Organisations for people living with disability were handed an opportunity to voice their concerns at the Free State Legislature during the disability dialogue held at the Chamber of the Fourth Raadsaal in Bloemfontein today.

The dialogue was held under the theme ‘Transformative Solutions for Inclusive Development: The Role of Innovation in Fuelling an Accessible and Fair World’. Dialogue comes during Disability Month celebrated globally between 3 November to 4 December annually.

The disability dialogue forms part of parliamentary sectors observed at the legislature, said Speaker of the Provincial Legislature Zanele Sifuba. The dialogue allows representatives of disabled organisations to raise concerns and find solutions.

Free State Speaker of the Provincial Legislature, Zanele Sifuba, Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi

“We want them to know that we acknowledge them and as our Constitution, chapter 2 in the Bill of Rights the rights of all people are enshrined in it. We called them so they could interact. We take their concerns from different departments to check where we can intervene as the legislature,” added Sifuba.

During the dialogue, some of the challenges raised included continued discrimination against disabled people. Complaints were raised about the lack of growth within the work environment for people with disability. While others were not impressed by Premier Mxolisi Dukwana and his MECs sending representatives on their behalf to the dialogue.

When we call them we also invite departments to make presentations on resolutions that were taken the previous year. For example, we are getting reports on what was raised the previous year to check what we can do to move forward with Sifuba.

A task team is going to look into the resolution of issues raised. 

OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi          Daphné/Dane