Consumer Affairs – Glenda Thompson

Africa is steadily losing its wildlife to incessant poaching.

Not only will this have a massive ecological impact on the continent, but we would also lose all our tourists.

The North Coast and it’s beautiful beaches are hugely reliant on the tourist industry too, and if we want to keep our beaches (the main attraction) in pristine condition, we need to make a difference.

When we popped down to Tiffany’s beach recently, we were horrified to see the one and only rubbish pot overflowing with plastic bottles and packets.

Half of them had already blown off on to the beach and been washed out to sea. Clearly no one had bothered to empty out the bin.

As the municipality are clearly not interested in keeping the biggest tourist attraction on the North Coast clean and debris free, I would like to put out a challenge to our local, newly elected councillors.

Start a beach clean-up programme. Set a time over the weekend when residents can help clean up the rubbish on the beaches – until such a time that we can get some clarity on who is actually supposed to be doing this job.

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HR recruitment and assessment specialists, Bradshaw Le Roux, recently held a morning workshop with people in the corporate world – explaining how their companies can find ways to integrate people with a disability into the workplace, and highlighting the importance of awareness campaigns such as Casual Day to raise awareness around Disability being just another form of diversity.

Local lady and co-owner of the company, Lesa Bradshaw, who is a recognised specialist in Disability Integration in the workplace, and who also happens to use a wheelchair, explained that Casual Day (September 2), is South Africa’s foremost fund-raising campaign for people with a disability, with people dressing in casual gear on the day – and donating R10 for an official Casual Day sticker.

The money raised goes towards support services and assisted devices for the disabled.

Lesa also encouraged companies to raise awareness through internal campaigns, such as her “Take a disability to work for an hour” which is a programme she runs to “stimulate interest and discourse around disability inclusion, and highlight common barriers within the workplace” says Lesa.

She includes Q & A sessions around disability, and awareness around the benefits and impact of disclosing a disability for existing employees.

She also encouraged top management to get involved with the integration process of putting more people with a disability into meaningful jobs, and talking about success stories that showcase the value that people with a disability offer.

“Not everyone is born with a disability. People often acquire disabilities, particularly those over the age of 40. Company leaders need to create an inclusive environment – and not stereotype disability as being only BBBEE target – as one day it could be them requiring access!” she pointed out with a smile.

Stickers can be purchased from any Edcon Group store – including Edgars, Jet, Boardmans, CAN Red Square, and Checkers.

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