EMPLOYEES with disabilities will now perform their duties without restriction after eThekwini Municipality unveiled a fleet worth R1.3m for People with Disabilities (PWDs).

This is the City’s efforts to eliminate mobility barriers and promote the inclusion of employees with disabilities. Currently, the number of employees with disabilities in the municipality is 276.

Along with the fleet, the City also introduced evacuation chairs for employees with disabilities and pregnant women to be used during emergencies or in instances when lifts are not working.

Also read: eThekwini closes Mitchell Park Zoo for repairs

Both the fleet and evacuation chairs are fitted with special features to accommodate various disability conditions and ensure accessibility to several areas, including municipal buildings.

Chairperson of the Governance and Human Capital Committee, councillor Nkosenhle Madlala, said the unveiling ceremony demonstrates the municipality’s commitment to improving workplace inclusivity and equality.

“This is the first-of-its-kind initiative in the history of the country where parts of compliance have been shown to employees with special needs,” he said.

Madlala added that this is proof PWDs have an important contribution to make, not only in the workplace, but also in ensuring the delivery of services in communities.

He said although PWDs have not been totally integrated into mainstream employment, the municipality is proud of the progress it is making in this regard.

“While we are excited about this achievement, a lot needs to be done,” explained Madlala.

This is a work in progress as the municipality moves to achieve the target of employing 3% of PWDs as per the requirement by the Department of Labour.

Simon Zwane, an employee with a disability, said this is a new development and achievement, especially for employees with special needs.

“This is a first step that shows progress in the municipality. It demonstrates inclusivity, diversity, and equality,” he said.

He said as an employee with special needs, this initiative will make a huge difference in promoting equality in the workplace without limitation.

“This is very exciting as it will enable employees with disabilities to access different areas in terms of mobility and contribute to the overall productivity of the municipality,” added Zwane.

For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter here