A walk for the blind

The campaign took place on 15 October at Calvary Methodist Church in Midrand and began with a prayer.

Visually impaired participants were then paired with sighted participants and the fun walk began.

“The White Cane Safety Day seeks to celebrate the achievements of the visually impaired. It also celebrates the white cane as a symbol for blindness and a tool for independence,” said Paula Sabeya, orientation and mobility practitioner.

She added, “Today we are joined by members of the Calvary Methodist Church and a representative or two of Midrand police, Standard Bank, Pick n Pay Midway Mews, Sign Language Education Development, the South African Guide Dog Association for the Blind, Capitec Bank, and the Lerato Organisation in Orange Farm.”

The participants walked from the Calvary Methodist Church to Vodaworld, then made the trip back to the church.

The youngest visually impaired participant, 10-year-old Mpho Ntlapo, was excited to take part. She said, “I am looking forward to the walk.”

Miss Mzanzi 2012 runner up, Sandi Maqoqa, also took part. She said, “I am here representing the Midrand police and Sandton police Youth Desk. I like to get involved in community events every time I get a chance.”

South African Guide Dog Association for the Blind representative, Dackley Merafe said, “We work with visually impaired, partially-sighted people and train orientation and mobility practitioners. The White Cane Safety Day is important to us as it highlights the challenges that visually impaired people face. Most importantly, the day celebrates a level of independence the white cane gives to people who do not see.”

Metro police officers from Ward 112 took part in the walk and also directed traffic for the participants.