IN a heartwarming event on Tuesday, 10 October, blind people were honoured and celebrated on White Cane Day in Tshwane.
The annual event was organised by The Garden Social Services in partnership with the City of Tshwane and various NGOs, aimed to shine a light on the capabilities of the blind community.
Aboo Chouglay, founder of The Garden Social Services, said it's all about exposing the blind to humanity, and to tell them that you are blind but able in other many ways.
"We try to empower the blind. This event was sponsored by the Muslims of Tshwane. We empowered the blind, and that they mustn't be depressed and feel disturbed," he said.
Chouglay said they have been doing it for the past two years and going to many places to create awareness.
Blind SA representative, Ofentse Manyane, said they support such initiatives.
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"The City of Tshwane must clean the streets as they are dirty and our blind people can't move freely around the city," he said.
He said the accessibility of transport is a challenge for blind individuals.
Tshwane MMC for Social Development, Peggy de Bruin said a lot needs to be improved to make sure everything is accessible to blind people, and that they are supported.
Tshwane MMC for Roads and Transport, Katlego Mathebe said they are in the process of making the city inclusive and accessible.
"We have integrated public transport system where various modes of transport seamlessly connect. We reduce congestion," she said.
Mathebe explained that an accessible public transport system empowers individuals with disabilities to lead more independent lives, participate in the workforce, and contribute to society, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Councilor Kgosietsile Kgosiemang, an ActionSA PR Councillor and former MMC Human Settlement said among the policies in the ActionSA, they take high regard people living with disabilities to ensure their active participation in the national senate.
