NATIONAL ASSEMBLY : 24th June 2008

 

Madam Speaker 

Even though South Africa celebrated its twelfth anniversary of the new Constitution this year, it is still faced with many challenges in order to achieve a society free of discrimination against physical disability, race and gender.    

Gender inequality, racism and discrimination against physical or mental disability are some of the fundamental human rights on which the South African Government still lacks the capacity to fully implement its policies.  

The IFP believes that in order for the country to be able to effectively implement such policies, we must undergo a paradigm shift with regard to how resources are allocated and how people relate to each other. The government and all relevant stakeholders (public sector or private sector) need to be thoroughly trained with regard to people with disabilities and their different requirements, as well as the importance of addressing gender mainstreaming.

Furthermore, with regards to gender mainstreaming one cannot deal with gender discrimination without tackling the issues of socialization and culture. They both play an important role in shaping our society.

The Equality Act has been in place for eight years; but in reality it has not yet had the desired effect on South African society. The IFP calls for a renewed effort by all South Africans to consign discrimination to the dust bin of history.
 

I thank you. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Ms Connie Zikalala MP

083 282 8384