p>Eddie Andrews, mayco member of Area South
On May 12, 2012, I was summoned to a meeting by the late Anthony George (“Hamba kahle comrade Anthony”, Plainsman January 18).
There was only one agenda item which was for the City of Cape Town to integrate disabled people into all the programmes.
As a new councillor, I was overwhelmed at the aggressive pursuit of Mr George to ensure the needs of people with disabilities were met. This is how our relationship started.
Mr George even convinced me to collect bags of cement for him at builders’ warehouse in Tokai for the ramp that was built at his house to ensure the house was user friendly for him and other wheelchair-bound visitors.
Little did I know that this was his next pursuit to ensure homes would be renovated to accommodate people with disabilities.
Without fail he would contact me to assist the Greater Bulls team just before they embarked on sports events in George, Port Elizabeth, West Coast and elsewhere in the country.
The last time I was summoned was in May last year to see how the City could sustain its engagements with the sector and increase the participation by the sector to ensure all views are tabled.
The meeting I attended with disabled people at the Nelson Mandela Youth and Family Centre, in Tafelsig, on Thursday February 2, is a continuation of that discussion which was confirmed late last year.
As you engage and deliberate on the issues and proposals relating to disabled people, I appeal to you that you be mindful of the legacy baton left behind by the late Mr George and embrace the opportunity that lies before us which is to carry this baton with pride but more importantly hand it over in a much better condition than we have received it.
I look forward to further engaging with all stakeholders as we pursue to make progress possible together.
