06 Dec 2023

 Members  Parliament have expressed their support for the Person’s with Disability Bill bill, citing its potential to restore dignity and combat discrimination against disabled individuals.

The legislators  said in the absence of such legislation, disabled individuals have endured systemic discrimination.

 Member of Parliament for Letlhakeng/Lephepe, Mr Liakat Kablay, highlighted the challenges faced by disabled individuals in rural areas. He said limited access to necessary amenities and services, such as special schools, created additional hardships for disabled individuals living in rural areas.

  Mr Kablay also called for resource allocation towards the orthopedic ward at Princess Marina Hospital.

  “Insufficient equipment has hindered the provision of assistance,’ he said to numerous patients in need.

 Moreover, he emphasised the importance of special nominations for disabled individuals in leadership positions, underscoring their abilities and fostering trust.

  He also raised another point to improve public education on accepting disabled individuals in society.

 Mr Baratiwa Mathoothe, Serowe North MP,  echoed Mr Kablay’s sentiments.
 

He suggested that at least one slot among the specially elected members of Parliament should be reserved for a person living with a disability.

  Mr Mathoothe also expressed concerns about the lack of adequate time for consultation with relevant stakeholders before bringing the Bill to Parliament.

 “Proper consultations are crucial to ensure comprehensive contributions to this significant legislation, he said

 For his part, Mochudi East MP, Mr Mabuse Pule, applauded the Bill as a giant step towards meeting the needs of disabled individuals.

 He stressed the necessity of a well-trained special unit to effectively address the requirements of disabled individuals. Mr Pule further emphasised that the existing policy, often used to assist disabled individuals, was insufficient and lacked the binding power of the forthcoming bill.

 Highlighting the connection between disability and access to fundamental necessities, Mr Caterpillar Hikuama, the Ngami legislator, advised the government to prioritise accessibility to food and healthcare. He cited research indicating that the lack of these resources contributed to the prevalence of disabilities.

Mr Hikuama urged valuable investment in healthcare facilities to ensure timely treatment and preventive measures, underscoring the significance of prevention over cure.

 While MP  for Ghanzi South Mr Motsamai Motsamai, said the absence of the bill,had exposed disabled individuals to various injustices.  
 He also expressed support for special nominations of disabled individuals to parliamentary, council, and landboard positions.  

 Such nominations would enable adequate representation through individuals who genuinely understand the challenges faced by disabled individuals.
  Mr Motsamai further advocated for training of public officers regarding the provisions of this bill to ensure its effective implementation.

 The Person’s with Disability Bill aims to rectify past injustices, protect the rights and dignity of disabled individuals, and foster an inclusive society.    
 It is against this background that lawmakers have supported the bill and demonstrated the urgency and necessity of enacting the legislation.  

 With its potential to bring about positive change, the bill represents a significant milestone in promoting equal opportunities and access for the disabled community.
 The primary objective of the bill is to establish the Disability Coordination Office and the National Disability Council. Furthermore, it aims to prohibit any form of discrimination on the basis of disability.

It also seek to promote equal opportunities for disabled individuals in areas such as employment, education, and accommodation.
Additionally, it emphasise the importance of providing equal access to goods, services, facilities, and land. ends