Lethabo Shai doing a contemporary dance.
Every year thousands of South Africans living with disabilities face barriers that hinder their access to education and employment. With more than three million people in the country identifying as having a disability, the importance of initiatives that open doors to opportunity cannot be overstated. On the 15th and 16th of May the Disability Summit and Career Expo returned to Johannesburg serving as a crucial platform for empowering young people with disabilities.
Hosted at the University of the Witwatersrand, the two-day summit brought together over 45 offering them a chance to explore career paths, build professional networks, and gain exposure to inclusive work environments. Widely regarded as Africa’s most prominent event focused on disability and employment, the summit continues to be a vital space for fostering accessibility and visibility.
The event featured more than 30 organisations, including corporate heavyweights such as Santam and Vodacom, each showcasing their commitment to greater diversity in the workplace. Students and graduates with disabilities had the opportunity to interact directly with company representatives, attend practical career demonstrations, and learn about the various support programmes available to them.
A major backer of this year’s expo was the Road Accident Fund (RAF), whose continued sponsorship reflects its broader mission of supporting South Africans affected by injury and disability. Noluthando Mvabaza, RAF’s Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, highlighted the need for ongoing collaboration to drive meaningful change in the disability space. She noted: “Gatherings like the summit help reinforce the value individuals with disabilities bring to the workplace, and how important it is to provide them with the tools and encouragement needed to pursue their goals”.
One of the key themes that emerged from the summit was the idea that true inclusion involves more than simply meeting legal obligations. Several speakers focused on the importance of cultivating a workplace culture that actively embraces difference, ensures physical and digital accessibility, and educates staff on how to support colleagues with disabilities effectively.
The programme was led by Ingrid Bame, a disability rights advocate known for her dynamic leadership and advocacy work. She was joined by a panel of influential speakers, including Thembi Manyike from Sanlam, Justene Smith from Progression, Lana Leas-Roy from Afrika Tikkun, Kally Mabe from Vodacom, and Mpumi Otieno-Oyola from Airports Company South Africa.
A standout moment from the summit was a panel discussion addressing the transition from education into employment. Experts discussed the unique challenges faced by youth with disabilities and offered strategies for smoother integration into the workforce. They also stressed the importance of early career exposure and mentorship opportunities to help bridge the gap between schooling and the job market.
The experience was transformative. Meeting professionals who have navigated similar challenges and built successful careers gave them real-life examples of what is possible. Equally valuable was the chance to hear from organisations actively working to remove barriers and create supportive pathways for inclusion.
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