04 Apr 2019

Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr Nonofo Molefhi says of the 36 people living with disability employed by the ministry, only one is living with albinism.

He said while the National Aids and Health Promotion Agency (NAHPA), Vision Council, Public Enterprises Evaluation and Privatisation Agency (PEEPA) did not have employees with disability or albinism, government recruitment policy did not discriminate against any person from being employed on the basis of their disability.

Mr Molefhi noted that the number of people employed did not meet the country’s target of SDG No. 8.

He also noted that the National Disability Framework, which included the National Disability Strategy, revised national disability policy and National Disability Act were intended to assist the country in meeting its commitments on disability issues, including striving to meet the UN targets.

He said the revised national disability policy would be tabled during the winter meeting of Parliament, whereas the national disability law would be presented after Parliament had given approval to the policy.

The minister said he was not certain whether the SDG No. 8 target of 2030 would be met for compliance, adding, however, that the adoption and implementation of the revised national disability policy, National Disability Strategy and the national disability law would assist in reaching the UN target.

Specially elected MP, Mr Mephato Reatile had asked for the number of people with albinism and other disabilities employed in the ministry as well as by NAHPA, Vision Council and PEEPA.

He also wanted to know if the number of people employed met the country’s target of the UN SDG No. 8.

Furthermore, Mr Reatile asked if the minister would table legal and policy frameworks addressing social development challenges faced by persons with albinism, and when the target would be met for compliance. ENDS