Tumahole residents Rebecca Mopedi (33) and Boikanyo Pheto (20) have found renewed hope through a local learnership programme created specifically to empower people living with disabilities. The initiative is providing practical business administration skills, work experience and a pathway to meaningful employment.
“This opportunity provides a real start to my career. It gives me workplace experience, qualifications, and the confidence to work in a professional environment. It’s the foundation I need to become employable and independent,” shared Boikanyo, who recently joined Rebecca as a participant in the 12-month programme, fully funded by Damlaagte Solar.
Without workplace experience or the financial means to pursue tertiary education, opportunities for many young people in Parys are already limited. For those living with disabilities, the barriers to employment are even greater.
“Many employers require prior work experience, yet young people with disabilities are often denied the learnerships needed to gain it,” commented Keatlaretse Senoamere, Social Specialist for Damlaagte Solar. “According to the World Health Organisation, around 15% of the world’s population lives with a disability. In South Africa, particularly in communities such as Parys where unemployment remains high, people with disabilities face even greater barriers to employment.”
Facilitated by NewBridge Training Institute, the participants are pursuing an NQF Level 5 Business Admin Certificate, equipping them with skills in areas such as office administration, communication, record management, customer service and general business operations. Combining accredited training with practical workplace experience is providing participants with the skills and confidence needed to pursue long-term employment.
“With unemployment so high, I have struggled to find stable work, but I have never stopped believing that an opportunity would come my way. This learnership has given me the chance to gain new experiences and prove what people living with disabilities are capable of. We can achieve anything we set our minds to when we’re given the opportunity,” added Rebecca.
With amendments to South Africa’s Employment Equity Act introducing a 3% employment target for persons with disabilities, initiatives such as this play an increasingly important role in preparing participants with the workplace experience and practical skills needed to access meaningful employment.
“Through this programme, which forms part of Damlaagte Solar’s broader economic development initiatives, we aim to help create pathways to employment while promoting equity, inclusion and skills development. At the same time, we are supporting local organisations to build more diverse, capable and representative workforces,” concluded Senoamere.
