More disabled people in govt

2011-10-10 16:46

Durban - There has been a significant rise in the number of disabled people employed by the government, the minister of people with disabilities, Lulu Xingwana, said on Monday.

"There is now increased self-representation of persons with disabilities in Parliament, provincial legislatures and in local government," she said.

Xingwana was speaking in Durban at the first day of the Eighth World Assembly of Disabled People.

Deputy Public Works Minister Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, and 17 members of Parliament had disabilities, Xingwana said.

People with disabilities were also represented in institutions such as the Human Rights Commission, the Commission on Gender Equality and the National Youth Development Agency.

"Government departments and provinces are setting up disability policies and targets in mainstreaming service delivery to persons with disabilities," she said.

Disabled People's International chairperson Guzman Jara said countries should ensure the disabled played a greater role in society.

"We are not happy that disabled people are not part of political and economic activities," he said.

He called on countries to make sure science and technology were at the service of disabled people.

- SAPA