Africa-Press – Botswana. Marobela residents have requested sign language interpreters to be availed at public engagements or kgotla meetings.
They raised this during a kgotla meeting addressed by Tutume District Council chairman, Mr Tabona Masole, in Marobela.
The residents noted that often there was expectation that during public address platforms, everybody should be able to hear and understand what was being shared or discussed, while in some cases people with hearing impairment were left out, hence they could not participate in the meetings to share their views.
A resident, Mr Patrick Zibochwa, advised that it was imperative that the office of the District Commissioner and council took into consideration that there were people living with disabilities and they too wanted to take part in sessions or meetings that involved the community.
Mr Zibochwa added that despite having disabilities, they were also members of the community who also wanted to have a say in things affecting them hence it was important to find ways and means of catering for them.
He added that Marapong Brigade, which is within their district, offered sign language training and there were about two students from their village training in sign language. He thus said it would serve them better for their practical if during kgotla meetings they were engaged to interpret for those with hearing challenges.
Meanwhile, Mr Masole, commended the community for bringing forth the ideas of things they wanted to see being changed or improved in order to be served better.
He noted that the new government was seeking to uphold human rights of all citizens and it was making changes that were aimed at serving the people better as well as allowing them their right of speaking out on anything they wanted to see improved.
“We are here to fulfill our promises that we made to you during our campaign in 2024 to be elected into power,” he emphasised.
On other updates, Mr Masole affirmed to the community that all preparations to have old age pensioners receiving P1 800 had been completed and sent to Ministry of Finance for the final announcement on when the pensioners would start to get their dues.
He further said the new Ipelegeng programme would not employ old age pensioners as it makes way for young people with trades.
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