Laudium was host this year to the World Cane Day march which took place this past Monday (Oct 10).
The day is celebrated in recognition of the blind and visually impaired. The host and main organiser for the event in Laudium, was the well-known Garden Social Services, who went the extra mile to create an awareness for this important day. Preparation for the day was well executed and the support received from the various local role players was phenomenal. The organisers arranged white canes for all in attendance, so as to create an understanding of the use of the cane by the blind. The cane symbolises the independence and support of the blind and this was evident during the march.
A huge crowd from all over the province, including a number of blind persons from and around Tshwane attended. The precision and hype of the march left many speechless and proud. The march was joined by dignitaries which included the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Deputy Ambassador of Palestine, MMC of Health and MMC of Roads and Transport. Former Councillors Farouk Essop and Nazeer Noormohamed also attended the event. Ward Cllr Naeem Patel and Shakeel Bhaktawar from his office played a meaningful role in assisting to organize the event. The local CPF and Laudium Disaster Management teams also assisted. Religious leaders, Councillors from neighboring Wards, PR Councillors, and the guests of the day, the blind were in attendance. During the march the participants managed to quench their thirst at various water points sponsored by local organisations, as well as businesses. The march through the streets brought a smile to many residents witnessing the joy of the blind who were honoured for the day.
The march ended at the Laudium Civic Centre where all were seated for the formal part of the day. The highlight of the day was the keynote address, by the new Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi. The program director, Shakeel Bhaktawer began the proceedings by introducing Pastor Kevin Naicker who opened up with a prayer. The speakers thereafter included the director of Gauteng Health giving a brief explanation of the meaning of the day, Ambassador for the Garden Social Services, Maymoonah Chouglay talking about the services and the respect the blind deserve. A play was rendered by the blind which captured the attention of the jam packed hall. The premier was also in awe at the talent on stage. A gift was handed to former Councillor, Alderman Essop on behalf of Garden Social Services for his unwavering support to the organization during his 15 years of service to the community in particular and in recognition for his 15 years of service to the community as Ward Councillor in general. Moulana Chouglay was handed a portrait of himself and a special marked mug by members of the blind family.
Premier Lesufi told the gathering that he believed strongly that people with disabilities should be shown respect and deserve priority as far as service delivery is concerned, adding, “This function of today is my first public function I’m attending since being appointed Premier, which should send a strong message that I take the plight of those with disabilities very seriously. We have a quota in the Province where at least 3% of our employees should be people with disabilities. But, I think that is not enough and I want to propose that this be increased to 5%. I was very impressed with the talent displayed by the visually impaired and special commendation goes out to Maymoona for her courage and zeal in promoting blind awareness. My special congrats also goes to the organizers of the Garden Social Services for putting this event together on World Cane Day and to its founding member, Abubakr Chouglay.”
