Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Mmapaseka Steve Letsike has called for greater understanding and inclusion of people who stutter, while condemning the bullying and discrimination experienced by affected learners in schools.
Letsike addressed the International Stuttering Awareness Day event held in the Free State on Saturday.
International Stuttering Awareness Day is commemorated annually on 22 October to promote understanding of stuttering and the experiences of people living with the speech condition.
“Stuttering is a speech condition that can constitute an invisible disability.
“It affects the fluency of speech, but it does not define a person’s intelligence, abilities or potential,” Letsike said.
She noted that many children and adults who stutter experience bullying, discrimination and exclusion because they communicate differently, affecting their confidence in classrooms, workplaces and social settings.
“This must change.
“When someone stutters, give them time and space to express themselves. Listen with patience, without ridicule or judgement,” the Deputy Minister said.
In a physical show of solidarity, the Deputy Minister participated in a 57-kilometre awareness walk from Welkom to Kroonstad, organised by the Stutter Foundation to commemorate World Stuttering Day.
The walk raised awareness about stuttering and highlight the daily challenges experienced by people who stutter, while promoting acceptance, dignity and equal opportunities.
Letsike described the walk as an opportunity to challenge stigma and demonstrate a collective commitment to disability inclusion.
The Deputy Minister also encouraged people who do not stutter to support the campaign by raising awareness and treating people who stutter with dignity and respect.
“We are walking 57 kilometres, but our message must travel much further: no person should ever be silenced, ridiculed or denied opportunities because of how they speak,” she said.
Letsike urged South Africans to create environments in which people who stutter feel supported and confident to express themselves.
“Every voice matters,” the Deputy Minister declared. – SAnews.gov.za
