On a sunny Tuesday afternoon, the City of Johannesburg hosted an important Integrated Development Plan (IDP) session for People with Disabilities (PWD) at the Brixton Multipurpose Centre. This session was a pivotal part of the City’s ongoing commitment to public participation, ensuring that marginalized communities, including people with disabilities, have a direct hand in shaping local development priorities.
As part of its commitment to inclusivity, the City of Johannesburg continues to engage with various groups within its diverse population, with a focus on empowering those who are often left out of decision-making processes. The session highlighted the City’s dedication to listening to the concerns of PWD and integrating their lived realities into planning and policy.
A Platform for Active Participation
The IDP session was designed to give people with disabilities a voice in the future development of Johannesburg. Councillor Margaret Arnolds, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Finance, emphasized the importance of inclusion, saying, “The IDP is the people’s plan, driven by their lived realities. It is not a plan for the people; it is a plan by the people.”
The event attracted residents from across Johannesburg, each eager to share their experiences and contribute to the dialogue. Zodwa Dlamini, a paraplegic resident from Orange Farm, travelled to the session with hopes of seeing real change. “People with disabilities struggle to access job opportunities. I hope today marks a turning point,” she said, reflecting the sentiment of many in attendance.
Direct Access to City Departments
The session allowed attendees direct access to City departments, offering them a unique opportunity to engage with officials, ask questions, and gain insights into ongoing service delivery initiatives. Cllr Arnolds presented the mid-term IDP, outlining key programs that will directly benefit people with disabilities. These initiatives include skills development programs and psychosocial support for both individuals and their families, aiming to address some of the longstanding challenges faced by the disabled community.
Constructive Dialogue on the IDP’s Gaps
While the presentation highlighted the City’s efforts, some attendees expressed concerns that the IDP still lacked clarity on disability-specific issues. Vusi Madlalose, a resident from Alexandra, voiced the frustration of many, saying, “Nothing about us without us. The City must consult PWD before designing programmes.” His comment emphasized the need for greater involvement of people with disabilities in the early stages of planning, ensuring that policies and initiatives are genuinely inclusive.
Thandi Khumalo, another resident, suggested that a dedicated disability desk be established to streamline support for disability-related concerns. Other significant issues raised during the session included the difficulties in accessing disability grants, housing challenges, and the ongoing struggle for employment opportunities.
Acknowledging Gaps and Fostering Accountability
Councillor Yongama Zigebe, Chairperson of the Section 79 Committee for Youth and People with Disabilities, acknowledged that gaps still exist in the City’s service delivery and that more needs to be done to meet the needs of people with disabilities. “The City must do more to meet the needs of PWD and ensure accountability in our development strategies,” Zigebe stated, highlighting the ongoing work required to truly create an inclusive Johannesburg.
A Collaborative Path Forward
The session underscored the importance of cooperation between government and communities in fostering inclusive development that leaves no one behind. It is clear that while progress has been made, the journey toward full inclusion for people with disabilities in Johannesburg is ongoing. By ensuring active participation and listening to the concerns of marginalized communities, the City is taking important steps to create a Johannesburg that works for all its residents, regardless of their abilities.
As the City of Johannesburg continues to work on these initiatives, there is hope that this dialogue will lead to tangible outcomes, creating a city where people with disabilities can access the same opportunities, resources, and services as any other resident. The inclusion of their voices in planning processes is not just a step forward—it is a vital component of a truly inclusive, equitable future for Johannesburg.
