Appoint a Person with Disabilities to Cabinet, Pastor Ntalasha Chisha urges President Edgar Lungu

THE Born Short Living Tall (BSLT) has appealed to President-elect Edgar Lungu to consider a disabled person in his cabinet so that they can have representation.

BSLT executive director Ntalasha Chisha in his congratulatory letter to President Lungu said the President should consider a disabled person for a ministerial position so that they can also have representation.

“This move will make the disabled feel accommodated in society as they have most times been made to feel left out. Advocates have championed gender balance and youth involvement, it’s time for the President to make a statement appointment of a disabled being,” he said.

Pastor Chisha said and knowing that the 2017 budget will soon be presented to Parliament, the president should also consider making education free for the disabled people from primary through to university Level.

He said this is because most disabled people come from vulnerable homes where their parents and guardians cannot afford to take them to school especially university.

Pastor Chisha said, “if the disabled are accorded this opportunity, we will see the reduction of them begging on the streets as they would be able to get good jobs after obtaining their educational qualifications and eventually help others.

He said his organisation is impressed with the outreach works done by the First Lady Esther Lungu through her Foundation to help women, disabled and children.

Pastor Chisha appealed to the First Lady to incorporate an empowerment fund for the disabled to enable them start businesses to help better their lives.