The rights of people with disabilities took centre stage in Otjiwarongo as the National Disability Council of Namibia hosts a two-day stakeholder education and awareness training.

The session focuses on the Revised National Policy on Disability 2025-2035 and its Costed Implementation Action Plan for 2025-2030, launched in October last year. The policy reaffirms constitutional promises, clarifying that people with disabilities are rights holders entitled to equal participation in all spheres of life, not charity recipients. It responds to challenges faced by people with disabilities.

National Disability Council Board Chairperson Charlie Matengu described the plan's practicality. "It is not just an ordinary plan based on imagination. It comes with actionable activities. From those activities, we costed the plan to make it implementable. We reviewed missing policies, created new ones, and established structures to become a fully fledged institution. Disability is not inability, so we cannot have a half-baked institution just because it serves people with disabilities."

Otjozondjupa Region Governor John /Khamuseb urged inclusive action. "Disability is not an inability if enabling opportunities are created and privileges are given to excel. This training caters to the Otjozondjupa region and our stakeholders. We should treat it not as an awesome exercise but as a reminder to persuade every institution and community to understand their role in building a truly inclusive Namibia."

Otjiwarongo Mayor Leonard Simushi called the policy a roadmap. "It is designed to equip you and me with the knowledge and tools to implement the revised policy effectively, ensuring no one is left behind. Together, we can translate it into tangible change for people with disabilities across Namibia."

The training aims to strengthen stakeholder collaboration and drive effective implementation of inclusive policies.