Lentswe, Klerksdorp - The Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Disability Forum accuses the municipality of a lack of transparency, accountability, and commitment to supporting persons with disabilities. Tlwaelo Witkoei, secretary, demands action to address these concerns. He said the recent controversy surrounding the distribution of food parcels to persons with disabilities is a prime example of the municipality’s failure to prioritize their needs. A public post by Ditto Maine from the Mayor’s office, claimed that the municipality was providing food parcels to persons with disabilities.
However, none of the intended beneficiaries have received these parcels, and the Matlosana Disability Forum was not informed or involved in the distribution process.
“We demand clarification from the province regarding the formation and functionality of disability forums. The province’s role in launching forums at the municipal and district levels has been unclear, and we are tired of being placed as barriers in front of our sectors.
The municipality’s actions, including irrelevant public domain recruitment, are unacceptable. We don’t know our programs, and it’s time for the municipality to work with us to create a more inclusive environment. As we commemorate Albinism Awareness Month in September, we focus on the needs of persons with albinism and deaf individuals. We demand that the municipality prioritizes our needs and works with us to create a more inclusive environment.”
The forum’s motto, “Self-confidence leading to self-presentation inclined with white paper for individual awakening soul, with central word self-readiness (resilience),” reflects our determination to assert our rights and take control of our lives.
“We demand that the Matlosana Municipality takes immediate action to clarify the role of disability forums and work with us to create a more inclusive environment, provide transparency and accountability in the distribution of resources and services, prioritize the needs of persons with disabilities and work with us to address the challenges we face. We will no longer be ignored or disregarded. We demand action, and we demand it now. The time for empty promises and meaningless gestures is over. It’s time for the municipality to take concrete actions to support persons with disabilities.”
