Browsing by Author "Gudwana, Khangelani"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Experiences of persons with mobility impairment in using public transport in Knysna townships in the Western Cape Province
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2020-03) Gudwana, Khangelani; Geiger, Martha; Visagie, Surona; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Centre for Rehabilitation Studies.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY : Introduction: For persons with mobility impairments, accessible public transport remains a major challenge in many areas such as Knysna townships in the Western Cape;, South Africa, with implications for their access to services such as health and their participation in economic and social activities. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of persons with mobility impairment in accessing public transport in Knysna townships in the Western Cape Province. Method: An exploratory qualitative design was implemented. The townships in Knysna in the Western Cape Province, were chosen as the study setting because of its steep and rough terrain and its restricted public transport options. The study population consisted of all persons with mobility impairment, aged 18-35 using public transport in Knysna townships. Purposive and snowball sampling was used to select the participants. A final sample of six was determined by data saturation. Data were collected using in-depth interviews. With the permission of participants, interviews were audio-recorded, and field notes were used to supplement and verify the voice recording after interviews. Photos of the home environment were taken with consent of each participant. Manual data analysis was implemented using a six-step thematic data analysis guide. Ethical considerations: informed consent was obtained, and confidentiality was safeguarded. Rigour: All aspects of the study were carefully monitored against the criteria of trustworthiness such as credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. Findings: Six themes emerged, namely: Challenges related to lack of safety; challenges related to cost of transport for persons with mobility impairment; challenges related to accessibility to the taxi, the road and to the houses; attitudes contributing to exclusion, and finally; participant’s perceptions on ways to address the challenges. Conclusion: Participants concurred that challenges in accessing public transport cause them to suffer social / economic exclusion. The recommendations to diverse stakeholder audiences should be implemented sooner rather than later due to the ongoing negative impact on basic human rights and human dignity for persons with mobility impairment in Knysna townships.