Call for Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in the Labour Market

In commemoration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre (WCRC) in Lentergeur, urged members of the public to support persons with disabilities as they rebuild their lives and reclaim their place in society.

Marked annually on December 3, International Day of Persons with Disabilities is dedicated to celebrating inclusion, raising awareness, and highlighting innovations that promote accessibility and equal opportunities for all people living with disabilities.

This year’s global theme calls for the fostering of disability-inclusive societies for sustainable social progress. It underscores the importance of empowering persons with disabilities to shape their own destinies and play a meaningful role in contributing to society.

WCRC CEO Fatima Peters called on all sectors to intensify efforts to ensure that people with disabilities are actively included in the labour market. She said that the day serves as a powerful reminder that disability is part of everyday life - within communities, families, and broader society - and that systems, attitudes, and decisions must reflect this reality.

“Disability is often seen as a distant concept by many, but for people living with disabilities, it is their daily reality,” said Ms Peters, who herself lives with a disability.

“We need the public to rally behind persons with disabilities and acknowledge their presence, their rights, and their access to information.”

She said that true inclusion begins with seeing the person first, not the impairment.

“I believe that to advance social progress, we must, from the onset, recognise the person and not the impairment. Our impairments are part of who we are, but they do not define us,” she said.

Ms Peters said that disability continues to be viewed as a social stigma in many communities - a reality that urgently needs to change. Reflecting on the work done at the centre, she paid tribute to the powerful and often emotional stories that unfold daily in the wards, therapy, and consultation rooms.

“These are stories of lives changed in an instant, and others altered progressively over time,” she said. “Together, we must continue to advocate for a society that recognises the rights, dignity, and potential of every person with a disability.”

As part of the commemorations, teams were formed to entertain, showcase their talents, and share messages through creative performances and themed attire. The teams also explained the meaning behind their outfits, highlighting the struggles and triumphs faced by persons with disabilities.

Maranne Raats, representing Therapy 2 Echo Nights, said that persons with disabilities and their households continue to face numerous challenges and barriers in achieving social development goals.

“As we fight for our patients’ rights, we decided to create a cart as a symbol of our struggle to push for equality and recognition,” she said.

Staff member Fizil de Vries echoed the call for inclusion, stating that disability does not mean a person is incapable of being independent or productive.

“People with disabilities are capable of working for themselves and contributing positively to society,” he said. “We fully appreciate the organisers for recognising and honouring persons with disabilities on this important day.”