ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS ON INCLUSIVE PROCUREMENT FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES – CLOSING REMARKS BY HON. LENTHENG NTOMBI MEKGWE
Distinguished guests, representatives from government departments, members of the disability sector, entrepreneurs, and all stakeholders present, as we come to the end of today’s stakeholder round table session, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to everyone who participated and contributed to this important dialogue. Your insights, experiences, and recommendations have enriched this engagement and reaffirmed our shared commitment to advancing inclusive procurement and the economic empowerment of enterprises owned by persons with disabilities.
Today’s discussions have highlighted the critical role that public procurement can play in promoting economic transformation, social justice, and inclusive growth. We have heard from the Office of the Premier on the status of Gauteng Provincial Government doing business with enterprises owned by persons with disabilities. While important steps have been taken, it is clear that the participation of disability-owned enterprises in public procurement remains limited. This underscores the need for deliberate and coordinated interventions to address the systemic barriers that continue to hinder meaningful participation.
We also appreciate the valuable perspectives and comments shared by entrepreneurs with disabilities, who have highlighted the real challenges they face. Their voices remind us that policies and strategies must be accompanied by practical support mechanisms that enable enterprises to grow, compete, and access opportunities on an equal footing.
The presentation by the Department of Social Development on skills development and training for persons with disabilities further emphasised the importance of building the capabilities and capacity of entrepreneurs with disabilities. The interventions by the department are appreciated including workshops and information sharing sessions.
Equally important was the presentation by the E-Government Department on advancing disability rights through accessible public procurement. The initiative to establish sessions aimed at supporting people with disabilities to be compliant is highly appreciated, as it represents an important step toward building a more inclusive and responsive procurement system.
As we conclude this session, let us reaffirm our collective responsibility to ensure that inclusive procurement moves beyond policy commitments and becomes a practical reality that expands economic opportunities for persons with disabilities. By working together, we can strengthen participation, promote fairness in procurement processes, and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable economy in Gauteng.
On behalf of the Committee, I would like to thank all presenters, stakeholders, and participants for your valuable contributions and your continued dedication to advancing the rights and economic empowerment of persons with disabilities.
Thank you.
