Date: 03/12/2002
Source: Northern Cape Provincial Government
Title: Dipico: International Day of Persons with Disabilities


KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY NORTHERN CAPE PREMIER MANNE DIPICO AT THE OCCASION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, Kimberley, 3 December 2002

Programme Director
MECs, MPs, MPLs present
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen

Today we observe an important event, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

It demonstrates our commitment to strive for a society free of all kinds of discrimination, more especially discrimination against women, children and people with disabilities.

On this day, throughout the whole world, people are converging to make sure that the rights of people with disabilities are respected, supported and promoted.

Indeed, it also serves to elevate the disabled and issues of disability to their rightful place.

Historically, people with disabilities have been discriminated against. In society's eyes disability too often meant disadvantaged, denial of opportunity, and exclusion from the life of the community, prejudice and sorts of stereotypes.

Our government has made considerable progress by promoting equality for people with disabilities. We are proud that eight years into our democracy we have - at both provincial and national level - managed to put into place mechanisms for the empowerment and upliftment of persons with disabilities.

Let us remember that the struggle for equality and respect for the dignity of each and every South African is central to the tasks of our government.

Our Constitution espouses as some of its values, "human dignity, the achievement of equality and the advancement of human rights and freedoms" and prohibits unfair discrimination on the grounds of disability.

Any issue of disability is seen as a priority and has been placed high on our agenda for development and social transformation. Our government will not tolerate any form of discrimination against people with disabilities nor women.

We have a moral and social responsibility to create an environment acceptable for persons with disabilities. We will continue to embark upon awareness programmes to enlighten society to develop a human rights culture in our new democracy.

Prejudice is born out of ignorance, ignorance as to the abilities of people remain extensive.

We have put together, and are currently implementing, the best pieces of legislation to transform our society for the better.

The provincial government will do all in its power to put this right and ensure that issues of disability are integrated into the mainstream of society. Our new democracy affords all South Africans the opportunity to play an active role in promoting their own well-being and in contributing to the growth and development of our nation. We are working hard to equalise opportunities for people with disabilities in our province.

Our objective must always be to treat disability not as a health or welfare issue, but rather as an issue of equal opportunity to contribute to society and to be gainfully employed.

The Office on the Status of People with Disabilities is strategically located within the Office of the Premier. From this nerve centre we are ensuring that persons with disabilities are represented in all departments and spheres of government.

The interaction of the OSDPD and government departments has led to increased employment of people with disabilities in these departments.

We have also launch the Premier's Awards on Disability to recognize the achievement of persons with disability and organisations who do exceptional work in the area of disabilities.

The key constitutional mandate for this government is to promote developmental programmes for women, children and people with disabilities. Clear targets and timelines for improving the lives of women, youth and people with disabilities have been an integral part of our economic development programme.

We are also facilitating development programmes that aim to ensure practical and visible change to the lives of people with disabilities at grassroots level, especially in terms of economic empowerment.

Today we are able to watch, almost in disbelief, people with disabilities afforded equal opportunities and participating in governance and administration.

However, many people with disabilities around the province and country continue to be marginalised and excluded from the mainstream of society. They continue to suffer the brunt of prejudice, unfair discrimination and exclusion from equal opportunities in our society.

Other barriers for people with disabilities remain the accessing of roads, buildings, modes of transport and various accommodations in the Northern Cape.

We will be working in partnership with the private sector, NGOs and other institutions to address this problem.

People with disabilities have hopes and dreams just like the rest of us. What gets in the way of those dreams is not their disability, but the barriers they face every day doing the things the rest of us take for granted.

It is therefore absolutely essential that all people from all communities feel included and empowered by their Provincial Government.

Our objective is to recognise that disabled people have capabilities, skills and potentials.

We must stop discriminating against people with disabilities; remove those barriers, wherever they exist.

I thank you

Source: Northern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.northern-cape.gov.za)