VRYHEID KZN: Disabled persons stand up against gender-based violence

The AbabQulusi Disability Sector, together with Deputy Mayor MA Mazibuko, held a disability and gender-based violence awareness march on November 24. The march focused on creating awareness of the plight and challenges faced by women, children and disabled persons. The two-kilometre walk kicked off at the Vryheid library and ended at the Cecil Emmett Hall, where the crowd was addressed by MEC for Human Settlements & Public Works Jomo Sibiya. Sibiya said that: “I was part of this event that took take place under Abaqulusi Local Municipality on Wednesday morning. We were working closely with the Disability Forum, under the leadership of Mr Sbu Mbanjwa. We remain committed to embark on awareness programmes in the district and other parts of the province to ensure that people with disabilities are part of the delivery of human settlements and social infrastructure – as emerging entrepreneurs. We want to ensure that they are integrated into the day-to-day activities of society.” A memorandum was presented to the MEC, which indicated the listed challenges disabled persons are facing. This includes inadequate user-friendly public transportation, lack of employment opportunities, inadequate disabled-friendly access ramps in public buildings, and lack of enterprise opportunities for SMMEs owned by disabled persons.

The Disability Forum furthermore indicated the absence of victim-friendly, secluded, statement-taking cubicles at police stations. Sibiya responded by saying: “I am of the view that issues of GBV and those involving the Disability Sector should not be treated as an annual ritual where compliance tick boxes are adhered to.”

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