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.
