The International White Cane Awareness March brought members of the community together in Mohlakeng on October 30 to raise awareness about the rights, independence and inclusion of people who are blind or visually impaired.

The 2.5km walk started at Ramosa Community Hall, with participants making their way through the streets of Mohlakeng before returning to the hall.

The initiative aimed to build awareness and show support for people who are blind, while highlighting the importance of creating an environment where people living with visual impairments can enjoy greater independence, mobility and equal access to opportunities.

Celebrating mobility

Organiser Mandisa Leburu, from the Rand West City Local Municipality, said the event was an important programme for people living with disabilities, emphasising the need to ensure their voices are heard and recognised within the community.

She said it was important to continuously amplify the voices of people living with disabilities and create opportunities for their experiences and needs to be acknowledged.

Leburu added that the march was also about celebrating mobility, inclusion and access for all, reinforcing the message that everyone deserves the opportunity to move freely and participate fully in society.

The event served as a reminder that awareness and inclusion should extend beyond commemorative activities, with communities encouraged to continue supporting the independence, dignity and equal participation of people living with disabilities.