Shoppers at the North Cape Mall in Kimberley last week expressed their dismay at the official vehicle of the mayor of the Sol Plaatje Municipality being parked in a parking bay reserved for persons with disabilities – shortly after 09:00, when available parking bays were ample.
One bystander said it was unacceptable that officials display an “arrogant disregard for rules and regulations and disabled people who cannot park when parking bays are taken by abled people”.
The woman said it was inexplicable how officials thought they could do as they please, while they were supposed to set an example for others.
In reaction, Pakes Dikgetsi, Cope national committee member, said the incident “clearly shows disrespect for the rules and regulations”. He stated that when officials who are supposed to adhere to these rules “are themselves breaking them, then we are all in trouble”.
“This lack of respect for rules is evident in the traffic violations that are a norm in the city, and sadly, the mayor’s staff is not leading by example. We condemn this callous attitude to the needs of people with disabilities.”
According to Keobakile Musunse, spokesperson for the mayoral office, the executive mayor apologises profusely for this transgression even though he was not being transported at the time of the incident.
“We would like to extend our unreserved apology and please note that the driver concerned will be strongly reprimanded.
“This is a faux pas and grave mistake which the executive mayor would not like to be repeated in the face of serious advances that the democratic state has made in improving the living conditions of people with disabilities.
“Also, in correcting what had transpired, we will ensure that the driver is taken in for a session with relevant persons on policy paradigm and sensibilities concerning people living with disabilities.”
