The IFP Women’s Brigade calls on the Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities, Susan Shabangu to lead by example to ensure that all government departments reach the 2% target for employment of people with disabilities so that the public sector can follow suit.
“It is unacceptable that government is not meeting its target when it comes to employment of people with disabilities, this needs to be addressed without any further delay and remains a cause for concern in the advancement of the rights of the people with disabilities,” said IFP Women Brigade National Chairperson, Mrs Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa.
“We hope that the new Minister will bring change in dealing with women issues and people with disabilities, unlike her predecessor, Lulu Xingwana who splurged R2.1 million of taxpayer’s money decorating her department. She further spent R25 million of the budget on travel and subsistence, Mrs kaMadlopha-Mthethwa continued.
“We also urge the Minister to put her words into action. Her department must come up with a detailed plan of how it department will benefit people with disabilities, women and children, especially those in rural areas,” continued Mrs kaMadlopha-Mthethwa.
“We further extend our call that crime and violence strategies should take the specific needs and vulnerabilities of persons with disabilities into consideration-ensuring that clear programmes are developed and popularised in the sector to prevent crime, violence and abuse,” concluded Mrs KaMadlopha-Mthethwa.
