Advocating for a more universally accessible province
Since 3 November, the start of Disability Rights Awareness Month, the Western Cape Department of Social Development has been highlighting various support services for persons with disabilities.
But beyond this month, Western Cape Minister Jaco Londt has been working with numerous partners to find ways to create and advocate for more inclusive spaces. One of these stakeholders is Mossel Bay Municipality which has been leading the way with its Disability Accessibility Mossel Bay (DAM) initiative, to become the first disability-friendly town in South Africa.
On 19 November 2024, Mossel Bay Executive Mayor Dirk Kotzé and Diane Hobbs, director of Education & Training Hub for Autism Needs (ETHAN), presented DAM at the Ministers and Mayoral Forum. This meeting brings together Western Cape Government cabinet ministers, mayors, and other government officials from across the province to discuss matters of strategic importance.
DAM provides a 5-star rating in terms of how accessible public spaces in Mossel Bay are for persons with disabilities.
“DAM is a community-led partnership between the Western Cape Department of Social Development, Mossel Bay Municipality, community organisations, such as ETHAN, and local businesses, to incentivise others to build a more universally accessible Mossel Bay. DAM’s 5-star rating system is designed by persons with disabilities for persons with disabilities and determines the level of universal access facilities offer,” said Mayor Kotzé.
Through this initiative in Mossel Bay, organisations are encouraged to offer accessibility features like braille text, ramps, accessible door handles, text-to-speech facilities, water bowls for guide dogs.
Some mayors showed interest in this model.
“As a parent of a child with special needs, this resonates deeply. I've already shared my vision with colleagues: Saldanha Bay embracing disability-friendly initiatives. By empowering the differently abled, we unlock a world of change and integration, fostering growth in various sectors and promoting inclusivity. Let's join hands to create a more accessible and welcoming community, enriching lives and breaking barriers. Together, we can make our towns and province a beacon of inclusivity, celebrating diversity and unlocking potential for all,” said Saldanha Bay Deputy Executive Mayor Charmaine Laubscher.
“There are already hotels and other facilities who are buying into the Disability Accessibility Mossel Bay initiative, because they see the value of opening up more public spaces to all residents. It not only provides dignity to persons with disabilities, but it also makes economic sense as because your clientele increases! I believe this can turn into a Disability Accessibility Movement, where more municipalities adopt the model. Today’s MinMay meeting was just the first step towards turning the Western Cape into a disability-friendly province. By creating accessible spaces, we are showing we care and that everyone is truly welcome here,” said Provincial Minister Londt.
To access more information about services offered by the Department, call our toll-free number on 0800 220 250, send an email to SD.CustomerCare@westerncape.gov.za or visit the department’s website: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/social-development
Media Enquiries:
Monique Mortlock-Malgas
Spokesperson to MEC Jaco Londt
Department of Social Development
E-mail: Monique.Mortlock@westerncape.gov.za