Members of the Cape Town Association for the Physically Disabled (CTAPD) took to the streets on Freedom Day (Thursday April 27) to raise awareness and express the challenges they face.
About 100 people gathered at the Vangate Mall parking lot for CTAPD’s Wheelathon from there to its premises in Tarentaal Road, Bridgetown. The morning rain did not put a damper on their spirit as they bravely made their way through the showers, armed with posters to make their voices heard. The members travelled from Retreat, Mitchell’s Plain, Khayelitsha, Manenberg, Langa, Samora Machel and Philippi, among other areas, to be part of this event.
While acknowledging that the government has put in some work to assist and raise awareness of the challenges faced by disabled people, many of CTAPD’s members said there is lots more work to be done.
Magdalene Leepi, one of the members, said Freedom Day to her means that she should have freedom of movement, but the lack of transport facilities for people with disabilities, denies this right to them.
“There is still a lot of work to do, especially for people like me, who are wheelchair-bound. We were also promised a better life during the 1994 elections, but this did not happen. So many disabled people live on the poverty line,” Ms Leepi said.
Belinda Lewendal, the social work supervisor at CTAPD, said the day was about raising awareness, but also to foster social interaction and exercise.
“We wanted our clients to come out and do exercise and to meet others who experience the same challenges as them. It was pouring with rain when we started, but this did not stop our clients. The rain subsided eventually. Our first aider drove behind all those who took part, but there were no emergencies and the day was a major success,” Ms Lewendal said.
She thanked all those who contributed to its success, including the volunteers, her colleague, Nadheerah Morta-Andrews, Mustadafin Foundation and Blue Ribbon, among others.
After the wheelathon, the group enjoyed a meal prepared by Mustadafin Foundation for them.
Ghairunisa Johnstone-Cassiem, director of Mustadafin, said their contribution to the day could never be as big as the contribution made by the members who used the day to raise awareness.
“I have had enriching conversations with some of the CTAPD members who were part of the event. Many said all they want is to be able to have access to reliable transport. They are asking the government to consider them as human beings – and not just on paper. They want to be accepted for who they are, and Mustadafin played a small role in making the day possible,” Ms Johnstone-Cassiem said.
Martin Barnes from Blue Ribbon said they did not hesitate to come on board, especially when it comes to raising awareness and assisting with social integration.