The event was held yesterday, 3 December 2018, at the Belhar Indoor Sports Centre and focused on the theme of 'Empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality’.

The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities aims to promote:

• An understanding of disability issues
• The rights of persons with disabilities
• Gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life of their communities

Talks at the event included disability grants by SASSA; the rights and responsibilities of persons with disabilities; living with a disability; an inspirational story from a person living with a disability; and a wheelchair ballroom and Latin dancing exhibition.

​​

‘The City has a responsibility to ensure that persons with disabilities are afforded their full human rights. It recognises that a part of having full human rights is the right to participate in decision-making with regard to one’s own affairs. This is crucial for an individual’s self-esteem and dignity. Too often we exclude persons with disabilities from conversations and decisions about their lives, when they have a voice that deserves to be heard,’ said the City’s Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee for Safety and Social Services, Councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe.

An estimated one billion people worldwide who currently live with disabilities face a number of barriers to inclusion in many key aspects of society. As a result, people with disabilities do not enjoy access to society on an equal basis with others, which includes areas of transportation, employment and education as well as social and political participation.

‘It is important to note that having a disability is part of the human condition. By promoting empowerment, real opportunities for people are created. This enhances their own capacities and supports them in setting their own priorities,’ added Councillor Nqavashe.