The ability to travel independently is often taken for granted. Disability Rights Awareness Month, held from 3 November to 3 December each year, is a good time to take stock of progress made with ensuring universal access, inclusion and mobility for people with disabilities.
According to the Western Cape Mobility Department that the GO GEORGE bus service is one of their flagship examples of accessible and inclusive public transport.
The bus service is designed with the needs of all passengers in mind. Every bus is fitted with ramps or hydraulic hoists to ensure a dignified boarding for passengers with mobility impairments. Red priority seats are clearly marked and strategically placed to provide extra space and ease of access.
GO GEORGE promotes independence, safety, and comfort for passengers with disabilities. Passengers with disabilities make up 0,85% of those taking the bus, amounting to more than 4 000 trips every month. Passengers with special needs account for a further 11,09%, representing over 54 000 monthly trips.
The 2024 findings of the annual Macro-Transport and Socio-Economic Study, conducted by independent surveyors for the George Integrated Public Transport Network (GIPTN), found that 95% of surveyed special-needs passengers and 88% of passengers with disabilities reported that GO GEORGE bus stops are accessible. A total of 96% of passengers with disabilities stated that the bus service made enough provision for their needs.
GO GEORGE is working with the George Association for People with Disabilities (APD) and other special-needs institutions during this, Disability Rights Awareness Month. Frontline staff who regularly engage with passengers with special needs undergo sensitisation sessions.
Ruben Plaatjies was the recipient of a sponsored wheelchair, which will make travelling independently much easier. “I am extremely grateful to receive this much-needed new wheelchair, replacing the worn-out one that carried me over many years of dedicated service. I would like to thank everyone who has helped make this possible.”
“Accessibility is not an add-on,” said Provincial Minister of Mobility Isaac Sileku, “it is a fundamental right. GO GEORGE continues to show what it means to build public transport systems that give dignity, freedom and mobility to all. When we remove barriers, we empower people. These initiatives ensure we listen, learn and act, so every resident can move through our province with confidence and equality.”
The province’s Department of Social Development (DSD) has also intensified its efforts to encourage residents to help build a more inclusive, accessible society for all.
It increased its funding allocation for its Services to Persons with Disabilities programme from R196 million in 2024-’25 financial year to R224 million in 2025-’26.
It stated that R167 million of this funding goes towards 221 non-profit organisations offering various support services to people with disabilities.
Sivuyile, the DSD’s own residential facility for adults and children with disabilities, has been allocated over R37 million in funding for 2025-’26.
