The uMngeni Disability Forum has welcomed a unanimous council decision to review and strengthen disability-focused programmes, saying the move signals renewed commitment to inclusion within the municipality. The motion, tabled by ANC caucus leader Thulani Mthalane and seconded by Sithembiso Nkuna, received cross-party support at last week’s full council meeting. Forum chairperson Nathi Ngubane said the unanimous vote offered hope to residents, who have long felt excluded.
We were pleased to see unity among councillors from different political parties supporting a motion that benefits us as a minority group. “There are a number of issues that still need to be addressed so that we feel included and respected,” Ngubane said. He said one of the forum’s main concerns remains the low level of employment of people living with disabilities within the municipality and on municipal projects.
“We understand that some projects may not be suitable for everyone due to disabilities. But exceptions can be made. We can do office work and many other tasks.
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“Our disabilities shouldn’t be used as an excuse to exclude us from benefiting from municipal programmes,” he said. Ngubane added that housing developments often overlook accessibility needs, with wheelchair users allocated homes without ramps or structural adjustments.
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