million to make facilities accessible for people with disabilities
12 December 2007
The Ministry of Arts and Culture has pledged R162 million over the next
three years to make cultural facilities accessible to persons with
disabilities. The plan was announced by Minister Pallo Jordan as part of the
government's plan to improve the plight of people with disabilities.
He said the funds earmarked for the three forthcoming years are R39 million
for 2008, R43 million for 2009 and R80 million for 2010. "We have detailed
information on the provision that has been made for the upgrading of security
and access for person with disabilities at the department's public
entities."
"These would include places like museums, playhouses and other institutions
that bring people together to not only enjoy artistic expressions but witness
and experience the heritage of our beautiful country," said Minister Jordan. In
fact, buildings and structures built since 1994 have disabled access, while
older ones have had to be renovated and adapted.
At present the department is in the process of ascertaining the requirements
of the public entities in terms of security and accessibility. A service
provider will be appointed in the near future to report on the current status.
"The upgrade of security and accessibility for persons with disabilities is a
priority to make the arts accessible to all the people of the country," said
Minister Jordan.
Noteworthy is that buildings sponsored by the Ministry, like the Luthuli
Museum in Kwa-Dukuza, at 3223 Nokukhanya Luthuli Street, KwaZulu-Natal, have
disabled access from planning stage.
For further details, call:
Sandile Memela
Spokesperson
Cell: 082 800 3750
Premi Appalraju
Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 082 903 6778
Issued by: Department of Arts and Culture
12 December 2007
Source: Department of Arts and Culture (http://www.dac.gov.za)
