As part of commemorating National Disability Rights Awareness Month, Lekwa Local Municipality hosted the Parliament for People with Disabilities Workshop, conducted by the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, aimed at promoting inclusivity and meaningful engagement with persons living with disabilities.
The purpose of the workshop was to provide a platform for persons with disabilities to voice their concerns, challenges, and recommendations regarding service delivery and access to essential municipal and government programmes.
The workshop was facilitated by Mr. Surprise Khwiyane, a representative from the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, who emphasised the importance of full participation of persons with disabilities in governance processes. He further highlighted the Legislature’s commitment to ensuring that no group is left behind in the pursuit of social and economic development.
Participants engaged in discussions on accessibility to municipal and government services, opportunities for economic participation and skills development, challenges faced in healthcare, education, and infrastructure and policy implementation and inclusion strategies.
The engagement provided valuable insights and allowed stakeholders to identify areas where interventions are needed, as well as opportunities to strengthen collaboration between the municipality, Legislature and disability related organisations.
The municipality acknowledges the importance of continuous dialogue to ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are effectively addressed.
This workshop marked a significant step towards building an inclusive society where every citizen is heard, valued and empowered.