Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the SA Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) reports that 23 South Africans commit suicide every day. However, despite the disturbing global statistics, mental illness remains the most stigmatised of all health conditions and those affected continue to be shamed and face discrimination in society. The invisible...

In a recent article on Disability Connect, we ran the story about Karabo Nguyuza, whose guesthouse had been declared the best in Tembisa by Gauteng Women in Tourism (WiT). We caught up with Karabo, who is writing a book about her experiences, to ask her more about herself, her motivation and her business. When diagnosed with polio at the age of 10, Karabo says that within a blink...

Rory Preddy, Senior Cloud Advocate at Microsoft South Africa, shares some insights into the challenges facing employees with disabilities in SA, the potential for AI and advances in technology to be a great transformer, and his experience working for multinational technology company Microsoft. 1. What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges for persons with disabilities in SA in...

"Accessibility" in the digital space means that digital platforms, like websites, mobile apps, social channels and PDFs, should be readable, operable and functional to all users - especially people with disabilities. It is an issue that is rapidly gaining attention in many spheres, including social, economic and legal domains. Accessibility is part of diversity and inclusion conversations, it’s on the...

The benefits for people with disabilities While there are few silver linings amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, remote work is definitely one. The nationwide lockdown forced many businesses to suddenly enable its workforce to work from home or remotely. Although it has been around for some time, the concept wasn’t widely adopted in South Africa. Suddenly, a nation was keeping...

You can only claim for a disability benefit if Covid-19 leaves you disabled as defined by your policy.  Vulnerable employees who have been forced to stay at home and are unable to work are not likely to be able to claim lost income on their group life or individual disability policies unless they meet the definition of being disabled.  This...