White cane rally celebrates the blind’s tool of independence

The atmosphere was electric at the Durban Promenade when the KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society in collaboration with the eThekwini Municipality held its annual White Cane Rally on Sunday (October 15). The rally took place from Park King Dinuzulu to the Durban City Hall.

The significance of the white cane for the blind is that it is an essential tool that gives the ability to achieve a full and independent life. It allows the blind to move freely and safely from place to place — whether it’s at work, school, or around neighbourhoods, said a statement issued by the society.

“The blind use their sense of hearing and touch to explore and understand the world around us. The white cane, in effect, makes their hands and arms longer, so that they can assess the situation, and move quickly and confidently. The white cane also allows the blind to avoid obstacles, find steps and curbs and much more,” the society said.

The KZN Blind and Deaf Society added that when people see someone using a white cane, they should remember that the cane allows for them to navigate safely, and it gives them their independence. They urged that there is no need to shout warnings or try to physically steer the person so that their canes won’t bump into things.

“Remember that the blind are using their canes to explore what is around them. If they need any help or direction, they will ask. If you are driving or cycling and see someone using a white cane, you must follow the law and stop giving that person the right of way,” the society advised.

Orientation and Mobility co-ordinator for the KZN Blind and Deaf Society, Clive Govender, said the white cane indicated that the person using it is blind. Motorists especially must be aware of this and exercise special care.

Nompumelelo Sithole, of eThekwini Municipality said the rally aims to highlight to the stakeholders in the public transport sector the needs of the blind when they either commute or are pedestrians.

“The inclusion and empowerment of people with disabilities remains a priority in our city,” said Ms Sithole.

“We have a ‘Vulnerable Groups’ office under community participation and action support unit. This unit advocates for the protection, rights and development of people with disabilities. It is through this unit, programmes for people with disabilities are implemented.”

Ms Sithole added that the city prioritised increasing the employment of people with disabilities, to empower and enable them to participate in the mainstream economy.