Department of Employment and Labour Deputy Minister Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala told the policy dialogue session that persons with disabilities still face systematic exclusion from education and employment. She said this was happening despite progressive legislation in the country.

Nemadzinga-Tshabalala was addressing the department's Policy Dialogue session, at Arcadia in Pretoria today, 12 June 2025. The session themed: “Transitioning Of Persons with Disabilities into Employment" is held in collaboration with the European Union through its Education for Employability (E4E) Programme, the Departments of Basic Education as well as Higher Education and Training.

“I must note that despite progressive legislation, persons with disabilities still face systemic exclusion from education and employment. A few number of persons with disabilities have access to tertiary education or adequate foundational skills development and training," she said.

The Deputy Minister said consequent to the exclusion, a substantial portion remain unemployable even when their disability does not affect their work ability. Some of the challenges she highlighted include: Limited Opportunities which she says are due to  pervasive lack of access to diverse careers and meaningful work, compounded by a historical disconnect between educational outputs for People with Disabilities (PWD) and industry needs; Persistent Societal Barriers which are as a result of ongoing stereotyping, prejudice and unconscious biases from employers and society, which overshadow capabilities and lead to missed opportunities for individuals and the economy. “This bias carries a significant economic cost", she said.

Another challenge she highlighted is what she calls “Perceived Obstacles to Accommodation" which she says whilst legitimate concerns exist regarding reasonable accommodation, healthcare and transport, these are often seen as insurmountable obstacles rather than manageable, cost-effective adjustments.

According to Deputy Minister, in addressing the barriers faced by persons living with disabilities through a coordinated effort, “we need to enhance our initiatives as the Departments of Employment and Labour, Basic Education and Higher Education and Training, guided by the principles of Intergovernmental Relations Framework which are to intended to promote alignment and collaborations among spheres of government"

“A fragmented approach by government departments creates a significant barrier to a seamless career pathway for persons with disabilities. We must dismantle silo mentality when addressing challenges faced by people living with disabilities and build a truly collaborative, interconnected ecosystem supporting PWDs from the classroom to workplace", she said.

Deputy Minister Nemadzinga-Tshabalala reiterated the purpose of the dialogue being to foster robust interdepartmental integration for a comprehensive, dynamic framework and to enhance the employability of persons with disabilities transitioning from special schools and schools of skills.

Among the dignitaries who graced the event are Dr Anna Montén-Küchel, First Secretary Labour and Social Affairs (Germany); Andreas Schott from E4E; Sam Morotoba deputy director General of Public Employment Services; Dr Praveena Sukhraj-Ely from the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities and many others.

The Policy dialogue will conclude tomorrow, 13 June 2025.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Teboho Thejane

Departmental Spokesperson

082 697 0694/ teboho.thejane@labour.gov.za

-ENDS-

Issued by: Department of Employment and Labour

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