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The Star
05-08-2025
- Health
- The Star
Assistance dog owners face discrimination and exclusion, urges GDA for stronger protections
The South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind (GDA) has issued a clarion call for heightened understanding and stronger legal protections for assistance dog owners amid a recent global survey revealing alarming trends of exclusion and discrimination faced by assistance dog teams. Despite robust rights outlined in various laws, including the South African Constitution, the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA), and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), assistance dog owners continue to encounter significant barriers when accessing public spaces. The poignant insights were drawn from the recent ' Paws for Access Report on Assistance Dog Rights ' , collaboratively published by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF). While South African assistance dog owners did not participate in this particular survey, GDA notes that the findings resonate strongly with the experiences observed locally. Alarmingly, four out of ten participants indicated they often avoid public places due to the hostility and discrimination they face. ' Inclusion and diversity are no longer concepts; they are actions that we live by. Soon enough, inclusion will not be considered or debated; it will naturally occur because adequate education will teach everyone not to distinguish, ' remarked Tanya Schönwald, Head of Strategic and Corporate Partnerships at GDA, demonstrating the association's commitment to fostering a more inclusive society during International Assistance Dog Month this August. The report identifies staggering challenges faced by assistance dog owners globally, including pervasive discrimination in various public venues. According to survey data, 56% of respondents reported difficulties accessing restaurants and cafes, followed by hotels and medical facilities at 28% each, and grocery stores at 19%. Pieter van Niekerk, GDA's Public Relations and Corporate Communications Manager, emphasised that these statistics reflect an urgent need for action. One of the most disheartening revelations from the report is the discrimination encountered by assistance dog owners in medical facilities, which is particularly concerning given that many assistance dog users often require access to hospitals and clinics. It is reported that 28% of respondents experienced barriers, often exacerbated by uninformed security personnel. The high turnover and redeployment of staff further complicate the situation, thwarting educational efforts aimed at fostering understanding. Compounding these issues is the poor accessibility within public transportation systems. The report highlighted that 56% of respondents experienced refusals from taxis or rideshare vehicles, with guide dog owners facing even higher refusal rates of 63%. In South Africa, local e-hailing services present substantial challenges for assistance dog owners, who frequently find themselves stranded. However, examples of successful collaboration, such as with the Gautrain Management Agency, illustrate that accessible transportation solutions can be realised. The GDA now calls for enhanced awareness and legislative reforms to safeguard the rights of assistance dog owners. ' This report is further evidence of the significant and consistent challenges faced by assistance dog owners daily, ' stated van Niekerk. ' Despite legal provisions aimed at facilitating access, many still face undue challenges and discrimination, which not only hinder their daily activities but also impact their emotional wellbeing. ' To combat these pressing issues, the report proposes a five-point action plan aimed at changing public attitudes and behaviours towards assistance dogs: Public education through awareness campaigns to clarify the roles of assistance dogs and dispel misconceptions. Standardisation and regulation to create a global definition of assistance dogs and their roles. Improved identification through vests and ID cards to help reduce scepticism. Business training focused on legal rights and responsibilities relating to assistance dogs. Legislative reforms to protect the rights of assistance dog teams. As South Africa embraces these challenges, GDA's initiative and its collaborative partnerships with organisations such as BON Hotels, the SPUR Co Group, and Kimberly-Clark aim to break down barriers, ensuring that assistance dog teams can enjoy the freedom of access they rightfully deserve. Saturday Star
IOL News
05-08-2025
- General
- IOL News
Assistance dog owners face discrimination and exclusion, urges GDA for stronger protections
Assistance dog owners call for better understanding and legal protection in South Africa Assistance dog owners call for better understanding and legal protection in South Africa The South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind (GDA) has issued a clarion call for heightened understanding and stronger legal protections for assistance dog owners amid a recent global survey revealing alarming trends of exclusion and discrimination faced by assistance dog teams. Despite robust rights outlined in various laws, including the South African Constitution, the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA), and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), assistance dog owners continue to encounter significant barriers when accessing public spaces. The poignant insights were drawn from the recent 'Paws for Access Report on Assistance Dog Rights', collaboratively published by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF). While South African assistance dog owners did not participate in this particular survey, GDA notes that the findings resonate strongly with the experiences observed locally. Alarmingly, four out of ten participants indicated they often avoid public places due to the hostility and discrimination they face. 'Inclusion and diversity are no longer concepts; they are actions that we live by. Soon enough, inclusion will not be considered or debated; it will naturally occur because adequate education will teach everyone not to distinguish,' remarked Tanya Schönwald, Head of Strategic and Corporate Partnerships at GDA, demonstrating the association's commitment to fostering a more inclusive society during International Assistance Dog Month this August. The report identifies staggering challenges faced by assistance dog owners globally, including pervasive discrimination in various public venues. According to survey data, 56% of respondents reported difficulties accessing restaurants and cafes, followed by hotels and medical facilities at 28% each, and grocery stores at 19%. Pieter van Niekerk, GDA's Public Relations and Corporate Communications Manager, emphasised that these statistics reflect an urgent need for action. One of the most disheartening revelations from the report is the discrimination encountered by assistance dog owners in medical facilities, which is particularly concerning given that many assistance dog users often require access to hospitals and clinics. It is reported that 28% of respondents experienced barriers, often exacerbated by uninformed security personnel. The high turnover and redeployment of staff further complicate the situation, thwarting educational efforts aimed at fostering understanding. Compounding these issues is the poor accessibility within public transportation systems. The report highlighted that 56% of respondents experienced refusals from taxis or rideshare vehicles, with guide dog owners facing even higher refusal rates of 63%. In South Africa, local e-hailing services present substantial challenges for assistance dog owners, who frequently find themselves stranded. However, examples of successful collaboration, such as with the Gautrain Management Agency, illustrate that accessible transportation solutions can be realised. The GDA now calls for enhanced awareness and legislative reforms to safeguard the rights of assistance dog owners. 'This report is further evidence of the significant and consistent challenges faced by assistance dog owners daily,' stated van Niekerk. 'Despite legal provisions aimed at facilitating access, many still face undue challenges and discrimination, which not only hinder their daily activities but also impact their emotional wellbeing.' To combat these pressing issues, the report proposes a five-point action plan aimed at changing public attitudes and behaviours towards assistance dogs: Public education through awareness campaigns to clarify the roles of assistance dogs and dispel misconceptions. Standardisation and regulation to create a global definition of assistance dogs and their roles. Improved identification through vests and ID cards to help reduce scepticism. Business training focused on legal rights and responsibilities relating to assistance dogs. Legislative reforms to protect the rights of assistance dog teams. As South Africa embraces these challenges, GDA's initiative and its collaborative partnerships with organisations such as BON Hotels, the SPUR Co Group, and Kimberly-Clark aim to break down barriers, ensuring that assistance dog teams can enjoy the freedom of access they rightfully deserve. Saturday Star
TimesLIVE
25-05-2025
- TimesLIVE
SAHRC takes legal action against Gqeberha shop owner for displaying anti-LGBTQ+ sign
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has announced it is initiating legal proceedings against a Gqeberha shop owner, Dawood Lagardien, for publicly displaying an anti-LGBTQ+ sign outside his business. The commission alleges the sign constitutes discrimination, hate speech and harassment against the LGBTQ+ community. The sign displayed outside Lagardien's business read: 'LGBTQ not welcome at La Gardi — Save our children.' According to the SAHRC, the signage was intended to exclude members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual+ (LGBTQ+) community from accessing services offered by the business. 'In addition, the respondent established and actively managed a WhatsApp group titled 'Our Rights — anti LGBTQ+', which contains statements and material that appear to incite harm against individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ and related communities. After assessment of the complaint , the commission has concluded that the alleged actions by Mr Dawood Lagardien constitute hate speech and/or harassment as contemplated in terms of sections 10 and 11 of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA or Equality Act),' said the commission. The commission emphasised 'the critical importance' of fostering a society rooted in non-discrimination, while actively promoting and safeguarding the right to equality for all individuals, irrespective of their sexual orientation. 'The commission is empowered in terms of section 13(3)(b) of the South African Human Rights Commission Act (SAHRC Act), to bring proceedings in a competent court or tribunal in its own name or on behalf of a person or a group or class of people,' it said. The case is scheduled to be heard in the Equality Court sitting in the East London high court on Monday.
The Citizen
23-04-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
The Long Wait for the South African Disability Act
SEDIBENG.- In South African politics, unmet promises of equality linger. Passing legislation is often more than just a logistical exercise; it is a performance choreographed by various actors who shape, stall, or steer laws depending on the political mood. This is evident in the protracted journey of the South African Disability Act. More than 30 years into democracy, persons with disabilities are still waiting for legislation that directly, comprehensively, and unambiguously addresses their rights. Is this delay a reflection of a lack of commitment, or is it symptomatic of broader inefficiencies within the legislative process? The answer lies in Parliament's ability to pass legislation swiftly when it wants to. For instance, the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA) of 2000 was passed quickly, demonstrating that urgency and political will can overcome procedural hurdles. Several key actors are responsible for developing a robust and effective South African Disability Act, including the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Social Development, Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, and the Presidency. Looking back at the journey from the first administration to the present, disability rights have been addressed through specific provisions within broader legislation and the application of constitutional principles. However, the fragmented approach has led to gaps in protection and a lack of a cohesive framework addressing the multifaceted needs of persons with disabilities. Laws like the Employment Equity Act and PEPUDA include provisions related to disability, but their integration and enforcement have been inconsistent, with inadequate implementation and enforcement. Despite the absence of a specific Act, the inclusion of disability as a prohibited ground of discrimination in the Constitution and PEPUDA has provided a legal basis for challenging discriminatory practices. Sector-specific initiatives and policies have contributed to advancements in areas like accessible infrastructure and inclusive education. However, the lack of a dedicated, overarching Disability Act has relegated disability issues to the periphery, lacking focused attention and resource allocation. In conclusion, the delay in passing the South African Disability Act suggests a deficit in sustained and prioritized political will. Parliament has demonstrated its capacity for swift action when the imperative is clear. The key actors must translate constitutional ideals into tangible legal protections. Ultimately, the true measure of this legislation will be its effective implementation and enforcement, ensuring that the promise of an inclusive and equitable South Africa becomes a lived reality for all its citizens. Lucky Tumahole is a Disability Advocate and this is his opinion. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
