The DA will today write to the MEC for Public Works, Dickson Masemola, to report  a contractor appointed in his department for discriminating against a woman with a disability.

The woman applied for light duty on the construction of the R518 road between Kuschke and Lepelle-Nkumpi and was appointed as a flag lady based on her physical impediments after the confirmation of a physician to the contract manager.

Following her appointment, the woman was surprisingly assessed by the community liaison officer (CLO), the councillor and the steering committee as well as medical laymen, who instructed her to work with heavy duty road working equipment and then found her unfit for duty.

A member of the steering committee took a video and individuals on site laughed at her as she struggled to perform her allocated task.

The DA finds such behaviour abhorrent. Our Constitution affords everyone the right to dignity and respect.

People with disabilities have the right to social inclusion, but still face daily social barriers, such as lack of awareness and negative attitude due to ignorance.

There was a positive duty on the contractor to eliminate obstacles that unfairly limit or restrict this woman from enjoying equal opportunities or  to take steps to reasonably accommodate her needs  after the appointment.

The DA will not tolerate such disgraceful behaviour and will forward the name of the complainant and all all documentation to MEC Masemola to investigate this matter.

 

Issued by DA Provincial Spokesperson on Women, Children and Persons with disabilities, Katlego Suzan Phala MPL