Cleopatra Ntshingila
As we mark Disability Rights Awareness
Month from 3 November to 3 December, the Gauteng Department of Community Safety
is proud to join the nation in reflecting on the progress made towards creating
a more inclusive society for persons with disabilities. This annual observance
culminates on 3 December with the celebration of the International Day of
Persons with Disabilities, also recognised as National Disability Rights
Awareness Day in South Africa.
The journey towards disability rights
has been shaped by decades of advocacy. On 9 December 1975, the United Nations
General Assembly made significant amendments to the international framework on
disability rights. Fast forward to 2002, global negotiations began to enhance
these protections through the Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities (CRPD). The CRPD’s mission is clear: to promote, protect, and
ensure full and equal enjoyment of all human rights by persons with
disabilities.
This year’s provincial theme,
“Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy: Creating a Disability-Inclusive Gauteng for
a Better Quality of Life and Protection of the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities,” highlights the strides made over three decades of democracy.
Under the adapted slogan, “Gauteng’s Journey to Inclusive Excellence during 30
Years of Democracy—Empowering Abilities and Celebrating Diversity,” the month
serves as a time for reflection on our efforts to enhance awareness and
champion the rights of persons with disabilities.
Disability can manifest as physical,
mental, sensory, emotional, or developmental impairments and may arise at any
point in a person’s life. Raising disability awareness is vital for dismantling
societal barriers and improving the quality of life for those affected.
In Gauteng, the Department of Social
Development plays a pivotal role in advocating for disability rights across
various sectors, ensuring that access to education, healthcare, and employment
is prioritised. One key area of focus is employment equity. The government’s
Employment Equity Plan sets an ambitious target of 10% employment for persons
with disabilities by 2030, with a progressive increase of 2% every five years.
Currently, the national employment rate for persons with disabilities stands at
7%, while Gauteng’s rate remains below 5%. However, the Department of Community
Safety is making significant strides, leading provincial departments with a
commendable 3% employment rate for persons with disabilities.
In 2019, the South African government
established a dedicated department focused on women, youth, and persons with
disabilities. This initiative underscores the national commitment to equity and
empowerment, with a special emphasis on addressing the unique challenges faced
by individuals with disabilities in various contexts, including gender
disparities.
As we celebrate Disability Rights
Awareness Month, let us continue to champion inclusivity and create
opportunities for all. The journey towards a fully inclusive Gauteng is
ongoing, and it is through collective effort and awareness that we can build a
society where everyone is empowered and celebrated.
This month is not just about raising
awareness but taking actionable steps towards a future where persons with
disabilities enjoy equal opportunities, respect, and recognition. Let us all
contribute to a disability-inclusive Gauteng, embracing diversity and striving
for excellence.