The Road Accident Fund (RAF) is the headline sponsor of this year’s RAF Disability Career Expo, taking place at Johannesburg Expo centre Nasrec today and tomorrow. This social security fund is partnering on the annual initiative to provide valid and relevant information to students, graduates and entrepreneurs with physical or intellectual disabilities.
This is South Africa’s largest gathering for promoting and enabling employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The event exposes disabled learners to corporate career opportunities and unpacks the challenges faced by companies struggling to attract people with disabilities into their employment.
Thousands of learners, graduates, and entrepreneurs living with disability will be attending to connect with over 40 corporates. The two-day expo includes corporate exhibitions, career demonstrations from leading companies, opportunities for employment, exposure to corporate programs for people with disabilities, and inspirational speakers.
8,3% of South African females and 6,5% of males in South Africa are disabled, yet sourcing and accessing of relevant skills within this marginalised sector remains a challenge.
“Effecting transformative change in the disability arena takes a collaborative effort, and it is for this reason that we are partnering on this year’s Disability Careers,” says the Road Accident Fund’s Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Noluthando Mvabaza. “We look forward to meeting and inspiring thousands of learners this week about what exciting opportunities await, and to reiterate the valuable asset they can be to a corporate South Africa,” she says.
“The RAF plays an essential role in South Africa by providing appropriate cover to all road users within the borders of South Africa. This includes rehabilitating and compensating persons injured because of a motor vehicle accident to help them rebuild their lives,” says Mvabaza.
“Our vision is to ensure that people with disabilities are integrated back into the society and the economy, especially since we contribute indirectly to the disability sector”.
Grade 12 learners from Filadelfia School in Soshanguve.
“As we continue to work towards a more inclusive society, this event has become a cornerstone for learners, graduates, and entrepreneurs living with disabilities to showcase their talents and connect with leading companies in the country,” says event organiser, Sizwe Zim from Creative Space Media.
Besides the Road Accident Fund, speakers at this year’s Disability Career Expo include Paddy Slattery, Founder of Mandeville Disability Swimming, a long-standing supporter of this event. A panel discussion will also be held, addressing the challenges corporates face with disability inclusion in the workplace. Panellists here will include spokespeople from leading South African corporates, including Unilever, Santam, Nestle and Hollard. Justene Smith, a workplace disability inclusion expert at Progression, will also address students and corporates about the importance of driving awareness of the diverse needs and perspectives of all employees.