With Disability Rights Awareness Month being celebrated from 3 November to 3 December local shopping hubs such as Mall of the North, Savannah Mall and Limpopo Mall are proud to accommodate people with disabilities.
Mall of the North
Mari Delport, Marketing Manager says any individuals who rely on a wheelchair, crutches, or other similar mobility aids, are offered the courtesy of disability parking at Mall of the North. They are identified in the form of disability stickers that need to be visible on the vehicle’s windscreen. Vehicles not displaying the relevant disability disc will be clamped and subject to a R200 fine.
She says Mall of the North has visible signage for people with disabilities throughout the mall as well as wheelchair- friendly ramps. “We are also very proud of our long partnership with the Association for Persons with Disability (APD), and in conjunction with APD have sponsored wheelchairs for individuals from disadvantage backgrounds.”
In addition to the above-mentioned, they also provide wheelchairs for shoppers with disabilities at each of their four entrances.
Savannah Mall
Operations Manager at the mall says any person that requires a wheelchair or assistance to move from point A to B is allowed to make use of their reserved parking for disabled people. Disability stickers or paperwork need to be available on request. “If we see a wheelchair without a sticker we will not allow the person to park in the reserved disability parking areas.”
She says the mall does not have a fining system in place as there is no need to do so at this time, however, they do instruct persons parking illegally to remove their vehicles. The mall also has ramps, railings, lifts and disabled bathrooms to assist persons with disabilities as per the standard regulations.
Limpopo Mall
Carien de Beer, Centre Manager says any vehicle with a visible disability sticker is allowed to use their disability parking spaces. “The centre currently does not have any fines for people who park illegally in the reserved spaces. We do have ramps, a dedicated disability bathroom, and some stores have a large fitting room to accommodate a wheelchair.”
The centre has also placed chairs next to the Sassa pay points to assist in making the lengthy queues more bearable.
Polokwane Observer also spoke to Rita Groenewald from the Association for Person’s with Disability (APD) on the process to follow for getting a disability sticker.
She says any physically disabled person using assistive devices qualifies to apply and should bring along a copy of their ID and 2 ID photos for the completion of the application form.
“The sticker is valid for two years and a renewal will be necessary thereafter. Temporarily disabled people can also apply and the application fee is R105.”
Polokwane Observer asked residents if they think enough is being done to integrate people with disabilities into society:
Madala Maesela: I did not even know about Disability Rights Awareness Month. This shows that Government is not doing enough to raise awareness for the disabled. They are always excluded and I believe that more can always be done.
Litania Chauke: I think that more can always be done but what Government has done is satisfactory. They do receive assistance such as special parking, their own bathrooms and preference when applying for vacancies, but there is always room for improvement.
Story: Umpha Manenzhe
