BY KWANELE TSABEDZE
MBABANE– Deputy Prime Minister Themba Masuku has officially launched the Eswatini National Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities.
The Minister officially inducted the council at a ceremony held at Ekwetsembeni Special School in Mbabane today. Speaking during the inauguration, the Deputy Prime Minister commended all the stakeholders which have participated in making the council a reality. He reiterated that Government is doing everything in their capacity to support people living with disabilities in the country.
“It is indeed a rare privilege and a celebration where, for the first time in the history of the Kingdom of Eswatini, a National Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities will be inaugurated”, said the Deputy Prime Minister.
“This significant day also creates a positive platform for the country to look back, take stock and celebrate progress achieved by the country over the years towards progressively addressing and redressing issues of persons with disabilities. As already said, in 2009 Eswatini relocated the National Disability Unit to the office of the Deputy Prime Minister within the Social Welfare Department, in order to ensure support in the mainstreaming of disability issues”, added the Deputy Prime Minister.
The members of the National Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities are:
1. Dr Ngcebo Mbuli-Chairperson.
2. Professor Hebron Ndlovu- Vice.
3. Dr Advocate Dlamini.
4. Ms Ncamsile Buthelezi.
5. Mr Lindiwe Yoland Gwebu.
6. Mr Philemon Gama.
7. Mr Makhosini Makhubu.
8. Chief Lodlakama Dlamini.
9. Mr Mcusi Shongwe.
The council was launched under the authority of the Disability Act of 2018, with the support of the United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
