In a landmark move to advance inclusivity and economic participation for persons with disabilities, Free State MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Thabo Mance, has officially launched a new Disability Inclusion Framework for the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). The framework sets an ambitious yet achievable target of raising the participation of persons with disabilities from the current 2% to 5% by December 2026, marking a significant step forward in the province’s commitment to creating equitable employment opportunities.
Speaking at the launch event held in Bloemfontein, MEC Mance emphasised that the framework is not merely a symbolic gesture but a concrete action plan designed to dismantle the systemic barriers that have historically excluded persons with disabilities from the labour market. He acknowledged that while the EPWP has been successful in providing work opportunities to millions of South Africans, persons with disabilities remain significantly underrepresented, often facing discrimination, inaccessible work environments, and a lack of targeted support. The new framework seeks to address these challenges head-on by mainstreaming disability inclusion across all phases of the programme, from recruitment and training to placement and retention.
The Disability Inclusion Framework outlines a series of strategic interventions aimed at achieving the 5% target. These include the introduction of disability awareness and sensitivity training for all EPWP managers and supervisors, the adaptation of work sites to ensure universal accessibility, and the provision of assistive devices and reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. The framework also prioritises partnerships with disability-focused organisations, community-based structures, and the Department of Social Development to identify and recruit candidates from rural and underserved areas.
MEC Mance stressed that the target is not a ceiling but a floor, expressing confidence that the province can exceed the 5% goal if all stakeholders commit to the spirit and letter of the framework. He called on municipalities, contractors, and implementing agents to embrace the framework as a moral and legal imperative, reminding them that South Africa is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The launch was welcomed by disability rights advocates, who praised the provincial government for taking concrete action but also urged robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure accountability.
The Free State’s initiative aligns with the national government’s broader agenda of building an inclusive economy that leaves no one behind. As the EPWP continues to serve as a vital source of income and skills development for millions of unemployed South Africans, the Disability Inclusion Framework offers a promising blueprint for ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left on the margins of the country’s development journey. With clear targets, dedicated resources, and political will, the Free State is positioning itself as a leader in disability-inclusive public employment programming.
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