Posted on November 03, 2023
In the ever-evolving landscape of modern workplaces, equity, diversity, inclusivity and belonging stand as fundamental pillars of progressive transformation. Within this context, efforts to create accessible and equitable work environments for individuals with disabilities has been a vital and ongoing journey. In South Africa, the Employment Equity Act, introduced in 1998 and subsequently amended in 2013, plays a pivotal role in dismantling workplace barriers that could lead to unfair discrimination.
A vision of equity
The central goal of the Employment Equity Act is clear: it strives to eradicate unfair discrimination and foster equity within workplaces. This act extends its protective mantle not only over persons with disabilities but also over any individuals who may face discrimination.
Ntsikie Loteni, Director of the Transformation Office at the University of Pretoria (UP), underscores the significance of the act. She emphasises that while progress is made in eliminating barriers faced by people with disabilities, there is a lot of work to be done in dealing with attitudinal barriers. More awareness is required to remove institutional prejudices and unconscious bias against employing people with disabilities.
“These biases can sow the seeds of unfair bias against people with disabilities, culminating in a hostile work environment for them,” Loteni says. “To tackle these issues head-on, among other measures, UP has in place an Anti-Discrimination Policy, which aims to counter discriminatory practices in the workplace and create a more inclusive and accessible professional environment.”
Harnessing the power of technology
In recent years, technological advancements have emerged as a force for change, broadening career paths for individuals with disabilities. The modern landscape has opened up a world of opportunities, making many careers accessible to individuals with disabilities through the use of assistive devices and supportive technologies. However, the journey toward inclusivity is still marred with challenges, arising from stereotypes and ignorance, which perpetuate discrimination.
In response to these challenges, the Employment Equity Act comes into play. It is designed to eliminate unfair discrimination and promote workplace equity. Moreover, it extends a helping hand to disabled individuals by offering them access to affirmative action programmes. These programmes are designed to bolster inclusion in the workforce. Complementing this, a Code of Good Practice on the Employment of Persons with Disabilities offers comprehensive guidance for both employers and workers, with a focus on equal opportunities, fair treatment and the recognition of the substantial potential contributions of disabled individuals.
A call for equal opportunity
ithembile Mbuyisa, UP's Director of Human Resources, reinforces the importance of fostering a more inclusive workforce. She highlights valuable contributions such as productivity, reliability and loyalty that disabled individuals, just as any other employee, can bring to the workplace. Mbuyisa calls for more inclusive employment opportunities, asserting that disability is not only a human rights issue but also a developmental concern emphasising equal rights and responsibilities.
In affirming UP’s commitment to achieving inclusivity, the following strategies were approved by the Executive Committee and are available to staff living with disabilities:
“These strategies will have significant benefit for the institution's B-BBEE score,” Mbuyisa says.
Loteni stressed the importance of recognising and addressing workplace barriers.
“To realise a more inclusive and accessible work environment, we must provide reasonable accommodation and actively promote diversity and inclusion, while nurturing an institutional culture that enables everyone to reach their full potential.”
In order to continue building an inclusive work culture and ensure that individuals living with disabilities thrive in the workplace, they are encouraged to connect with their Human Resources business partners. Disclosing one's disability and exploring available resources, devices and software can ensure that individuals receive the support they need to excel alongside their non-disabled colleagues.
As workplaces and institutions like UP strive to remove barriers, embrace diversity and foster equity, we are moving one step closer to a world where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can thrive and contribute to the fullest.
As part of UP’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, any staff member or student who experiences any form of discrimination is encouraged to lodge a case using the tile under “Anti-Discrimination Cases – UP Transformation” on the portal.
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