By Thulane Madalane
Jane Furse: The Makhuduthamaga Disability Forum, led by Justice Mahlakoana, staged a protest on Friday, advocating for the rights and needs of persons living with disabilities within the Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality. This powerful demonstration highlighted the urgent necessity for a 7% absorption of disabled individuals into the municipal workforce while addressing inadequate road infrastructure that restricts accessibility for many in the community.
During the protest, the forum submitted a detailed memorandum outlining their demands to the municipality. While the mayor, Cllr Merah Mahlase, was absent, Cllr Morwamakoti received the memorandum on her behalf. Justice Mahlakoana stressed the critical nature of the situation, stating, “The current situation is unacceptable. We must ensure that persons living with disabilities are not only heard but also included in all areas of civic life. The 7% employment equity act must be properly implemented to allow us equitable access to job opportunities.”
The memorandum specified various requests aimed at enhancing disability representation in local governance and employment. Among the proposed initiatives were the establishment of positions such as a Disability Desk, Sign Language interpreter, Braille Machine operator, Switchboard Operator, Receptionist, General workers, and opportunities for disabled business owners to provide services to the municipality.
The forum called for:
The establishment of RDP houses and accessible toilets.
Provision of free electricity for unemployed individuals with disabilities.
Proper paving of roads leading to local special schools and libraries.
Safety measures, including protective barricades for dug pits and relocating municipal bins from pedestrian walkways.
Installation of an elevator in the municipal main building to accommodate individuals with physical challenges.
Justice Mahlakoana emphasized the importance of awareness and outreach efforts, urging local authorities to recognize disability events adequately. Additionally, they requested a review of the budget to ensure resources for transport, catering, and stipends for Disability Forum members attending meetings and events.
Echoing the urgency for change, Shawny Ntobeng from the Mkhonto we Sizwe Party urged municipal leadership to heed the concerns raised by the Makhuduthamaga Disability Forum. “I implore the leadership of this municipality to listen to the grievances of this community (persons living with disabilities) and meet their needs because they are genuine,” concluded Ntobeng.
Mahlakoana issued a stern warning to the municipality, stating that if they fail to respond to these demands within 21 days, forum members will camp inside municipal buildings to draw attention to their grievances. “We trust that you will give this memorandum the urgent attention it deserves,” he declared. “Our community commands it, and we will not rest until our voices are heard and our needs are met.”
In a final reminder to forum members, the protesters urged that once they secure employment within the municipality, they must remain vigilant and champion the interests of persons living with disabilities.
As they await a response from municipal leaders, the Makhuduthamaga Disability Forum remains committed to advocacy and social change, striving for a more inclusive and accessible future for all South Africans.
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