BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE – The Government of Eswatini has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting, empowering and creating equal opportunities for persons with disabilities, with Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Senator Thulisile Dladla declaring that inclusion must move beyond policy discussions and become a lived reality for every citizen.
Speaking during the launch of the Special Olympics Global Week of Inclusion 2026 in Mbabane on Monday, July 20, the DPM said government remained fully committed to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities through concrete programmes and partnerships that promote participation, accessibility and empowerment.
Senator Dladla described the launch as more than just the beginning of a global campaign, saying it was a celebration of shared humanity and a reaffirmation that every individual, regardless of disability, deserves equal opportunities to participate, contribute and flourish in society.
She praised Special Olympics Eswatini for its unwavering commitment to transforming lives through sport and championing the dignity and empowerment of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini remains fully committed to protecting and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities,” she said.
The DPM highlighted the Eswatini National Disability Plan of Action (2024-2028) as a key framework guiding government efforts to achieve disability inclusion across all sectors of national development.
She said the plan prioritises equal participation of persons with disabilities in sporting and recreational activities, strengthening partnerships with sporting associations and educational institutions, improving accessibility of sporting infrastructure and facilities, increasing participation opportunities at all levels and mainstreaming disability inclusion across sporting programmes.
According to Senator Dladla, the launch of the Global Week of Inclusion demonstrates how government and Special Olympics Eswatini are working together to turn national commitments into practical action.
She further noted that Eswatini’s efforts are aligned with international obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which recognises the right of persons with disabilities to participate fully in sport, recreation and cultural life on an equal basis with others.
The Deputy Prime Minister said sport has proven to be one of the most effective tools for advancing inclusion and empowering persons with intellectual disabilities.
She explained that participation in sport contributes significantly to physical health, emotional well-being, communication skills, self-confidence, leadership development and social integration.
“For many persons with intellectual disabilities, sport becomes the gateway to education, employment, independent living and meaningful participation within their communities,” she said.
Senator Dladla said sport also plays a transformative role in society by challenging misconceptions, dismantling stigma and promoting acceptance.
She highlighted the importance of the Special Olympics Unified Sports model, which brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to train and compete as teammates.
According to the DPM, the programme demonstrates that inclusion is not about creating separate opportunities for different groups, but about creating shared opportunities where everyone participates equally and contributes according to their strengths.
“When young people play together, they learn together. When they compete together, they grow together,” she said.
She added that Unified Sports teaches society to focus on people’s abilities rather than their disabilities and creates communities where diversity is embraced rather than feared.
While acknowledging progress already made in advancing disability inclusion, Senator Dladla said more work remains to be done to ensure schools are welcoming to every learner, workplaces recognise ability, sporting facilities are fully accessible and every citizen has the opportunity to realise their full potential.
She stressed that achieving these goals requires a collective effort involving government, families, communities, educational institutions, development partners, the private sector and civil society organisations.
“Together, we must ensure that no one is left behind,” she said.
The DPM also paid tribute to Special Olympics athletes, describing them as ambassadors of courage whose determination, discipline and resilience inspire the nation.
She thanked parents, caregivers, coaches and volunteers for their dedication and support, saying their efforts continue to transform lives and help build a more compassionate and inclusive Eswatini.
As she officially launched the Global Week of Inclusion 2026, Senator Dladla called on all emaSwati to embrace the vision of “Uniting the World” and to work towards building a country where every person belongs, is respected, valued and given an equal opportunity to realise their God-given potential.
The event brought together government officials, Special Olympics representatives, athletes, disability rights organisations and development partners in a united call for greater inclusion and equal participation for persons with disabilities in all aspects of national life.
(Courtesy Pic)
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