PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ENCOURAGED TO EXERCISE THEIR CONSUMER RIGHTS

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ENCOURAGED TO EXERCISE THEIR CONSUMER RIGHTS

By BRIAN KAJENGO

                                                                                    

Wakkerstroom – MEC for Economic Development Environment and Tourism Mrs. “Pinky” Phosa has assured people living with disabilities that government is speeding up the creation of decent work for persons with disabilities and working around the clock to ensure that they also enjoy the fruits of democracy.

MEC Phosa was speaking during the capacity building workshop for people with disabilities, organized by the Department of Economic Development Environment and Tourism in commemoration of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.

She said, “The purpose of this event is to assess the progress made as a country and province in emancipating people with disabilities.”

Stakeholders such as the National Energy Regulator, Eskom, Standard Bank, the Financial Service Board, Council for Medical Scheme and Mpumalanga Consumer Protection Services made presentation in order to give them an opportunity to engage with their service offerings.

Speaking at the vent MEC Phosa indicated that government is committed to create decent jobs for people with disabilities and also in ensuring that children with disabilities are able to access all of the necessary amenities and the protection of their rights.

‘’Creating decent work for people living with disabilities remains a our priority, and much work has been done by government on finding solutions to ensure that people living with disabilities participate in the economic opportunities that the ANC government is providing.”

“The ANC government will work closely with organizations that are championing the rights of people living with disabilities to ensure that children who are disabled access descent schools, safe environment, excellent health services, adequate houses, protection of their rights and most specifically  their consumer rights through the government consumer services section.‘’ sa MEC Phoisa said.

“We are also concerned as government by the high number of incidents of sexual abuse against boy and girl children, women and also men living with disabilities.  The ANC government will continue to ensure that law enforcement agencies arrest those who have being found abusing people living with disability in the country.” added the MEC.

Mr. Robert Masambo, The National Chairperson for the Disabled Persons of South Africa (DPSA), who said government must ensure that the right of people living with disabilities are protected by the government as it is stipulated in the constitution of the country, and that government and the private sector must employ people living with disabilities as on several occasions they have proven that if given the opportunity, they deliver.

‘’People living with disabilities do not need to rely on government disability grants only.  They have educational qualifications, skills and they need to be considered for employment opportunities that government and private sector provide.” added Mr. Masambo.

Ms Stella Mnisi from the Mpumalanga Consumer Protection Services, urged people living with disabilities to know that they have consumer rights and they must report their consumer issues to the departmental consumer services section.

MEC Phosa has also encouraged people living with disabilities to report unfair business practices against them to the departmental Consumer Services offices.