The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has reaffirmed that expanding meaningful employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in both the public and private sectors is fundamental to the realisation of freedom, dignity, and equality in South Africa.
In a statement, the department said that while the right to work remains central to inclusive development, enshrined in the Constitution and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, representation of persons with disabilities in the public service remains at about 1.2%, underscoring persistent systemic barriers.
To address this gap, government has introduced a Practice Note aligned with Circular 19 of 2026. The directive provides clear and enforceable measures aimed at progressively increasing employment of persons with disabilities in the public sector to 7% by 2030.
“The Practice Note requires departments to integrate targets into planning and budgeting, strengthen accountability of Heads of Department, and report on progress quarterly,” the department said.
It further directs departments to remove barriers to entry through accessible recruitment processes, ring-fence entry-level opportunities, and ensure workplace accessibility and reasonable accommodation. This includes dedicated budgets and defined turnaround times for support measures.
The department has called on all spheres of government, including State-owned entities, as well as the private sector, to intensify efforts by accelerating the implementation of employment equity targets towards 7% by 2030; embedding accountability and reporting mechanisms in institutional systems; ensuring accessible workplaces and the provision of reasonable accommodation; expanding inclusive skills development, internships and career pathways, and addressing discrimination, while shifting societal attitudes.
The department emphasised that the public sector must lead by example, with inclusion embedded in planning, budgeting, and performance systems, while the private sector is encouraged to recognise disability inclusion as a driver of innovation and sustainable growth.
“Employment is a key enabler of independence and dignity. Through the implementation of the Practice Note, government is moving from commitment to measurable action that will transform opportunities for persons with disabilities,” the department said.
The department added that it remains committed to working with all stakeholders to build an inclusive economy in which persons with disabilities can fully participate and thrive. – SAnews.gov.za
