Disability Awards, West End Club, Kimberley
2 December 2007
Programme Director
Our private sector partners
Leaders of the disability sector in the province
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
Thank you very much for affording me the privilege to address this important
function where we honour people and organisations that have contributed towards
the improvement of the lives of people with disabilities, who despite all the
discrimination and exclusion have overcome adversity.
To honour those who through their actions have made a qualitative
difference, once again sent out a message that disability doesn't equal
inability. We salute them because they have proven beyond any doubts that they
are determined to, and capable of making a difference in their lives and that
of others.
The Premier's Awards on Disability present us with a unique opportunity to
reflect on the role played by persons with disabilities, their organisations
and communities in improving their own conditions as well as contributing to
the development of their own communities. We are aware that full participation
by persons with disabilities is possible but requires the proper support and
commitment of government, business and all organs of civil society.
These awards were created to encourage this support and commitment and to
work towards the full integration and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
The intent of the program is to publicly honour the efforts and accomplishments
of individuals, groups and organisations to develop human potential. Special
recognition is given to people and organisations that have demonstrated
outstanding leadership in making positive, progressive and sustained change
towards the development of persons with disabilities.
The awards further raise awareness of the efforts to create inclusive
environments and provide ideas, inspiration and encouragement to others. This
initiative aims to revive interest in the well - being of people with
disabilities and to create a more caring society.
Furthermore, the awards are aimed at: Raising awareness on the capabilities
and abilities of persons with disabilities and their contribution in the
development and upliftment of fellow disabled persons and communities. Raising
awareness on the need to serve and create a motivational platform for those men
and women who are directly supporting and empowering persons with
disabilities.
We are aware that some of the people who effect change in the lives of
persons with disabilities are not disabled. They have a strong passion for
disability. They do sterling work under difficult conditions. Let us pay
tribute to them and ask them to continue to do what they are doing with
integrity.
As partners in development, we are taking strong action to involve persons
with disabilities in the development process, acknowledging that there can be
no development unless everyone is included. By denying persons with
disabilities their human rights, we prevent them from actively partaking in the
development process and in sharing in the benefits of our society.
The strong partnership that we have formed with a range of stakeholders in
the province has had a great impact in the struggle to remove the stigma
against people with disabilities. It has given hope that in partnership we can
eliminate its negative impact on our society.
Ladies and gentlemen, our government recognises the right of persons with
disabilities to work. In fact as government we have set an example through
employment of persons with disabilities in the public sector. Today persons
with disabilities have effective access to general, technical and vocational
guidance programmes and training. The tools are also there to promote
opportunities for self-employment and entrepreneurship.
We also recognise the right of persons with disabilities to an adequate
standard of living for themselves and their families, including adequate food,
clothing, housing and access to clean water, among others. We also recognise
the right of persons with disabilities to social protection. We have guaranteed
persons with disabilities their political rights and the opportunity to enjoy
them on an equal basis with others.
In the context of our commitments to persons with disabilities as
articulated in our constitution and other legislations, we have a moral
obligation to revive our pledge to build a society that respects human rights.
All of us must ensure that the equal and effective enjoyment of human rights by
persons with disabilities is everybody's obligation.
Programme Director, a lot still has to be done to raise the level of
awareness of the human rights of disabled persons. We need to acknowledge that
some citizens, who are disabled, still live in conditions of poverty, hunger
and starvation. They are also vulnerable to abuse and disease, illiteracy, and
many other social ills associated with under-development.
As government we are concerned about these difficult conditions disabled
persons put up with in some cases. Although we have, in the past thirteen
years, made progress to address these issues within the human rights framework,
continuous action at all levels of society is needed to ensure that persons
with disabilities enjoy full and equal participation. We must work hard to
ensure that by 2014 we have made huge strides in ensuring that persons with
disabilities have equal access to jobs, education, health, information and
other services.
The private sector has a huge role and an obligation towards persons with
disabilities too. And this sector can fulfil such a role without necessary
taking over the responsibility from persons with disabilities or from
Government. We want to see the private sector moving more and more to the
centre in assuming specific responsibilities.
Programme Director, We are gathered here to give our special recognition and
praise to those of our people who remain fully dedicated to their work and who
persistently seek creative and innovative ways to meet the challenges facing
them and their fellow brothers and sisters on a daily basis.
It is with a great sense of pride that we present to the people of the
Northern Cape, the teams and individuals whose creativity and commitment have
contributed towards making our province a better place. Those who will be
receiving awards today epitomises the kind of patriotic people our country
needs to achieve our reconstruction and development objectives.
I wish to extend my warmest congratulations to all the teams and individuals
that have been nominated for the awards. All of you, including those that did
not make it to the final round, make the Northern Cape Provincial Government
proud with the efforts that you put into your work everyday. Keep up the good
work.
I thank you
Issued by: Northern Cape Provincial Government
2 December 2007
Source: Northern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.northern-cape.gov.za)
