Africa-Press – Botswana. Ntlo Ya Dikgosi Tuesday adopted a motion calling on government to introduce an allowance for guardians of People with Disabilities (PWDs).
Members adopted the motion tabled by Kgosi James Khumanego of Ngwaketse West region despite Local Government and Rural Development assistant minister, Ms Talita Monnakgotla’s response that there were currently no plans for such an allowance.
Ms Monnakgotla pointed out that government was already caring for PWDs, the elderly, destitute and orphans.
Pleading with dikgosi to preach self-reliance, the assistant minister said government could not assume the role of parents and the community.
PWDs, she said, were getting preferential treatment when seeking government services.
“Government has since prioritised the participation of people with disability in economic empowerment programmes,” she said.
The assistant minister explained that those unable to engage in economic activities received a monthly allowance of P550 to restore their dignity and wellbeing.
Whenever the need arose, people living with disability were assessed and assisted accordingly, said Ms Monnakgotla.
Presenting the motion, Kgosi Khumanego had argued that guardians were sacrificing a lot in caring for PWDs.
Some PWDs needed round-the-clock care leaving guardians with no time to engage in any economic activity of their own, he said.
Kgosi Khumanego said while PWDs drew an allowance, guardians received nothing despite their selflessness.
He said an allowance would motivate guardians to give their charges undivided attention.
Supporting the motion, Kgosi Kgosidialwa Moalosi from Boteti Region said disability was a widespread problem throughout Botswana.
The situation had negatively impacted on the economic and social wellbeing of guardians, he said.
Kgosi Kebonyetsala Fish, who also supported the motion, said guardians of PWDs needed government assistance because theirs was an emotionally draining task.
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