04 Apr 2022

People With Disabilities (PWD) who recently established Re A Dira Society have been commended for not letting their disabilities to define them and for venturing into handicraft work to improve their living standards.

Re A Dira Society members who are also performing and non-performing artists formed the society which they would use to  market their goods.

Maun Administrative Authority assistant district commissioner, Mr Ramogaupi Gaborekwe praised the artists during the official opening of the society’s first annual general meeting held at Nhabe Museum recently.

Mr Gaborekwe noted that members did not define themselves by their disabilities but engaged in weaving, sewing, craft, music and book writing to contribute to the local economy.

Mr Gaborekwe, who is also the chairperson of PWDs in Ngamiland motivated them to grow their projects and create employment opportunities for others and reduce the country’s high unemployment rate.

He also urged members of the society to exercise patience in business, adding that they should also be organised and innovative  to build flourishing businesses.

“Being organised and innovative will make your businesses look different and competitive in the market. I also advise you to take COVID-19 safety measures into consideration as the virus is real and posing a danger to the communities,” he added.

Giving an overview of the society, the chairperson, Mr Gaoabiwe Thapson said forming the society was not an easy task but thanked members for coming together to achieve their mandate.

The society, he said was formed to bring together PWDs to speak with one voice to improve the livelihoods of performing and non-performing artists living with disabilities regardless of their type of disabilities as well as to market their business within the country.

He raised a concern that they were not catered for in terms of marketing their services and products and believed that the society would address that and ensure they become visible and penetrate the market.

“We experience barriers in market participation than non-disabled and we believe that we can bridge that gap if we work as a unit,” he said.

Mr Thapson, who is a visually impaired musician said majority of their members were capable and needed support to contribute meaningfully to the local economy.

He acknowledged Kgosi Cosmos Lelatlhego of Botshabelo ward for being instrumental in the registration of the society.

He also noted that they managed to develop a constitution through the support of other stakeholders.

For his part, Kgosi Lelatlhego appreciated the society for advocating for the rights of PWDs.

He advised the society’s leadership to work hard and help young people gain an understanding of their abilities and disabilities so that they could play to their strengths.

Kgosi Lelatlhego also urged members to come up with new ideas to grow the society.

The society secretary, Ms Olerato Diile urged members to strive hard to find a permanent market place to showcase their products.

She also apprised members about the constitution and urged them to familiarise themselves with it.

She said the society was open to all PWDs across the country and encouraged them to join so that they enjoy the benefits. ENDS