Michael Rea from Integrated Reporting & Assurance Services (IRAS)
Thursday, 08 August,2024 – The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), in partnership with Integrated Reporting & Assurance Services (IRAS), celebrated a significant milestone in corporate inclusivity at the prestigious The Leonardo in Sandton, Johannesburg.
In a powerful ceremony, 14 JSE-listed companies were recognized for their outstanding achievements in employing persons with disabilities, each honoured with the 2024 Disabled Persons Rate (DPR) Award for having the highest DPR within their respective industry sectors.
For the past three years, the NCPD and IRAS have diligently researched and presented these awards, highlighting the progress and commitment of companies toward disability inclusion. This year’s award ceremony not only acknowledged the rising number of JSE-listed companies that publicly report their disabled employee percentages but also celebrated the remarkable DPR rates they have achieved.
In a country where the national unemployment rate is a staggering 32%, and the unemployment rate for young women is an even more daunting 45%, the reality of an 86.7% unemployment rate among persons with disabilities is still a stark reminder of the work still to be done. Yet, in the midst of these challenges, the companies honoured at this year’s DPR Awards are leading the charge for true inclusion.
One such trailblazer is Attacq, the Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) behind the iconic Mall of Africa. For the third consecutive year, Attacq has been recognized for having the highest DPR in their sector, an impressive 6.29%, despite being a relatively small company with only 159 employees. As highlighted in their 2023 Integrated Annual Report, Attacq’s success stems from its strong culture and low employee turnover, which limits direct recruitment opportunities. Nevertheless, Attacq goes beyond by annually recruiting ten persons with disabilities for a one-year learnership program focused on customer service and IT skills. Upon completion, these learners are supported in securing meaningful employment with tenants of Mall of Africa, creating a sustainable and impactful model of inclusion.
Netcare is another shining example, showing that those who have experienced care firsthand can become exceptional caregivers themselves. Through their specialized nursing training program for persons with disabilities, Netcare has employed 856 persons with disabilities out of their 18,568-strong workforce. With roughly one-third of their nursing trainees being persons with disabilities, Netcare has maintained a DPR of 4.61% for the third year running, further solidifying their commitment to fostering an inclusive healthcare environment.
This year’s award winners also include Adcorp, African Media Entertainment, Alexander Forbes, Astral Foods, Brikor, Clicks, Famous Brands, Master Drilling, Metrofile, Nedbank, Omnia, Redefine Properties, and Santam. These companies have made significant strides in empowering persons with disabilities, setting a powerful example for others in their industries to follow.
Elanor Rendall, HR and Transformation Manager at African Media Entertainment shared her thoughts on her company’s approach to inclusion efforts: “Policies are very important to the organization. We’ve been unpacking the disability policy and conducting workshops with the different subsidiaries. It’s easier to have because the cultures are so different in those organizations. We’ve implemented performance management and revamped the employee occupational health and wellness policy. Right now, we are busy reviewing our HR policy.”
Michael Rea from Integrated Reporting & Assurance Services (IRAS) commented on the origin of the awards: “The DPR Awards were born out of a desire to recognize and celebrate companies that are making a real difference in the lives of persons with disabilities. By publicly acknowledging their efforts, we hope to inspire other organizations to follow their lead and create a more inclusive corporate landscape.”
Employing persons with disabilities is crucial for promoting diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities in the workforce. It allows individuals to contribute their skills, reduces dependence on social grants, and fosters a more inclusive society. In South Africa, the Labour Department has set a target for companies to ensure that at least 2% of their workforce consists of persons with disabilities. Meeting this target demonstrates a commitment to non-discrimination and inclusive hiring practices.
The NCPD and IRAS are proud to honour these companies and look forward to witnessing even greater strides in disability inclusion in the years to come. Here’s to a future where everyone, regardless of ability, has the chance to contribute, thrive, and succeed.
