Disability advocates hand Parly petition for disability-friendly reforms to legislation

The Western Cape Network on Disabilities (WCNOD) said public transport infrastructure poses many challenges to people with disabilities.

The organisation handed over a petition to Parliament on Wednesday, calling for urgent disability-friendly amendments to the National Land Transport Act.

Spokesperson Anthony Ghillino said systemic failures extend not only to the procurement of unsuitable buses, but inaccessible facilities for people with disabilities.

"So, pavements will probably be a challenge, there'll be steps, potholes, and of course personal safety is also a factor," he said

Ghillino added that people with disabilities should no longer be sidelined.

"We continue to be sidelined, seen more as an inconvenience, as a costly inconvenience, than actual people who have human rights and have the right to dignity, have the right to be able to be transported safely and with dignity."