Dumisile Tshuma
Lupane — In a pivotal public consultation for the 2025 National Budget held at Jotsholo Centre in Lupane, advocates for People With Disabilities (PWDs) urged the government to create a dedicated budget that addresses their unique challenges.
Mandlenkosi Siwela, a representative from the Matabeleland North National Association of Societies for the Care of the Handicapped (NASCOH), presented a passionate case for prioritizing the welfare of PWDs, emphasizing the pressing need for targeted funding.
“The government must recognize the unique challenges faced by PWDs and allocate resources specifically aimed at enhancing our welfare,” Siwela asserted during the meeting. He called for significant investments in programs that promote accessibility, healthcare, and independent living, noting that many PWDs remain marginalized without these essential supports.
Siwela outlined critical areas for funding, including improving access to healthcare, enhancing educational opportunities, and ensuring public infrastructure is inclusive. He stressed that the lack of these foundational supports hinders full participation in society for many individuals.
“We are calling for a comprehensive strategy that addresses the barriers we face every day,” Siwela said. He underscored the government’s vital role in enabling PWDs to lead dignified lives through improved transportation and employment opportunities.
The urgency of these calls was echoed by Themba Siziba, a prominent advocate for disability rights, who emphasized the importance of government accountability in meeting the needs of PWDs. “The 2025 National Budget must reflect a commitment to inclusivity and equality,” Siziba insisted. He highlighted that while there are policies to support disability rights, inadequate funding often undermines their effectiveness.
Siziba further articulated that empowering PWDs is not merely an act of charity but a fundamental human rights issue. “Investing in PWDs has a ripple effect on society as a whole,” he explained. By enabling individuals with disabilities to thrive, communities can benefit from their contributions, fostering a more equitable society.
The advocates’ demands come at a crucial moment when many PWDs continue to encounter significant barriers, such as limited access to education and healthcare, and a lack of employment opportunities. The urgency of their message resonates with a community eager for meaningful change and greater recognition of their rights.
As the government prepares for the fiscal year ahead, the pleas from NASCOH representatives and disability rights advocates serve as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for inclusion. Their call for a dedicated budget reflects a vision for a future where PWDs can thrive alongside their peers.
Community members remain hopeful that their concerns will lead to tangible changes in the 2025 National Budget, ensuring that the needs of PWDs are met and their rights upheld. Siwela concluded with determination: “We will continue to advocate for our rights until we see real change. Our voices must be heard, and our needs must be addressed.”
