Qualifications don’t always guarantee employment for people with disabilities. This was one of the key issues discussed at the second Disability Indaba, hosted by the Wits Department of Social Work, Lead Change Developments and the Phila Sonke Wellness Initiative.
Held under the theme Beyond Qualifications: Unlocking Potential and Advancing Inclusion, the event explored why many qualified persons with disabilities still struggle to find permanent jobs, advance in their careers and access leadership opportunities.
Speakers argued that employers need to move beyond simply meeting compliance targets and focus on developing careers for persons with disabilities.
Senzo Mbonambi, COO of Lead Change Developments, highlighted how educational challenges and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence could further impact employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Meanwhile, Nomvula Makgotlho from the Department of Small Business Development raised concerns that uncertainty around social grants may discourage people with disabilities from pursuing entrepreneurship.
City of Johannesburg councillor Yongama Zigebe called on businesses to recognise talent and create meaningful opportunities.
“Stop seeing inclusion merely as compliance. Recognise talent, create careers and open supply chains,” he said.
Zigebe also stressed that disability inclusion is a shared responsibility.
“Government can construct a ramp, but society must also dismantle prejudice.”
The event concluded with a call for greater collaboration between government, business, educational institutions and communities to create a society where persons with disabilities can not only participate, but thrive.
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Source: Wits University, Department of Social Work