By OBAKENG MAJE
3 December 2024- Today marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa said it is an opportunity to reflect on the progress they have made with respect to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities.
Ramphosa said it is also an opportunity to consider what they still need to do to implement inclusive policies and to elevate the representation of persons with disabilities in the society. He further said the Constitution and Bill of Rights enshrines the right to equality for all.
“It prohibits discrimination on the grounds of disability. Approximately 3.3 million people in our country live with some form of physical or intellectual impairment. Many of them have to contend with stigma, stereotyping, prejudice and other forms of social exclusion.
“A lack of proper understanding about disability continues in some communities. Some people see having a disability as a ‘curse’ or the result of witchcraft. This sometimes has horrific consequences. People with albinism, for example, have been victims of violence and even murder,” said Ramaphosa.
He added that persons with disabilities face an ‘invisible barrier’ in access to public spaces, amenities and facilities. Ramphosa said the lack of wheelchair ramps, braille signage, suitable toilet facilities and devices that cater for the hearing impaired pose a challenge for persons with disabilities.
“Most South Africans rely on public transportation, and this too can be a frustrating experience for disabled persons. Minibus taxis, for example, have limited capacity for accommodating wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
“As a result of these serious challenges, many in the disabled community find themselves poor, unemployed and excluded. They suffer ill-health and poor quality of life. Under democracy, we have been steadfast in our determination to ensure that persons with disabilities are supported to lead lives of dignity,” he said.
Ramaphosa said the Constitution obliges the state to take legislative and other measures to promote the achievement of such equality, and to protect persons disadvantaged by unfair discrimination. He said they introduced employment equity laws to promote equal opportunity in the workplace.
“By law, employers have to ensure that at least 2% of their workforce comprises persons with disabilities. We amended labour legislation to broaden the scope under which persons who sustain a temporary or permanent disability at work can apply for compensation.
“The Department of Employment and Labour has labour desks to provide specialist employment advice services for persons with disabilities. One of the most far-reaching legislative reforms is the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act,” said Ramaphosa.
He said among other things, this makes mineworkers and former mineworkers eligible for compensation if they sustained permanent disability in the course of their employment. Ramaphosa said to ensure that measures to advance the empowerment of disabled persons receive attention at the highest levels of government, a Presidential Working Group on Disability was established in 2016.
“It brings together government departments and about 45 civil society organisations from the disability sector. It is tasked with guiding the implementation of policy to advance the rights of the disabled.
“One of the key issues the Working Group has been lobbying for since its inception was the recognition of South Africa Sign Language as an official language. This was achieved in 2022 with a constitutional amendment,” he said.
The Guardian 