Free State Premier Maqueen-Letsoha Mathae
Free State Premier is on the Right Direction in Promoting Disability Rights Agenda
Opinion By Kamohelo Teele
The two-day unprecedented conference which focused on Employees with Disabilities in the Free State demonstrates the confidence and political will by the Premier to address daily injustices, workplace discrimination, prejudices, and stigma faced by employees with disabilities.
I am writing this opinion piece as an Activist and independent observer to allude that MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae has taken a bold step to address the plights of the marginalized — a step many political leaders, including her predecessors, have failed to take post-1994.
Her predecessors, essentially former Free State Premiers during their leadership tenure, had abandoned and neglected the disability sector, completely disassociated and ignored our plights and challenges. Hence, the Free State Provincial Government is the most underperforming province when it comes to overall national employment of PWDs, standing on 1.1%, with a total number of 339 Employees with Disabilities, subsequently failing to meet legislative and policy thresholds governing disability rights.
The two-day Disability Employees Conference signaled government commitment to promoting human rights as enshrined in the Constitution by creating strategic, multisectoral partnerships for a disability-inclusive, accessible workplace for all. This was the first interdepartmental conference for employees with disabilities post-1994 under her leadership. The Premier attended the two-day conference and made time to listen to Persons with Disabilities outlining their day-to-day challenges and made a commitment to address those challenges working hand in hand with the administration.
“A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others.” — Douglas MacArthur
The Premier has validated and echoed these sentiments. She is a true definition of leadership par excellence, rooted amongst the masses of the people, speaks and understands the language of the masses. I am confident that under her leadership, with her robust, militant, and accountable approach, the challenges faced by people with disabilities shall be addressed.
In her glowing speech, she highlighted core human values and a human rights approach to disability — affirming that persons with disabilities are also human beings and should be respected. A commitment many political leaders are reluctant to make, to be seen on the side of the marginalized.
MaQueen epitomizes a new era of hope for the hopeless masses of our people. This is the most progressive initiative in this important national calendar of Disability Rights Awareness Month, held annually from 03 November to 03 December. The initiative coincides with Pillar 5 of the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which is centered on social and economic justice for persons with disabilities and ensuring equity and equal opportunities for all.
Kamohelo Teele
Secretary General of the South African Disability Development Organization
He writes in his personal capacity.
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