14 Mar 2022

 Disability is a crosscutting issue, and it is critical that policies should ensure  People With Disabilities(PWDs) are not left out, but that their needs are identified and addressed appropriately across the different sectors. Deputy permanent secretary-corporate services in the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Governance, and Public Administration, Mr Jacob Momene said this during a 2021Revised National Disability Policy and implementation plan awareness workshop on Thursday in Gaborone.
He said implementation of the revised policy was therefore necessary for comprehensive intervention whose aim should be to embrace people with disability PWDs.
A review of the 1996 National Policy on Care of PWDs, which had been in use since then, was prompted by lack of commitment by some sectors to implementing disability mandates, lack of sector strategic plans, of monitoring and evaluation programmes designed for people with disabilities, and other emerging issues in the disability fraternity, he said.
Mr Momene stated that the implementation plan was designed to ensure that all sectors mainstreamed disability into their projects and programmes.
The plan also outlined suggested activities for each of the disability policy initiatives, he said. "The plan will be used as a guide without limiting sectors to suggest other innovative and creative actions, “ he said. He noted monitoring and evaluation systems would be critical in reporting implementation results, he stated.
The DPS also urged sectors to prioritise translation of policies and implementation of plans into action.
He emphasised the importance of mobilising and directing both financial and human resources toward actualising initiatives. Ms Peggy Garebaitse, chief disability officer from the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Governance, and Public Administration's Office of People Living with Disability, explained the purpose of the workshop was to familiarise stakeholders with their roles and responsibilities as outlined in the implementation plan.
It was also meant to identify gaps, have stakeholders contribute collectively to implementation plans, as well as to share experiences on disability mainstreaming, among other things. ENDS