As the nation patiently waits the opening of parliament of the seventh administration by President Cyril Ramaphosa, on Thursday 18 July, members of various organisations for people with disabilities say they are equally anxious.
The organisations say people with disabilities are not getting any form of recognition from the government and would like Ramaphosa to address their concerns in his speech.
Director of Vukuhambe Disabled Centre in Gugulethu Thozamile Mciki said it is high time for the government to prioritise their needs and well-being. He said they feel ignored and marginalised by the government. Mciki stated that they do not want to be treated special, however, they want to be given a chance.
“The country has good policies on paper and they equally cater for everyone. The problem is implementation on the ground. Our government officials need to follow up to check if their subordinates do what is expected of them on the ground,” said Mciki.
According to him, people living with disabilities have to fight for everything. He stated that they need houses, jobs and more schools for children with special needs.
“Sometimes the houses that we get are not suitable for us. They are not user friendly for us. We get learnerships but we don’t get hired by the companies after we completed it. The companies are playing with us. We need the president to implement the strict laws that will force companies to hire at least three people living with disabilities,” said Mciki.
Qhakaza Disability Group chair James Sogaga from Nyanga reiterated Mciki’s sentiments citing that they want to be recognised by the government.
Sogaga stated that they are physically disabled but not mentally disturbed. “Some of us went to school and we have qualifications. We can work but the companies are shutting us out. We need houses. We need to be empowered to be independent,” he said. He said they need Ramaphosa to prioritise them.
