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Programme director,
My colleagues in the legislature,
Executive Council and municipalities,
Traditional leaders present here,
The Secretary of Southern African Federation of Disabled People,
Representatives of various non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs),
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen

Today marks another important day in the history of the disabled movement in our province, our country and elsewhere in the world. It is an important day in that it comes barely two years in a period that has been declared Africa Decade of the Disabled Persons. The declaration that poses a challenge unto us to join deliberate efforts focused on a meaningful integration of disabled people into the main stream of human activity.

This platform today, presents us with an opportunity to sit back and reflect on a contribution people with disabilities have made and continue to make in our society.

On the other hand, with this celebration of the World Disability Day, we are joining millions of our people throughout the world in their fight against ignorance and other social ills that humanity face today.

We are expressing our anger and disapproval of difficulties and related hardships that disabled people are subjected to. We are pronouncing our commitment and declaring war against all forms of discrimination, particularly on account of disability.

People with disabilities bore the brunt of repression under apartheid, and therefore, they have every right to expect to share in the fruits of democracy and freedom. The hardships they have gone through from time immemorial are not forgivable, and as a result this government has an obligation to discontinue the marginalisation directed against this significant sector of our population.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The dawn of democracy in South Africa brought along a local governance system in an attempt to bring government closer to the people. This third tier of governance and also a lead agent in terms of service delivery has begun to reflect and show sings of improvement in making democracy more meaningful. The Northern Province alone has about twenty-two (22) councillors with disabilities in its municipalities. Our councillors account for almost half of South Africa's councillors with disabilities, and this should be a source of pride for the Northern Province.

The establishment of the Office on Status of Disabled Persons by the Premier in our province is another milestone in our struggle to improve the economic and social conditions of disabled persons. Compared to other provinces, we have done fairly well in employing disabled persons in public service. We are almost reaching Nedlac's target of 2% and hope the private sector will do the same.

In fact, since the launch of a White Paper on an Integrated National Disability Strategy, significant progress has been registered in this regard, and we take pride at this development as government.

On the other hand, the adoption of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act is another watershed for the disabled community. This Act empowers people who have been discriminated against in the past, to affirm their constitutional rights and demand justice and equality in all their daily activities. There is other legislation such as the Employment Equity Act, the Skills Development Act and the Bill of Rights that seek to enhance the lives of people with disability.

Very soon we will also be seeing the introduction of Equality Courts, which will be accessible to all sectors of our population. The procedures will be user-friendly and aimed at assisting people to seek justice in an easy and cost effective manner.

Our set of service delivery standards also cares for this important sector of our society. Part of our Batho Pele campaign is directed towards excellence in the delivery of services to the disabled. We are involved in the process of making government buildings more accessible to the blind and people in wheelchairs. By and large, programme director, there is remarkable improvement, and we are looking forward to more quality services to this invaluable sector of our society.

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is high time that we disallow disability to become an impediment or excuse to the development and transformation of society.

As we direct our energies and efforts towards integrating disabled communities into the mainstream of society, the emphasis must be on the empowerment and nurturing of special skills and talents.

Our education system must be transformed not only to cater for the needs of the disabled, but also to promote the principles of knowledge, acceptance, tolerance and non-discrimination.

As part of entrenching our democracy, municipalities must establish units dealing with the needs and aspirations of the disabled community. These units, whose task must be the co-ordination of disability programmes in municipalities, must be led and run by disabled people.

The private sector in collaboration with government should ensure that people with disabilities are targeted for skills development and job creation projects for economic self-reliance. These two sectors need to work together to ensure that at least 10% of public transport is made accessible to disabled community as a matter of urgent need.

In-door and out-door sporting and recreational facilities need to be made accessible and available to all people with disabilities. In this regard, members of the community should volunteer and assist the disabled members with sport and therapeutic exercises, particularly during their spare time.

As government, we have provided conducive environment for development in many respects. So, I find no reason so far, to think why should people with disability be viewed as objects of pity. They are human like you and I, they must be exposed and be made to relate with every one in any way they would like to.

Those who are community leaders have a responsibility to give guidance and direction to our people. There is a need for people with courage and foresight to stand up and take the lead on burning issues such as HIV/AIDS, child and women abuse, drugs, racism and discrimination.

Lastly, programme director,

I trust that this special occasion will serve to generate a new sense of patriotism among members of the community of nations.

We should all leave this place with a sharpened attention to the needs of people with disabilities.

May, this gathering renews our commitment to the elimination of discrimination on account of disability?

Let us work tirelessly towards justice and equality for all

God bless Africa

I thank you

Issued by Office of the Premier, Northern Province

3 December 2001