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22 Feb 2012

The Eastern Cape Department of Transport in partnership with Disabled People of South Africa will hold its annual casual day tomorrow. This year’s theme is “Accessibility” and as a result of last year’s festive season’s road accidents and fatalities, the department’s Special Programmes Unit (SPU) is dedicating this campaign to doing something for the people who have borne the brunt of these transport related accidents.

“The purpose of this special day is to observe and support disabled people and their everyday challenges by giving them joy and comfort”, says MEC Marawu.

Special Programmes Unit Manager Themba Rataza said interaction with disability structures around the province have revealed the sad transport related challenges faced by people with disabilities.

“It must be realised that disability also changes the lives of a person’s family and friends, but not with standing this sad state of affairs there is a saying that goes, there is a silver lining in any dark cloud”, added Rataza.

For their contribution to this day, departmental employees have been encouraged to dress casually and donate unused clothes, toys, books, sweets and other usable accessories.

The donated goods will be handed over by Transport MEC Thandiswa Marawu on this day and on 21 March 2012 to observe Human Rights Day to organisations identified by REHAB and Department for Public Service and Administration (DPSA) for people with disabilities who need them.

The following centers have been identified:

• Vukuhambe School for the Physically Disabled (Mdantsane)
• St Patrick’s school for the Intellectually (Ginsberg)
• Kungothando disability Development Centre at Tsholomqa

The proceedings are planned as follows:

Date: Friday, 24 February 2012
Venue: Department’s head offices in Schornville, King Williams Town

Media contact:
Ncedo Kumbaca
Director: Communications
Cell: 082 562 6023

Issued by: Eastern Cape Transport
22 Feb 2012

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