SECUNDA – Mr Boyzie Mkhwanazi said Govan Mbeki Municipality sidelined him as a chairman of the municipal disability forum.
Mr Mkhwanazi believes that after he joined the newly established Disabled and Older Persons Political Party, the municipality stopped inviting him to meetings.
“Lately, when I ask for any program related to disability there is this bad tendency from the municipal officials to tell me that since we have a political party, they will not communicate with me. Now have Ivto speak to their principals who are the politicians.”
Mr Mkhwanazi I told the officials that he has a right be affiliate to any political party and that it does not mean he is no longer representing the disabled within the forum in the municipality.
“Being affiliated to different political formations doesn’t mean we don’t have to participate in the disability programs within the municipality,” said Mr Mkhwanazi.
He claims the municipal officials are suppressing his constitutional right because they always tell him to go speak to politicians as they are in the same rank.
Mr Donald Green, acting head of communication, said the municipality does not discriminate against an individual living with disability.
“Municipality tries to ensure that persons with disabilities are given every opportunity to reach their full potential, both as individuals and as active citizens in our municipality.
“We believe in partnership with the disabled community and all stakeholders,” said Mr Green..
