The University of Pretoria is pleased to announce the implementation of a Business Administration Service Learnership for persons with disabilities.  This learnership commenced on 1 June 2022 with the aim of achieving the University’s target on its staff establishment with persons with disabilities by December 2025. The learnership is registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and has a NQF level 4 (141 credits).

Throughout the learnership, the University will take initiatives to prepare these individuals for the future world of work by enhancing work readiness through an internal collaboration between the Human Resource Department, the Career Service Centre, the Transformation office as well as the Disability Unit at the University.

The University appointed Innovation Knowledge Worx, a reputable learnership provider, to present the programme for 20 learners with disabilities.  The theoretical component, which constitutes 30% of the programme, will be concluded during November 2022, followed by practical in-service experience at the University. The University is the main sponsor of this programme with co-funding from the ETDP SETA.

“The University’s strategy is to create a talent pool that places a priority on the development of Africans living with disabilities,” says Dr Maria Ramaahlo, Head of UP’s Disability Unit. To further support this, the University plans on identifying and placing as many as possible of these individuals in suitable vacancies from mid-2023.” 

Unemployment has always been a major challenge in South Africa, which has now worsened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The unemployment rate in South Africa currently stands at 34.5%. The youth (individuals between 15 – 24 years) contribute greatly to this statistic at 15.5% (Republic of South Africa, 2022). A study conducted by the United Nations uncovered that 80-90% of persons with disabilities of working age are unemployed in developing countries.

“We are confident that our initiative with Innovative Knowledge Worx will reap positive benefits for the disabled community and South Africa at large,” concludes Dr Maria Ramaahlo.