Accessible school transport for children with disabilities has received a major boost in the Western Cape. Ten disability support organisations across the province have each received a specially adapted minibus to help children with intellectual and physical disabilities reach school safely and affordably.
The handover took place at Alexandra Hospital in Maitland on Friday, 25 July.
Each minibus, valued at R1.2 million, can accommodate 15 people, including one wheelchair user.
Government collaboration makes the initiative possible
The vehicles were funded through a partnership between the Western Cape Departments of Social Development, Mobility, and Health and Wellness.
Jaco Londt, Minister for Social Development, said the vehicles will serve areas such as Mitchells Plain, Strand, Robertson, Oudtshoorn, and Vredenburg.
“Quite often, we hear of the difficulties that organisations have in transporting people with disabilities. And now we start bridging that gap. We are excited that we can take the hands of these 10 organisations so they can service the most vulnerable better.”
Safe, adapted vehicles for inclusive travel
Each vehicle comes equipped with a hydraulic wheelchair ramp and manual override options. Corne Engelbrecht from the Department of Mobility confirmed that the vehicles were designed with safety and accessibility as top priorities.
“It can transport 15 people, including the driver, and features wheelchair safety straps. If the electrical system fails, the ramp can still be operated manually.”
Organisations celebrate a lifeline
Cape Mental Health, which runs the Erica Centre in Mitchells Plain and Imizamo Yethu Centre in Khayelitsha, welcomed the support.
“These two buses will make a major difference in streamlining our transport and enabling safe, reliable travel,” said Santi Terreblanche, deputy executive officer.
In Robertson, ACVV Trippel Toontjies also received a vehicle.
“We have many children who cannot walk and are in special chairs. We collect them at their homes. We are so thankful to be chosen,” said a representative of the school, Ronel van Tonder.
She added that their centre is always looking for volunteers to assist with caregiving and daily operations.
A call to action for public support
Minister Londt invited the business sector and community members to get involved.
“Reach out to us. Even if you cannot contribute financially, offer to volunteer your services. These organisations need an extra pair of hands just to lighten the load of the amazing carers that look after our children our children.”
