The Commission further acknowledged that the challenges faced by people with disabilities in South African employment are more complex and difficult than in most other countries, considering that more often race, gender, and skills shortages are prioritised before disability.  The short memory of the South Africans is detrimental because disability affects a variety of classifications of life equally. And, while a dedicated and focused approach is required to position disability as a key priority, a mainstreaming approach is also required to ensure that disability is considered in all aspects of our employment; not as a modification, but as an integrated component of the diversity that makes up our workplace. Moreover, the Commission encouraged employers to make collective efforts to improve their workplace cultures and physical environments in order to increase the inclusion of people with disabilities - and to enable such individuals to make significant improvements to their respective jobs in ways that allow them to reach their maximum potential. South Africa’s Employment Equity Act and the South African National Standards – Building Regulations provide comprehensive rules and guidelines to assist employers to make their workplaces free from discrimination and more accessible to diverse groups of employees with and without disabilities - to know their rights.

As a result, despite all the emphasis, the status quo persists; thus, the Free State Provincial Office has decided to conduct such interaction to determine whether sufficient progress has been made in alleviating the suffering of people with disabilities in the private sector.

Details of the Provincial Engagement:
Date: 09 May 2024
Venue: Bon-Hotel
Time: 10h00

Ends
For further information contact Lecholo Nkabiti (Advocacy Officer) at 051 447 1130 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Or alternatively you can contact Mr. Thonoko Modise, the FSPO Acting Provincial Manager, at 051 447 1130 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.