In recent revelations, some Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have raised alarms regarding the South African government’s reported figures on employment opportunities for people with disabilities. This concern follows comments made by Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, who disclosed statistics that show the public sector employs a mere 0.95% of individuals with disabilities. In contrast, the private sector lags slightly ahead at 1.2%.
The figures released by Chikunga have prompted widespread calls for a reassessment of how disability employment is tracked and reported within both public and private sectors. Activists and advocates are urging the government to revisit its strategies and consult with organisations that work directly with people living with disabilities. They argue that accurate data is crucial to developing effective policies that can create real opportunities for this marginalised demographic.
As discussions around this issue unfold, it becomes increasingly evident that without genuine collaboration and targeted action, achieving meaningful employment for people with disabilities in South Africa will remain a distant goal.