Disability sector pushes Dial-a-Ride case forward

The Western Cape Network on Disability (WCND), representing over 90 organisations and thousands of disabled residents, welcomes the High Court settlement reached on 5 September 2025 that suspended the City of Cape Town's planned cuts to the Dial-a-Ride service until 10 October 2025.

But this is only the beginning. We have now issued a formal legal notice, through our attorneys at the People's Legal Centre, to the President; national and provincial departments of Transport, Social Development, and Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities; the Western Cape Premier; and the South African Human Rights Commission. The letter sets out our position that:

• Cutting Dial-a-Ride is unconstitutional and infringes on the rights of people with disabilities to equality, dignity, and participation in society.
• Accessible transport is not a “nice-to-have”, it is a legal obligation that requires intergovernmental collaboration.
• Both national and provincial government must take responsibility alongside the City to ensure inclusive transport, but this does not absolve the City of responsibility.

The settlement ensures Dial-a-Ride continues for now, but we are pursuing a full court review of the lawfulness of the City's decision. This could set a critical precedent for disability rights in South Africa, ensuring that consultation and constitutional rights cannot be side-lined.

Issued by Dr Michelle Botha, Chairperson, on behalf of the Board of the Western Cape Network on Disability and affiliated organisations and individuals.