The eThekwini Municipality has unveiled a fleet of new cars that were made specifically for employees with disabilities to help them perform their duties without restriction.
The fleet is worth R1.3 million and is part of the City’s efforts to eliminate mobility barriers and promote the inclusion of employees with disabilities.
The unveiling of the fleet comes as South Africans commemorate Human Rights Day, reinforcing a commitment to ensuring that all human rights are upheld and protected, including for people with disabilities (PWD).
The City also provided evacuation chairs for employees with disabilities and pregnant women. These chairs can be used during emergencies or in instances when lifts are not working.
The cars 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 that the Municipality has a responsibility to improve its workplace in order to make it more inclusive and equal.
“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,” Madlala explained.
He added that this is proof that PWDs have an important contribution to make not only in the workplace but also in ensuring the delivery of services in communities.
The councillor said though 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,” Madlala said.
“Currently, the number of employees with disabilities in the Municipality is 276. 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.
Lastly, he said that as an employee with special needs, this initiative will make a huge difference in promoting equality in the workplace without limitation.
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