Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) Congress and at the
International Day of Disabled Persons (IDDP), Durban International Convention
Centre (ICC)
Programme Director, allow me to start by sharing information on the purpose
of this event with those in our midst today who may be attending this annual
celebration for the first time. This day, 3 December, has been proclaimed by
the United Nations (UN) General Assembly as the IDDP. Our country decided to
join the family of other nations by also observing and celebrating this day as
the national day of persons with disabilities.
On behalf of the government of South Africa I would like congratulate
everyone present here today for honouring this event.
The Presidency regards the IDDP as a very important event as it takes place
within the Disability Awareness Month and 16 Days of Activism on No Violence
Against Women and Children and IDDP. Government recognises this process as a
consultative mechanism in order to determine the regulatory impact assessment
of policy implementation and service delivery to people with disabilities.
The theme that has been identified for 2006 is, "Age of Hope empowering
persons with disabilities through equal opportunities e-accessibility."
This should practically serve as a gateway to ensure accessibility to
persons with disabilities to all government programmes, projects and services
without discriminating against them. Of more importance is the sub-theme which
commits to e-accessibility, which should be perceived as a vehicle to skill and
empower persons with disabilities so as to create expanded opportunities for
employment. The e-accessibility sub-theme is an UN international theme. The
Office of the Status of Disabled Persons (OSDP) will identify 100 private and
public companies and verify if their websites are accessible to persons with
disabilities.
The theme challenges us and tests how much, when, where and how effective do
we mainstream disability in the existing legislative framework.
Government is currently implementing the following aspects of the programme
of action with regard to disability:
1. strengthening the disability national machinery so that it is effective
in co-ordinating disability programmes
2. monitor more closely the implementation of a well co-ordinated disability
integrated policy and measure progress of service delivery against the
disability indicators
3. work on the International Convention on the Rights of People with
Disabilities and the African Decade Programme
4. increase awareness of what disability mainstreaming means and how it is to
be accomplished
5. integrate the work of OSDP into the range of activities and programming
associated with the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa
(AsgiSA)
6. strengthen ties with civil society in their respective sectors.
In addition to these programmes government will focus on two main priorities
between 2007/09. These are:
* economic empowerment of persons with disabilities
* social integration of persons with disabilities (equal participation in
community life).
Government still faces a challenge of meeting the target of employing people
with disabilities in the public service.
To address this backlog the DPSA together with the OSDP have completed the
job access programme and will be ready to implement it in the next financial
year, 2007/08.
This will facilitate the employment of persons with disabilities in the
public service to reach the two percent target by 2009/10 fiscal year.
South Africa has participated in developing the Comprehensive and Integral
International Convention on the protection and promotion of the right and
dignity of persons with disabilities for the past five years. A special
acknowledgement of dedicated service towards this well completed task should be
made to Ms Sebenzile Matshebula, the ex-director of the OSDP.
At its eighth session the UN ad hoc committee adopted the convention in New
York in August this year. What that means is that the convention has
implications for South Africa and most importantly the initiatives that aim at
better social and economic life for all persons with disabilities. After
completion of the signing and ratification process, the OSDP will then develop
an implementation plan of the convention for government.
This morning the disability movement has taken a firm stance by expressing
their unavoidable needs through a march. Rightfully so the needs of the people
of South Africa will always be addressed based on principles that considers
respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy, non-discrimination, full and
effective participation and inclusion in society, respect for difference and
acceptance of disability as part of human diversity and humanity.
The opening prayer has not only nourished us spiritually this morning, but
also succeeded to bring our thoughts near the theme which is displayed in this
venue. Equality of opportunity and accessibility are key to the purpose of this
special celebration.
One of the major challenges that face us as a country is the verification of
statistics with regard to persons with disabilities that is the impact of
service delivery on a specific number of persons with disabilities.
This refers to the realisation of their socio-economic rights from available
universally designed assistive devices to free health services, etc. The
question that we need to ask ourselves is to what extent are people with
disabilities involved in planning all what is regarded as needs; like what has
been expressed through the march this morning. If people with disabilities are
always consulted in processes at what stage of development of such plans do
they get involved?
What remains a fact is that people with disabilities have uncompromised
rights to a whole lot of issues including the right to life, to nationality, to
justice, security, social protection, non-violence, independent living,
privacy, opinion, education, health, employment and participation in political
life.
South Africa is currently hosting the International Paralympics Committee
Swimming World Championships this month, where persons with disabilities expose
their talent through cultural activities and sport. We take this opportunity to
wish all the participants a successful competition.
In conclusion, government commits to work hand in hand with persons with
disabilities in order to reach the goals and target that are set by all of us.
We, therefore, appeal to all persons with disabilities to talk to government
with a united voice. Best wishes for today's celebrations and a wonderful
festive season.
I thank you!
Issued by: The Presidency
3 December 2006
