Government departments and funding agencies have been urged to increase awareness of opportunities and funding specifically targeted at businesses owned by persons with disabilities. The call for financial and non-financial support was made at a three-day Breaking Barriers Business and Talent Expo that ended today in Thohoyandou, Limpopo.
At the expo, which was attended by more than hundred aspiring and active businesses, different commissions discussed funding models and skills development. Thereafter a report containing a list of recommendations was submitted to the Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms Mmapaseka Letsike to consider and submit to various relevant government departments.
Speaking at the expo, the owner of Richma Business Enterprise based in Louis Trichardt, Ms Rinao Madzihie, said there was a serious need to advocate for increased awareness and funding programmes that support the employment and entrepreneurial endeavours of people with disabilities, showcasing their resilience and multiple skills.
“There is a need for government to align alternative certification, employment creation, funding and job placement for youth and adults with disabilities. Government also need to put emphasis and better recognition of capabilities over incapabilities in the employment sector. While there are many programmes available for the disabled, there is a lack of awareness and focus on the broader skills that people with disabilities possess,” said Madzihie.
Madzihie highlighted the unique challenges that people with disabilities face in employment and education, emphasising the need for extended support beyond a certain age. She further called for a more direct and inclusive opportunities for people with individuals disabilities to be written into the system and given a fair chance in business, employment and education.
The Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms Mmapaseka Letsike highlighted the importance of inclusivity and economic participation for people with disabilities in Limpopo. She said the expo emphasised the need to move beyond words of actions and advocating for the inclusion of people with disabilities in opportunities and projects.
“The country’s economy must belong to all people regardless of their abilities and location. We must work towards actioning to dismantle barriers that exclude all people from economic participation and build an inclusive economy that will create opportunities and projects for the disabled,” said Letsike.
Letsike pointed out the importance of investing in the education system for people with disabilities and the role of special schools in moulding those who have abilities to run their businesses with government support.
“Our priority as government is to ensure that there is an inclusive economic development strategy that will support these businesses through all spheres of government, and ensure that entrepreneurs are promoted locally and have access to different markets that will keep them running and sustained,” she said.
The Owner of Richma Business Enterprise based in Louis Trichardt, Ms Rinao Madzihie showcasing her products at the Expo.
The Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms Mmapaseka Letsike at the Breaking Barriers Business and Talent Expo held in Limpopo.
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Issued by: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
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