07 Dec 2023

 The Persons with Disability Bill should consider remuneration package for care givers of the disabled. Debating the Bill on Wednesday, Mahalapye West MP, Mr David Tshere said the Bill stipulates that there must be an assistant either spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend or family, an aid either a person or animal to assist in guiding a disabled person. 

He therefore, said such a person must be catered for through some remuneration. He said currently, care for people with disabilities was done as some form of goodwill. 

He observed that should government provide for the disabled, this would also minimise instances where people especially politicians took advantage of the disabled in the name of donations because of their social class. 

He said under Medicines and Related Substances Act, any equipment used by the disabled must be prescribed by a medical doctor to ensure that they were designed as per their needs. Tati East MP, Dr Dougals Letsholathebe said the Bill was a sign that government was determined to care for the disabled, and must therefore be recognised as per their needs. Dr Letsholathebe said it was equally important that the curriculum made provisions for them as well. 

He said annual reports from Botswana Examinations Council (BEC) have indicated the urgent need to cater for students with special needs and learning difficulties. 

For his part, Lerala/Maunatlala MP, Mr Sethabelo Modukanele noted that the Bill was meant to intensify what government was already doing thereby emphasising the need to establish a coordinating office. 

He said currently departments were working in silos, as such efforts made towards the needs of the disabled were not well felt. 

Mr Leepetswe Lesedi of Serowe South observed that disability was a painful ordeal as it did not happen by choice. 

He said it appeared that those often assisted were those classified as in severe and profound conditions and he challenged that assistance be given without discrimination. 

Also in support of the Bill, Mr Onalepelo Kedikilwe of Serowe West said there must be commitment from government through establishment of the Disability Fund. Mr Kedikilwe said government must also consider training those who would volunteer their membership in disability committees at district level, as they would be assisting to assess those with disabilities. 

Specially Elected MP, Ms Beauty Manake said it was equally important to ensure that the development plan catered for those with disabilities. 

She said educational facilities should also be well equipped to provide an enabling environment for students with disabilities. 

She applauded schools such as Joseph Anderson Primary School for their efforts in accommodating disabled students, saying they should be given the necessary support. She also challenged the business community to be an important stakeholder. ENDS