Johannesburg hosts largest-ever disability summit and career expo

The Johannesburg Expo Centre at Nasrec witnessed a historic gathering as over 45 schools converged for Africa’s largest Disability Summit and Career Expo. Among them, Westcliffe Hope Schools stood out, actively participating and dedicated to promoting and enabling employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The learners from Westcliffe Hope Schools seized the opportunity to explore corporate career pathways, connect with prospective employers, and engage in various activities aimed at empowering individuals with disabilities.

The two-day event provided a unique platform for learners, graduates, and entrepreneurs with physical or intellectual disabilities to explore corporate career opportunities and understand what companies are seeking when hiring individuals with disabilities. The Road Accident Fund (RAF), serving as the headline sponsor, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting this annual initiative by offering critical information and resources to attendees.

Corporate representatives from over 30 companies engaged with learners, offering insights into career opportunities and recruitment processes. Inspirational speakers shared their experiences, highlighting the possibilities that await beyond graduation. Additionally, the summit featured career demonstrations and exhibitions, including wheelchair tennis, blind cricket, foot and mouth painting, and a special appearance by marathon runner Ipeleng ‘Crazy Legs’ Khunou, who champions awareness for people with disabilities through his remarkable feats.

Despite the widespread acknowledgement of the benefits of hiring persons with disabilities, integrating this marginalised sector into the workforce remains challenging. In South Africa, only one in nine people living with a disability is employed. The Disability Summit and Career Expo plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges by prioritising workplace inclusion and highlighting the skills and potential of disabled individuals.

Noluthando Mvabaza, corporate social responsibility manager at the Road Accident Fund, emphasised the collaborative effort required to effect transformative change in the disability arena. Mvabaza reiterated the RAF’s commitment to integrating people with disabilities into society and the economy, highlighting its vision of ensuring equitable opportunities for all road users.

The Disability Summit and Career Expo serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring learners and reaffirming their potential as valuable assets to corporate South Africa. As the event continues to grow in scale and impact, it reinforces the imperative of prioritising workplace inclusion and fostering a society where every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive and contribute meaningfully.

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