Kavango West Governor Verna Sinimbo has called on all sectors of society to turn Namibia's Revised National Policy on Disability into action.
Sinimbo was speaking at a stakeholder awareness training session and campaign launch in Nkurenkuru, aimed at promoting the implementation of the 2025–2035 policy.
Adopted by the Cabinet in July 2025, the policy seeks to protect the rights, dignity, and participation of persons with disabilities.
The governor stressed that disability inclusion must include planning, budgeting, and service delivery.
“We must identify and remove the environmental, institutional, communication, and attitudinal barriers that prevent full and equal participation. The Costed Implementation Action Plan is particularly important because it provides a practical foundation for implementation. It places emphasis on defined responsibilities, resource mobilization, cooperation, implementation arrangements, monitoring, and evaluation. These subjects must not be treated merely as training content. They should guide the decisions and actions that each institution takes after leaving this venue.”
Inimbo urged regional and local authorities to integrate disability inclusion into development plans, budgets, and infrastructure. Traditional leaders, businesses, and the media were also encouraged to promote equal participation and challenge discrimination against persons with disabilities.
Nkurenkuru Mayor Andreas Katanga said effective implementation requires resources, cooperation, and accountability, particularly in rural communities where access to essential services remains a challenge.
“This requires us to ensure that disability inclusion does not remain limited to policies, offices, and conferences. It must reach every settlement, school, health facility, workplace, and household. The revised national policy provides an important framework for promoting the dignity, equality, participation, and well-being of persons with disabilities. However, it can only achieve its intended purpose when those responsible understand their roles and take the necessary action.”
The two-day training brought together government officials, traditional leaders, and organisations representing persons with disabilities.