Pretoria:Government efforts are intensifying to expand employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, urging public institutions and the private sector to accelerate employment equity targets and foster more inclusive workplaces.
According to South African Government News Agency, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, made this call during the launch of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Deaf Accessibility and Cohort Programme in Pretoria. She praised SARS for implementing practical measures to enhance communication access, skills development, and service delivery for deaf individuals.
Chikunga highlighted that disability inclusion is a constitutional imperative in South Africa, supported by international commitments such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. She commended SARS for launching the initiative during Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM), which culminates on December 3, coinciding with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The Minister emphasized the need for partnerships across government, private sectors, and civil society to dismantle barriers hindering full participation of persons with disabilities in social and economic life. She stressed the importance of inclusive education systems to support inclusive workplaces, noting the ongoing challenges in school infrastructure and resources for learners with disabilities.
Chikunga also discussed the potential of technology to improve access to education and employment, while urging investment in devices and training to ensure equitable benefits. She proposed collaboration between her department and SARS to develop employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and called for partnerships between special schools and State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to enhance infrastructure and educational needs.
Furthermore, the Minister pointed out the National Development Plan's target of 7% representation of persons with disabilities by 2030, with an interim target of 5% by the 2026/27 financial year. She warned against treating employment equity as a mere compliance exercise and announced efforts to create a credible database to aid in recruiting qualified candidates with disabilities.
Chikunga also encouraged procurement from Supported Employment Enterprises to provide employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, reinforcing the message under the theme, "Every Hand has a Voice – Shaping an Inclusive Future."