights as all
citizens.
Ladies and gentlemen, we should not only have correct policies and
programmes to meet the needs and aspirations of persons with disabilities. We
must vigorously move beyond the debates and empower persons with disabilities
to be able to lead lives independent from the social grants system. In this
regard, we are hugely indebted to the disability movement in this country for
the valuable role it has played and continues to play in the struggle for
justice and equality.
There is still some work to be done to encourage the whole of our society,
especially business, to remove factors that make it difficult for people with
disabilities to lead normal lives. However, the progress that we have made so
far is impressive, especially if we consider what the status of people with
disabilities was in 1994.
We are proud that - at both provincial and national level - we managed to
put in place mechanisms for the empowerment and upliftment of persons with
disabilities. Indeed since we came into power disability has been at the centre
of our agenda for development and social transformation. The task of
eradicating poverty and joblessness in our country requires the active
participation of all people. Much as it is important for government to bring
all the people on board in the transformation process, it is equally necessary
that civil society play an active role in the reconstruction and development of
society.
Today we watch with admiration and respect, how people with disabilities
enjoy equal opportunities and participate in governance and administration in
our country. As government we have put in place appropriate legislative,
administrative, social, educational and other measures to integrate persons
with disabilities into all mainstream societal endeavours, both within and
outside the home environment. Let us continue to work together as government,
private sector and civil society to advance the cause of people with
disabilities until they are fully integrated into our society.
I thank you
Issued by: Northern Cape Provincial Government
1 December 2007
Source: Northern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.northern-cape.gov.za)
