Durban: Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Deputy Minister, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, has emphasised the need to invest in the promotion of new technologies and the advancement of assistive technologies to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. “We must invest in research and development of affordable and accessible technologies that aid communication, mobility and access to information,” Letsike said. Letsike made the call at the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) symposium in Umgababa, south of Durban, as part of the build-up to the District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo that will take place on Friday.

According to South African Government News Agency, collaboration between government, private enterprises, academic institutions and organizations of and for people with disabilities can foster innovation in the ICT field, ensuring that people with disabilities can benefit from the rapid pace of technological progress, the Deputy Minister said. “This inclu
des promoting digital accessibility and ensuring that emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and automation, are designed with inclusivity in mind. Our emphasis is on a fundamental shift in how we view persons with disabilities, away from the individual medical perspective, to a human rights and developmental perspective. It is with this understanding in mind that we affirm supporting autonomy and independent living by promoting policies that enable access to community-based services, personal assistance, and affordable, adaptable housing,” Letsike said.

The Deputy Minister noted ICT’s significant contribution to the advancement of disability rights, offering tools that enhance accessibility, inclusion and independence for individuals with disabilities. Letsike maintained that ICT is not just “a set of tools”, but a bridge to a more inclusive, accessible and fair world for people with disabilities. “By supporting accessible technology, promoting inclusive policies, and advocating for the righ
ts of all, we can continue to break down barriers and build a society that truly values each individual’s unique abilities,” she said.

Letsike highlighted the need for a reformed social protection scheme to provide financial support, which will allow individuals with disabilities to live independently, make personal decisions about their care and avoid institutionalisation, where possible. “This also entails removing barriers to education and employment, enabling persons with disabilities to contribute to society in ways that promote self-sufficiency and empowerment. We must remember that human rights are universal principles that protect every individual’s dignity, freedom and equality. They are not privileges or special considerations but inherent to every person simply because they are human,” Letsike said.

The symposium coincided with Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM), observed from 3 November to 3 December. Held under the theme, ‘Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy: Creating a Disability-Inclusive
Society for a Better Quality of Life and Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities’, this year’s DRAM reflects on government’s commitment to creating a barrier-free society, where people with disabilities are full and active participants in the country’s economy and society at large. Each week of DRAM is linked to national strategic priorities and the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. During week one of DRAM, focus will be on growing an economy aligned with the empowerment of persons with disabilities. Week two advocates for the inclusion of every child with a disability. Week three builds a working government with a progressive disability rights agenda, and week four focuses on creating safer communities for persons with disabilities. “We hope that each one of us, in our respective corners where we operate, will do our bit toward raising awareness on the rights of persons with disabilities during this period,” Letsike said.