The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has confirmed it will investigate the City of Cape Town’s decision to downscale its Dial-a-Ride service, which provides specialised transport for people with disabilities. This follows several complaints from affected users after the City announced earlier in August that, from 8 September, the service would be limited to wheelchair users and individuals with severe walking impairments. This change effectively excludes elderly people and those with other disabilities from using the service.
Speaking to VOC News, SAHRC Chairperson Chris Nissen expressed concern over the decision, warning that cutting access to such services places vulnerable groups at even greater risk.
“A nation that forgets vulnerable groupings, such as the elderly, the sight-impaired, the hearing-impaired, and others with disabilities, is a nation without a conscience,” Nissen said.
Nissen painted a stark picture of the implications, noting that without transport support many would be forced to walk to clinics, shops, or other facilities, making them easy targets for crime and placing unnecessary strain on their health and wellbeing.
The City of Cape Town has justified the changes, citing a budget deficit of around R1 million per month for the service. However, disability rights groups, including the Western Cape Network on Disability, have pushed back, writing to Cape Town Mayor Gordon Lewis and launching a petition to maintain current service levels.
Nissen emphasised that the SAHRC’s Western Cape office is fast-tracking its investigation and will make recommendations to the City. He also stressed the need for budgets that prioritise the poor and vulnerable.
“We must begin to have budgets that are pro-poor and pro-vulnerable groupings,” Nissen said, adding that decisions should be guided by compassion and the needs of those most at risk, rather than purely by financial constraints.
Listen to the full interview below:
VOC News
Photo: Pixabay
