Empowerment of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities topping DWS agenda
Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities were given a boost today when the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in the Western Cape hosted an Economic Empowerment workshop. The purpose of the Economic Empowerment workshop was to inform Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities about procurement opportunities.
During her opening remarks Ms Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa DWS Western Cape Provincial Head said she firmly believe that when information and communication platforms such as these are accessible and available, they significantly improve participation of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities in the mainstream economy.
During the workshop, Carlo Jacobs, DWS Western Cape Supply Chain Practitioner, presented procurement opportunities. Jacobs explained the timeframes for advertising tenders. In addition, he urges participants to register on the Government Central Database with compliance documents like tax certificates.
The participants discussed several issues, including the Government’s tender process that is not flexible enough to accommodate disability-related businesses. Participants commended DWS for organizing the workshops but stressed the need for the workshops to have an impact on the community.
The economic empowerment workshop was a hit for many participants. Ms Agnes Macounie, a person with disabilities from Mamre said the workshop was something new, something good.” As persons with disabilities, we never imagined participating in workshops like these as we have been on the side-lines for quite some time” Macounie explained. Ncedo Mafumba said he was delighted with the workshop, but there is a need for Government departments to walk the talk. “The effectiveness of the workshop will be determined by its implementation” he said
Meanwhile, DWS Western Cape wishes to inform the public about dam storage across the province. The Western Cape Water Supply System (WCWSS) which comprises of 6 largest dams in the province is at 75,16%, a notable decline compared to 98% around the same time last year. The Gouritz River Catchment River System remains a concern hovering below 40%
All water users in particular the high-end users are requested to use water sparingly.
“Water is Life, Sanitation is Dignity”
Source: Government of South Africa