Disabled Persons Rate Awards | IRAS

IRAS and NCPD Honour Leaders in Disability Inclusion with the 2024 Disabled Persons Rate Awards.

Integrated Reporting & Assurance Services (IRAS), in partnership with the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), recently celebrated remarkable strides in corporate disability inclusion at a prestigious event held at The Leonardo in Sandton, Johannesburg.

The event marked a significant milestone, honouring 14 JSE-listed companies for their exemplary efforts in employing persons with disabilities. These companies were recognised with the 2024 Disabled Persons Rate Awards which highlight those with the highest Disability Persons Rate (DPR) within their respective sectors.

Over the past three years, IRAS and the NCPD have conducted thorough research to identify and celebrate organisations that are leading the way in creating inclusive workplaces.

This year’s awards not only recognised the increasing number of companies reporting their disability employment figures but also celebrated the impressive progress made in fostering inclusion.

In a nation where unemployment rates remain alarmingly high—32% overall and a staggering 86.7% among persons with disabilities—these companies are setting a powerful example by leading the charge for change.

Among the standout companies is Attacq, the visionary real estate firm behind the Mall of Africa. Attacq has achieved the highest DPR in its sector for the third consecutive year, reaching an impressive 6.29%. Despite being a smaller company with 159 employees, Attacq has made a significant impact through its learnership programme, which annually recruits ten persons with disabilities, providing them with valuable training in customer service and IT. This programme not only equips participants with essential skills but also connects them with job opportunities within the Mall of Africa.

Netcare, a leader in healthcare, was also recognised for its dedication to disability inclusion. Through a specialised nursing training programme, Netcare has integrated 856 persons with disabilities into its workforce, maintaining a DPR of 4.61% for the third year running. This programme demonstrates Netcare’s commitment to building an inclusive healthcare environment.

Other companies that were honoured include Adcorp, African Media Entertainment, Alexander Forbes, Astral Foods, Brikor, Clicks, Famous Brands, Master Drilling, Metrofile, Nedbank, Omnia, Redefine Properties, and Santam. These organisations have made significant strides in empowering persons with disabilities, setting a new standard for inclusivity within their industries.

Elanor Rendall, HR and Transformation Manager at African Media Entertainment, shared her thoughts on the company’s approach to inclusion: “We’ve been working on our disability policy and conducting workshops across our subsidiaries. Our focus has been on creating a cohesive approach to inclusion, supported by performance management and a revamped employee occupational health and wellness policy.”

Reflecting on the importance of these awards, Michael Rea from IRAS noted, “The DPR Awards were created to shine a spotlight on companies making a tangible difference in the lives of persons with disabilities. By celebrating their achievements, we aim to inspire other organisations to follow their lead and contribute to a more inclusive corporate environment.”

In South Africa, the Labour Department has set a goal for companies to ensure that at least 2% of their workforce consists of persons with disabilities. Achieving this target reflects a company’s commitment to diversity, non-discrimination, and inclusive hiring practices.

At IRAS, we are proud to partner with the NCPD in recognising these trailblazers and look forward to seeing even greater progress in disability inclusion in the years to come. Together, we are working towards a future where everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to contribute, thrive, and succeed.