Gqeberha, South Africa, 16 November 2023 – From Friday, the 3rd of November 2023 to Sunday, the 3rd of December 2023, South Africa is celebrating National Disability Rights Awareness Month. The 3rd of December 2023 is International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which will form part of the National Disability Rights Awareness Day 2023 celebrations and activities.
As an organisation committed to promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion, the Coega Development Corporation (Coega) has also joined in the celebrations for National Disability Rights Awareness Month by embracing the call to action as an organisation that recognises the importance of creating opportunities for individuals living with disabilities.
Throughout the month, Coega will be highlighting the contributions and achievements of individuals living with disabilities, as well as promoting awareness of the rights and needs of this often-marginalised community.
In 2013, Coega launched its Disability Affirmation Programme (DAP) with the primary objective to restore the dignity of persons living with disabilities by providing them with skills that enhance their chances of securing employment.
Coega’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in its Employment Equity Plan, which outlines Coega’s annual target of 5% of its employee base comprising persons living with disabilities. As of March 2023, Coega has made substantial progress towards this goal by employing fourteen (14) individuals, equivalent to an achievement of 3.2%. This initiative is a testament to the organisation’s dedication to providing equal opportunities.
Coega goes the extra mile to ensure that the lives of employees with disabilities are made easier. One way it does this is by providing transportation for any work-related matters, recognising the unique challenges that some of its employees face. This support helps employees with disabilities access their workplace and perform their duties without any hindrances.
To further empower individuals with disabilities, Coega’s Human Capital Solution Unit (HCS) has partnered with the National Institution for the Deaf (NID). The NID received funding from the CATHSSETA to support persons with disabilities in pursuing NQF level 4 Professional Cookery and NQF level 2 Assistant Chef Programmes.
Speaking on the reason why Coega chose to be a part of this partnership, Coega’s Training Project Manager Mr. Envor Wesso said: “The majority of learners living with disabilities from the previously disadvantaged community lack resources to help them supplement the disability grant. This Programme was implemented to help these learners get involved and feel part of the community.”
To date, over 30 candidates have successfully completed their individual programmes and are scheduled to graduate on the 23rd of November 2023. Describing her experience in the programme, graduating candidate Ms. Ntombekhaya Booi said: “It was a good experience, meeting other people living with different types of disabilities and learning about the hospitality industry. The facilitators were nice to us, and we never felt as if we are different to other people.”
Ms. Nokuphiwa Yekwa, a fellow graduating candidate, explaining if she would recommend the Programme to anyone else said: “Yes, I would recommend it to both abled and disabled persons, especially the ones who have a passion or interest in cooking, even to those who aspire to open their own food stall or restaurant someday.”
Initiatives such as this underscore Coega’s commitment to providing individuals with disabilities with the necessary skills and training to excel in their chosen fields. Coega is dedicated to continuing its path of empowering people with disabilities. By providing a resourceful, sustainable, and safe environment, Coega enables individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential.
Through employment opportunities, support, and partnerships for skill development, Coega exemplifies a commitment to inclusivity, acknowledging that a diverse and inclusive workplace benefits not only individuals with disabilities but the organisation. This proactive approach serves as a shining example for other organisations, reminding us of all that a society that supports and empowers its disabled citizens.
