Deaf ex-MP comments on loss of Disability portfolio

Wilma Newhoudt-Druchen has experienced many firsts: She was South Africa’s first deaf MP as well as being the first woman and the first person from the African continent to fill the role of Vice President at the World Federation of the Deaf. While she is not returning to Parliament this year because she was not high enough on the ANC’s party list, People’s Assembly wanted to get her view on the dissolving of the disabilities portfolio into the social development portfolio.

Ms Newhoudt-Druchen responded, “I don't know the reasons behind this decision, but I do know that other people with disabilities are disappointed that it's no more a stand alone department. People with Disabilities don't want disability issues under social development… but would rather see it as a human rights issue.”

While she sat on the Communications Portfolio Committee, Newhoudt-Druchen is wondering what will happen to all the recommendations made by the portfolio committee during the Fourth Parliament.

She also wants to know how the social development arms of government will handle the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (UNCRPD). She hopes both the Department and Portfolio Committee will oversee and monitor the implementation of UNCRPD recommendations.

“I'd like all MPs to know the UNCRPD, ratified in our Parliament in 2007, and they must question all departments [about] how they are going to implement that provision. I'm worried that staff in departments, right down to provincial and local level, are not yet familiar with this convention,” Newhoudt-Druchen said.

In the past, Parliament has come down hard on whether government departments are fulfilling their quota of 2% representation of People with Disabilities (PWDs). When People’s Assembly asked Newhoudt-Druchen about government compliance, she replied, “Not all departments are honoring this percentage and if the percentage drops… MPs have to ask why and investigate why?” She added that it might be a question of barriers to entry such as no sign language interpreters provided.

Newhoudt-Druchen was very upfront about the lack of deaf representation in Parliament. “I am very disappointed that there is no deaf MP. There is no deaf voice inside Parliament. We need that because I believe in self-representation. Deaf issues are normally the silent issues because deaf people are the most overlooked… The EU Parliament now has two deaf MPs, one returning, one new. Is SA Parliament moving backwards?” asked Newhoudt-Druchen.

Newhoudt-Druchen went on to discuss sign language, notably that the ICASA Bill was amended to include sign language and that the South African Language Bill also makes provision for it so both must be implemented accordingly. She also mentioned that in the last State of the Nation Address, President Zuma spoke about the introduction of sign language to the school curriculum and this must be implemented and monitored.

“I've asked for all TV programmes to have either subtitles or sign language interpreters prior to elections for election debates. It's been a battle. Local elections are coming up and hopefully there will be better access to TV for us, including me,” Newhoudt-Druchen said.

In lieu of a stand-alone department or Portfolio Committee protecting the rights of People with Disabilities (PWDs) Newhoudt-Druchen advises, “Members [of Parliament] with disabilities, Ministers and Deputy Ministers will have to be more vocal on disability issues. Government will have to work more closely with… NGOs working with PWDs.”