28 Nov 2016

Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso says society generally views any form of disability as a medical condition that limits individual capabilities.
Ms Tshireletso said this when giving a keynote address during the commemoration day for people with disabilities in Gaborone held under the theme “Achieving 17 goals for the future we want, creating a more inclusive and equitable world for persons with disabilities.”
She said the current theme calls on nations to have a social view that focuses on the environment and the society as a whole.
“People with disabilities are faced with a number of challenges, including amongst others, lack of access to buildings and transport, low levels and opportunities for employment, poverty, poor housing and lack of social security and protection,” she said.
The assistant minister said the nation should take into consideration the inclusiveness of people with disabilities. “We should also fight to end inequality, discrimination and abuse in all forms among people with disabilities,” she added.
She highlighted that government continues to ensure social inclusion for the persons with disabilities and will strive to provide equal access to services and socio-economic opportunities as enjoyed by all other Batswana.
“People with disabilities are also included in other Government programmes such as poverty eradication, destitute programme and provision of dedicated help desks,” Ms Tshireletso said.
She reiterated government‘s commitment to policy optimization for people with disabilities so as to provide them with equal opportunities and achieve the ultimate goal of enhancing their day to day activities.
Ms Tshireletso encouraged everyone including all sectors to accept and join hands in enhancing the lives of people with disabilities.
For his part, Member of Parliament for Gaborone Bonnington South, Mr Ndaba Gaolathe said people with disabilities have a right to live a normal life.
He advised them to believe in their dreams and use their talents to uplift their lives. He also thanked everyone including the private and public sectors for supporting people with disabilities. ENDS