18 Oct 2020

Botswana Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted (BABPS) in partnership with the Coordinating Office for People with Disabilities on Thursday joined the entire globe to commemorate World White Cane Day. 

The event was held under the theme; Equipped and Aided Independent Mobility of the Visually Impaired.  

The objectives of the commemoration were; to raise awareness about the white cane  and to recognise the abilities of people with visual impairment. 

Speaking during the event, Assistant Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe noted that people with visual impairment used their senses of hearing and touch to explore and understand the world around them. 

He explained that the white cane made their hands and arms longer, so that they could assess the situation and move quickly and confidently, hence the need to educate the nation about the importance of white cane. 

“The cane is a tool to safely and independently navigate the environment,” he added. 

Mr Lelatisitswe implored the nation to always support the visually impaired, adding that when one was driving or cycling and saw someone using a white can, they must stop and give them the right of way. 

The assistant minister said government was devoted to improving the lives of people with disabilities, highlighting the development of National Disability framework consisting of the disability policy, bill and strategy. 

He indicated that such would strengthen participation and service provision to all people living with disabilities. 

The government, he said, supported BABPS activities by allocating them funds annually, mainly for advocacy, training and public awareness. 

He commended BABPS for promoting and advocating for equitable access to public services for persons with visual impairment as well as capacity building in communities on prevention of disability and rehabilitation of people with disabilities. 

“I also thank all other stakeholders involved in the empowerment of people living with disabilities,” he added. 

For his part, BABPS chairperson, Mr David Ranto said this year’s commemoration objectives could lead to an acceptable environment for all and independent mobility for the blind and partially impaired citizens. 

He urged the government to improve recognition of the capabilities of people living with disabilities, saying they would eventually improve their lives. 

Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund, injury prevention manager – community projects, Mr Tlhabano Mmusi indicated that his organisation sponsored BABPS after realising that working together would reduce road accidents. 

“We have a programme where BABPS travels around the country to educate the nation, especially drivers, about white cane,” he said. 

Mr Mmusi explained that a lot of money was spent to assist those affected by road accidents, which could be used for other national developments, hence the need to use any available strategy, such as partnering with BABPS, to sensitise the community. 

For his part, Botswana Council for Disabled chairperson, Mr Dickinson Samaemo applauded BABPS and other stakeholders for organising the event, adding that the number of people with disabilities increased annually, hence the need to work tirelessly to improve their lives. 

Mr Samaemo hailed the government for supporting the disabled, but stressed the need to include people with disabilities  in decisions affecting them. 

He urged different organisations and individuals to assist where possible, since the support they were currently getting was not enough. 

The event was sponsored by MVA Fund, Ms Kenalemang Passman, school head of Frederick Maherero Primary School in Mahalapye, who answered the BABPS plea for help from members of the public, as well as the Department of Environmental Affairs. Ends