Vice President Lucia Witbooi has launched the Revised National Policy on Disability, marking a key step toward Namibia's commitment to social justice, equality and the full inclusion of persons with disabilities.
The new policy, replacing the 1997 framework, adopts a modern view of disability, seeing it not as an individual limitation but as the result of barriers created by societal structures, education systems, employment practices and cultural attitudes.
The policy guarantees equal opportunities for people with disabilities while protecting them from discrimination across all sectors.
Vice President Witbooi emphasised that achieving Namibia's developmental goals under Vision 2030 and the Sixth National Development Plan requires leaving no one behind, noting that persons with disabilities, through this revised policy, are worthy of inclusion in the developmental agenda.
The revised policy thus establishes a framework aimed at closing gaps in access, participation, and representation, addressing critical challenges such as lack of education, employment, inadequate healthcare, inaccessible infrastructure, and under-representation in decision-making.
"Each of these policy objectives is costed and will be monitored, and I will really, as long as I'm here, be on it and evaluate them as practical strategies to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are not aspirational but actionable. Thus, I call on the government and the private sector to reconsider funding for disability-related programmes and for each ministry office and ministry agency to implement disability-centred budgeting to ensure the realisation of these policy objectives."
Accompanying the policy is a detailed Costed Implementation Action Plan that assigns responsibilities across government ministries, regional councils and local authorities.
The plan ensures alignment of budgets and timelines to hold institutions accountable for delivering tangible results, highlighting Namibia's shift from policy statements to performance.
Alexia Monombe-Ncube, the former Deputy Minister of Disability Affairs, explained that "this policy is more than just a document; it's a commitment to ensuring that every Namibian, regardless of their ability, has the opportunity to thrive. The cost implementation is a testament to our dedication to putting words into action; it outlines steps to take to promote accessibility and healthcare for persons with disabilities."
Also speaking at the event was the board chairperson of the National Disability Council of Namibia (NDCN), Charlie Matengu.
He said, "This should be regarded as a mere call for action. Together we must ensure that the principles contained in the policy are translated into reality; they are live and real, not an imagination."
The Vice President noted that the policy symbolises a commitment to creating a society where disability is recognised as part of human diversity, with ability seen in disability, strength derived from diversity, and unity forged through inclusion.