Byline: Kelebogile Masemola

12 August 2022

The second in a series of Disability Workplace Readiness events, where industry experts share with learners about how to prepare for life beyond school, was at New Hope School, Pretoria on Friday, 12 August 2022, with the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) as the corporate partner for the day.

Disabled learners from participating schools in Pretoria and surrounds benefitted from MDB’s insights and guidance on opportunities for future applicants looking to work at this independent authority, which serves as a knowledge hub for stakeholders to promote socio-economic development, democratic participation, equality and access to services.

50 senior students heard from industry experts about how to prepare for life beyond school.

Topics included how to handle a job interview, drafting of a winning CV and more about accessing university for students with disabilities.

Senior Manager Stakeholder Management & Communication at the MDB, Barileng Dichabe, said “For MDB it’s important that we engage with the learners and empower them in the workplace.

It’s our way of saying we are available and there are opportunities for people with disabilities within the MDB.”

While the benefits of hiring persons with disabilities may be widely acknowledged, demystifying, and highlighting the largely marginalised disability sector, as well as the sourcing and accessing of relevant skills within this sector remains a challenge, but an event like the Disability Workplace Readiness Roadshow, with its support from corporate South Africa, opens doors, reduces obstacles and exposes learners to an array of opportunities.

Gerhard Venter, Principal of New Hope School said, “The opportunity that learners gained from today’s programme is extremely important for the workplace, that they see and understand what type of work is out there and the opportunities that are in front of them.”

For more information on the Disability Connect Workplace Readiness Campaign, please email admin@creativespacemedia.co.za, or phone: (011) 467 3341.