Mahikeng, South Africa – The Concerned Disability Front, a civic movement representing people with disabilities in the North West Province, is demanding an urgent meeting with Premier Lazarus Mokgosi after government officials failed to receive their memorandum during a protest on Thursday.
The group marched to the provincial government offices in Mahikeng, calling for greater inclusivity in basic education, employment, and business opportunities. Their demonstration highlighted systemic neglect, with protesters accusing the government of ignoring their struggles.
Frustration Over Government No-Show
Tensions flared when Acting Premier Gini Mokgosi did not appear to accept the memorandum. A visibly frustrated protester from Rustenburg declared, “Today, you proved in front of South Africans that in the North West Province, you disregard people with disabilities.”
The protester highlighted stark employment disparities, stating that the Rustenburg Local Municipality employs only two people with disabilities out of 2,000 staff. “You must tell the premier and acting premier to come and see how we are struggling,” they said.
The group refused to hand over their demands to a junior official, insisting that the premier meet them directly. “We are not giving you the memorandum—he must come to us because we came to him and he failed,” a demonstrator said.
Government Apologizes, But Activists Vow Escalation
A provincial government representative apologized, assuring protesters that their concerns would be relayed to the premier. “We really take you seriously… I will make sure I deliver your messages,” the official said.
However, activists remain skeptical, citing previous no-shows by the premier in other engagements. “This is not the first time—even in [other meetings], no apology was forwarded,” a movement member said. “We are being taken for granted.”
The group has given authorities seven days to arrange a meeting, warning of further action if ignored.
Calls for Systemic Change
The protest underscores persistent challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing education, jobs, and economic opportunities. Advocates argue that token inclusion is not enough and demand concrete policy changes.
As pressure mounts, all eyes are on Premier Mokgosi’s office to respond before the deadline expires.
