South Africa ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and its Optional Protocol in 2007. The CRPD recognises that disability is an evolving concept that “results from the interaction between persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers that hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.”
South Africa celebrates National Disability Rights Awareness Month annually between 3 November and 3 December, with International Day for Persons with Disabilities as the closing on 3 December. This year, 2013, the month will be celebrated under the theme “Break Barriers, Open Doors to realise an Inclusive Society for All”.
The National Development Plan (NDP) acknowledge that many persons with disabilities are not able to develop to their full potential due to various barriers, resulting in them often being viewed as being unproductive and a burden. The NDP highlights the following barriers: Physical barriers, Educational barriers, Communication barriers and Attitudinal barriers that must be broken down.
The Disability Rights Awareness month for 2013 will be launched in Northern Cape province in a partnership between the Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities and the Northern Cape Provincial Government. The focus of the launch will be a dialogue between the disabled people and leaders from all major religious groups, under the sub- theme ‘Disability and Religion”. The dialogue will be facilitated by the Deputy Minister, Hon. Hendrietta Bogopane – Zulu, MP.
The programme will be conducted by the Premier Ms S Lucas.
The launch is scheduled to take place as follows:
Date: Sunday, 3 November 2013
Time: 09h00
Venue: Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre, Kimberley
Media is invited.
To RSVP and schedule interviews with the following officials:
1. Deputy Minister – Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu
Ms Dirosa Lebona
Cell: 072 742 4769
E-mail: dirosa@dwcpd.gov.za
Ms Emilie Olifant
Cell: 082 903 9250
E-mail: Emilie.olifant@dwcpd.gov.za
2. Northern Cape Premier – Ms S Lucas
Ms Bronwyn Thomas-Abrahams
Cell: 083 447 6586
E-mail: bthomas@ncpg.gov.za
For any other media related enquiry on Disability Month - DWCPD Communication
Phuti Mabelebele (Ms)
Cell: 076 402 7521
E-mail: Phuti@dwcpd.gov.za
