Blind community in Govan Mbeki Municipality empowered with Braille machines donation
In a major step toward inclusion, the Govan Mbeki Municipality and Standard Bank donated Braille machines and printers to local libraries, giving the blind community better access to reading, education, and opportunity.
The Govan Mbeki Municipality and Standard Bank have taken a significant step in empowering visually impaired residents by donating three Braille machines and printers worth R700 000.
The official handover took place on June 13 at the House of Praise church in eMbalenhle, led by Executive Mayor Nhlakanipho Zuma.
The machines will be placed in public libraries in eMbalenhle, eMzinoni, and Leandra to improve access to reading and learning materials for the blind community across the municipality.
Zuma said the donation responds to requests made by local blind associations last year and reflects the municipality’s commitment to inclusive service delivery.
“When I took office, we established the Govan Mbeki Municipality Disability Forum to address challenges faced by people living with disabilities. However, due to internal issues, the forum was dissolved.
“We have now formed an interim structure tasked with uniting disability associations and preparing for the election of a permanent, representative body.
“I have given them five months to ensure this is done. As a municipality, we cannot act on their behalf but must support and empower them,” Zuma explained.
He added that the municipality has allocated a budget specifically to meet the needs of the disability sector, in line with the principle: “Nothing about us without us.”
Zuma also highlighted that the Braille machine donation aligns with legislative mandates to promote accessibility and inclusion.
“Government departments must employ at least 2% people living with disabilities. Govan Mbeki Municipality leads the province with over 5% representation,” he said.
Despite progress, Zuma expressed concern about broader challenges faced by the disabled community, especially in education and skills development.
“We often talk about employment for people with disabilities but fail to address the education and tools they need to become employable. We must increase access to education and skills development so they can fully participate in the economy,” he said.
Zuma also urged unity within the disability community, noting that divisions weaken their collective voice.
“I plead with all people living with disabilities to unite. Lack of unity weakens their voice and progress,” he said.
The donated Braille machines are expected to have a lasting impact by providing accessible reading tools and advancing the education of blind individuals in the community.
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