The Gert Sibande District Municipality on May 12 led its first public consultation at Sakhile Community Hall in Lekwa Local Municipality regarding the proposed renaming of the Gert Sibande District Municipality Disability Library.
The consultation follows a council resolution aimed at promoting inclusivity by dedicating a section of the library to persons living with disabilities.
According to the municipality, the process is aligned with the South African Geographical Names Council Act, 1998, which seeks to correct heritage distortions, promote a shared national identity and standardise the use of geographical names.
The public engagement brought together various stakeholders and community representatives to deepen understanding of the importance of transformation and inclusive recognition within public spaces.
One of the leaders representing people living with disabilities, Doctor Mayisela, described the consultation as a historic moment for the disability community, saying it would provide an opportunity to recognise prominent individuals living with disabilities who played a significant role in advancing disability rights and inclusion.
“This will encourage local municipalities to start capacitating their libraries with the necessary resources for people living with disabilities.
“It is also the beginning of a journey of empowering people living with disabilities with knowledge.
“What is most important about this consultation is that we are involved, as we always say, ‘Nothing about us without us.’
“We will be visiting municipalities across the Gert Sibande District to ensure people living with disabilities have a say in the renaming of the library,” said Mayisela.
Mayisela added that the disability community was encouraged to participate in the programme because the library is already equipped with the necessary tools for people living with disabilities and has also employed persons living with disabilities.
