A white cane for a visually impaired individual not only serves as a mobility aid but also symbolises the pride of its owner, who is affirming their rightful place in society with the same dignity and opportunities as all others. 

These were the remarks of the chairperson of the Namibia Federation of the Visually Impaired, Sackie Niigambo, on International White Cane Day.

The day was recently celebrated in Windhoek under the theme, "My Cane, My Freedom". 

The gathering was attended mostly by visually impaired students from various centres in the capital, who shared in unison that they are defined not by their disabilities but by their abilities. 

"On this International White Cane Day, we celebrate the courage and the resilience of our community, and we recommit ourselves to building a world that respects and values difference."

Niigambo spelt out the freedom brought to a visually impaired person by the white cane, like safety in guiding and leading them. 

He elaborated on the day's importance. "A white cane represents the right to movement—for us to move freely and safely. The white cane symbolises our rights to education, employment, inclusion, and dignity. It also reminds us that, as visually impaired individuals, we are part of a community that is not defined by our disabilities but by our abilities."