Departmental Disability Awareness Conference
The Department of Community Safety and Transport Management hosted a two day Disability Awareness Conference, in commemoration of National Disability Awareness Rights month, in Bojanala, on 27 – 28 February 2025.
Commencing the program of the day, Mr. Bore Motshabi from Human Resources Management facilitated a short, praise and worship session, followed by a prayer, to declare the program officially open.
Ms. Gloria Tshepe, manager responsible for Gender Focal Point and Diversity Management, welcomed all attendees and outlined purpose of the day. She emphasised the importance of National Disability Awareness Rights month. “Disabled people are equally important, and at par with every other person in society, as stipulated in the White Paper on Human Rights,” said Tshepe.
Ms. Tshepe further reassured the attendees that the Department stands in solidarity with persons living with disabilities. “You are important, and this day is possible because of you. We therefore stand with you” she said.
Mr. More Moremong ascended the podium to enlighten attendees on issues of HIV/Aids and other Communicable diseases. He went on to caution against factors like unprotected sex that might lead to the spread of STI’s, thus aggravating the severity of one’s disability status. “Health is wealth, protect yourself,” said Moremong.
Mr. Thapelo Motlogi, delegated by the Office of the Premier, representing the office of the Status of Persons with Disabilities, delved into a discussion on Disability Rights. Motlogi embarked on the history of disability in Public Service, the impact of democracy – post 1994 – on disability, and the necessary legislative frameworks that should be known by all disabled persons. Mr. Motlogi further placed emphasis on the importance of declaring your status of disability through relevant channels within the Department. “Declaring is the first step towards enjoying your constitutional right of being treated fairly, because being disabled does not define who you are as a person”, said Motlogi.
Mr. Pako Pilane from the South African Reserve Services (SARS) shared financial knowledge, on aspects such as the eligibility and criterion for disability tax returns and rebates, including the prerequisites thereof. Pilane however emphasised the importance of being tax compliant to ensure that you qualify for these returns and rebates. “Please declare and confirm your disability through the ITR-DD form, found on the SARS site” he said.
Mr. Moagi Kodisang, from the Provincial Disability Forum wrapped the day with a motivational message. “From a disabled person to the next, I want you to know that life is a blessing and an opportunity to live. Living means not dwelling on the negatives because disability is not a death sentence”, he said. Kodisang further emphasised the importance of disabled people taking the initiative to lead in society. “Leading as a disabled person makes you a representative of the 7.6% of disabled people in the country”, said Kodisang.
An opportunity was then afforded to a volunteer to comment on the overall program of the day. Mr. Kgaugelo Katile took the initiative to step forward and express his views on the conference. “We are grateful to the Department for such an initiative. It has reminded us of who we are and the contribution we have in society,” said Katile.
The conference was honored by the South African Revenue Services (SARS), Office of the Premier and North West Provincial Disability Forum.
