Disability Career Expo held in Nasrec
This social security fund partnered on the annual initiative to provide relevant information to students, graduates and entrepreneurs with physical or intellectual disabilities.
The Road Accident Fund (RAF) led this year’s RAF Disability Career Expo, which took place at Nasrec on May 18 and 19.
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The social security fund partnered with other stakeholders on the annual initiative to provide relevant information to students, graduates and entrepreneurs with physical or intellectual disabilities.
This is South Africa’s largest gathering for promoting and enabling employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
The event exposes disabled learners to corporate career opportunities and unpacks the challenges faced by companies struggling to attract people with disabilities into their employment.
Thousands of learners, graduates and entrepreneurs living with disability attended over the two days to connect with over 40 corporates.
It included corporate exhibitions, career demonstrations from leading companies, opportunities for employment, exposure to corporate programmes for people with disabilities and inspirational speakers.
About 8,3% females and 6,5% of males in South Africa are disabled, yet sourcing and accessing of relevant skills within this marginalised sector remains a challenge.
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RAF corporate social responsibility manager, Noluthando Mvabaza said affecting transformative change in the disability arena takes a collaborative effort, and it is for this reason they are partnering on this year’s Disability Careers Expo.
“We look forward to inspiring thousands of learners this week about what exciting opportunities await and to reiterate the valuable asset they can be to corporate South Africa,” Mvabaza said.
She added that RAF plays an essential role in South Africa by providing appropriate cover to all road users within the borders of the country.
“This includes rehabilitating and compensating persons injured because of a motor vehicle accident to help them rebuild their lives.
“Our vision is to ensure that people with disabilities are integrated back into the society and the economy, especially since we contribute indirectly to the disability sector.”
Event organiser, Sizwe Zim from Creative Space Media said, “As we continue to work towards a more inclusive society, this event has become a cornerstone for learners, graduates and entrepreneurs living with disabilities to showcase their talents and connect with leading companies in the country.”
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Besides the Road Accident Fund, speakers at this year’s Disability Career Expo included Paddy Slattery, Founder of Mandeville Disability Swimming, a long-standing supporter of this event.
A panel discussion was also held, addressing the challenges corporates face with disability inclusion in the workplace.
Panellists included spokespeople from leading South African corporates, including Unilever, Santam, Nestle and Hollard.
Justene Smith, a workplace disability inclusion expert at Progression, also addressed students and corporates about the importance of driving awareness of the diverse needs and perspectives of all employees.
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