By Silindzelwe Nxumalo
Prime Minister Russel Dlamini believes that if the nation harnessed the largely marginalized and undervalued potential within the persons living with disabilities, this would contribute towards the growth of the country’s economy as a whole and make communities more resilient.
The PM said this in his statement as the world commemorates International Day of Persons Living with Disabilities. Dlamini highlighted their underrepresentation in all sectors and reminded the nation that emaSwati with disabilities do have the ability to make meaningful, innovative, and unique contributions across Eswatini.
He said everyone has a role to play in the creation of a more accessible, and disability inclusive country.
“It is, therefore, my promise, and unwavering commitment this month, and going forward, to create, foster and promote a more disability-inclusive Eswatini, through a targeted, comprehensive and uncompromising whole of government approach to disability inclusion, where emaSwati with disabilities can and will participate fully and equally,” he assured.
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The PM also encouraged all emaSwati to join him in this commitment to raising awareness about accessibility and disability inclusion in all communities, especially the workplaces and economic sectors, where he also encouraged employers to adopt a new culture of support and resource mobilization towards the creation of more accessible workplaces to enhance the hiring and workplace retention of emaSwati employees with disabilities.
Dlamini further confirmed to the nation that in him they have a dedicated advocate and a person who believes in their astronomical value and capacity.
“Let this year and the years to follow be a period of inclusive disability considerations across all services and programs while identifying targeted investments in key sectors and areas, and building on existing programs, while establishing new meaningful actions, to drive measurable change and create a positive impact into the lives of all emaSwati with disabilities,” he said.
He said that he looked forward to addressing the nation on this same day, next year, and giving feedback on measurable actions and steps taken towards holistic, human, and Disability Rights led steps they will be taking in recognition of every liSwati’s unique potential, ability, and demonstrable value in our communities and country.
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The PM stated that according to the National Population and Housing Census of 2017, the Kingdom of Eswatini has an estimated 146 554 persons with disabilities, representing 13 per cent of the population.
He said these were emaSwati who have one or more disabilities that limit them in their daily activities.
“A landslide majority of these emaSwati with disabilities are unemployed, not because of inability but due to inaccessible, unequal, and non-inclusive societal and economic barriers,” he said.
Moreover, Dlamini said the Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath effects have exacerbated the difficult situation for emaSwati with disabilities.
He said where many people already had difficult living conditions before the pandemic, the pandemic has severely worsened and revealed serious systemic weaknesses that have further increased the vulnerability of an already marginalized and at-risk group.
“On the occasion of this December 3rd, International Day of Persons with Disabilities, I would like to take the opportunity to reach out to all emaSwati with Disabilities, in complete awareness of the multitude of social and economic barriers that they face from day to day,” said the PM.
