On 16 September 2025 Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Constituency Services Directorate, in partnership with the Special Programmes Unit, has launched a two-day workshop aimed at strengthening equality, inclusion, and accessibility for persons with disabilities in Gqeberha. The event brings together municipal stakeholders, employees, and community representatives to push for more responsive and accountable disability programmes.
What Happened
The workshop focuses on three key objectives:
Promoting equality and non-discrimination, Ensuring inclusion and participation, Improving universal accessibility.
Municipal officials said the programme also aims to raise awareness about disability issues across government departments and emphasize the importance of working together to ensure accountability and better service delivery.
Official Response
Mabhuti Dano, NMBM Special Programmes Unit Coordinator, said collaboration remains central to progress.
“There is a need for stronger cooperation across government departments to address disability issues effectively, raise awareness, and ensure accountability,” he said.
Sandile Adams, representing the NMBM Employees with Disabilities Forum, added:
“We need a dedicated municipal office to deal with disability matters. Recognition, dignity, and employment equity are essential if we are serious about inclusion.”
Community Impact
The workshop has been welcomed as a step toward ensuring that persons with disabilities are fully included in municipal planning and services. By addressing both structural accessibility and employment equity, the initiative is expected to strengthen participation and dignity for disabled residents and employees across Nelson Mandela Bay.
