MPs fault Govt over failure to protect PLWDs

Legislators from across the Commonwealth gathered at the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town to criticize their governments for failing to protect the rights of persons living with disabilities (PLWDs). Despite existing laws and policies, MPs expressed frustration over poor implementation, exclusion from employment and business opportunities, and inadequate access to essential services.

Tim Wanyonyi, a member of Parliament from Kenya, highlighted the challenges Kenya has faced in enforcing disability laws, noting that some government officials disregard provisions without facing consequences. He also pointed out that qualified PLWDs are often bypassed for senior government positions, undermining the spirit of inclusivity.

Another Kenyan legislator, Wanyonyi, raised concerns about disabled public servants being forced to retire at 60, contrary to the law that allows them to retire at 65. Wanyonyi criticized government officials for claiming that people with disabilities either failed to apply for jobs or lacked the capacity to undertake contracts, despite legal provisions reserving 30% of government tenders for them.

South African MPs, led by Tsehofatso Chauke, echoed these concerns, accusing their government of lacking comprehensive disability legislation and neglecting the implementation of existing policies. Chauke lamented that South Africa, a perceived developed country, has no specific laws addressing PLWDs' needs and that the government department responsible for disability affairs remains underfunded.

She emphasized that many ordinary disabled people cannot access basic needs. Dr Marlene Le Roux, chairing the session, urged legislators to use their positions to advocate for the rights of PLWDs and push for stronger laws, policies, and oversight mechanisms to promote inclusion and improve their quality of life.