Chairperson, 10 long years ago in his state of the nation address President Thabo Mbeki said:
This society must guarantee the dignity of every citizen on the basis of good quality of life for every woman, man or child without regard to race, colour or disability.
In terms of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, however, South Africa falls far short of the legal obligations to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and freedoms and promote respect for the inherent dignity and rights of persons with disabilities to participate fully in our society.
Our buildings, open spaces and transport facilities are not yet fully accessible and persons with disabilities suffer inconvenience and lack of dignity as they struggle to gain access to courts, police stations, libraries, stadiums and rail and bus stations; yet full and effective participation and inclusion society is the requirement of the convention.
The DA believes that all major railway stations, buses and trains should be upgraded to provide easy access and seating for passengers with disabilities while the dial-a-ride service should be expanded in all of our main cities.
Adequate facilities, such as extra-wide parking bays, dropped kerbs, ramps at the correct gradient and special lanes for wheelchair users should be mandatory and should be provided countrywide. Ramps and railings should be obligatory.
The number of pedestrian crossings catering for the blind needs to be increased dramatically. South Africa has to be disability-ready not only for the influx of 2010 visitors, but for all South Africans whose ability is limited.
It is essential that all citizens can travel safely and quickly and compete on equal terms for job opportunities. The opportunity to work and live independently, providing for themselves and enhancing their quality of life, is essential.
All South Africans must be treated with care and dignity and be given the opportunity to compete equally. Currently, government is failing in this challenge and South Africans cannot wait another 10 years for equal rights for all. Delivery is needed now. [Applause.]