Give SA’s disabled a chance to shine

WHILE we face in South Africa a tsunami of unemployment, there are certain sectors that are affected more than others. Traditionally, South Africa reports on the high unemployment figures across the board of about 40%.

The expanded unemployment figures across the board are close to 50%. However, we are aware the youth are affected really badly at over 60%.

The statistics show uneducated black women are one of the worst-off groupings in the country. However, very little research seems to have been done with regard to persons with disabilities in South Africa.

When the previous minister of employment said four years ago she wanted to see 3% of the civil service being represented by the disability sector, she was applauded.

Today, the current minister of employment and labour has explained the civil service has less than 1% of people with disabilities. We are also told almost 7% of our population consists of people with disabilities.

These statistics are horrific and show how we have done very little to try to accommodate the disability sector in the workplace. Both the private sector and the public sector have failed the disabled community miserably.

We have various pieces of legislation enforcing and encouraging employers to have proper representation at the workplace. People with disabilities form part of the employment equity programmes and businesses that complete their employment equity plans should be reflecting the disabled community.

These plans should also reflect the future structure of the workforce which would include at least 3% of the disabled sector. By and large, my experience has shown me that very seldom do these plans even mention persons with disabilities. My direct involvement with annual negotiations between employers and trade unions has never evidenced demands for the future employment of people with disabilities.

I have on numerous occasions mentioned this to trade unions, both big and small, but the enthusiasm to add this to the list of demands has been dismal. The reality is there are few people speaking up on behalf of this community. While the economy is languishing in the doldrums and while unemployment is on the rise, I don’t believe anyone will voluntarily add the plight of the disabled to their list of requests and demands.

In January 2018, the AU adopted a protocol dealing with the rights of persons with disabilities in Africa. This protocol has not been adopted yet by the South African government but adoption is imminent. We have adopted the protocols as contained in the International Labour Organization and our Constitution in South Africa specifically supports the rights of the disabled community.

The AU has outlined and acknowledged that persons with disabilities have inherent dignity and individual autonomy including the freedom to make one’s own choices. They have specifically appreciated the value of persons with disabilities, including those with high support needs, as full members of society. They noted that persons with disabilities often experience extreme levels of poverty.

We very seldom take steps to ensure specific measures are provided to persons with disabilities to eliminate discrimination.

There is still an enormous amount of fear and worry. Many employers are judgmental and not even willing to give those within the disability sector a chance to shine.