In a country where persons with disabilities face entrenched socio-economic barriers — with unemployment among this group significantly higher than the national average — meaningful corporate leadership in disability inclusion is both a moral imperative and a tangible business opportunity. Attacq, the JSE-listed real estate investment trust (REIT) behind transformative developments such as Mall of Africa and Waterfall City, exemplifies how thoughtful, purpose-driven corporate practice can help change this narrative.
Embedding Inclusion into Corporate DNA
Attacq’s commitment to inclusivity is not peripheral — it forms part of its Human Capital strategy and its broader Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments. The company’s recruitment and People strategy emphasises building a diverse workforce reflective of South Africa’s demographics, promoting awareness of disability, emotional intelligence and inclusive thinking throughout the organisation.
This commitment extends to celebrating inclusion within the organisation, such as hosting annual Inclusion Days with training sessions addressing disability awareness and unconscious bias — concrete steps that promote cultural sensitivity and a workplace where all employees feel respected and valued.
The Attacq Foundation and Inclusive Opportunities
The Attacq Foundation — the company’s corporate social investment arm — is central to its inclusive impact. The Foundation’s core pillars focus on skills development, training, and socio-economic upliftment, with specific emphasis on those historically marginalised, including persons with disabilities.
Within its learnership programmes, the Foundation prioritises opportunities for persons with disabilities, recognising that this group has long been overlooked in South Africa’s labour market. These programmes provide twelve-month placements that combine accredited training with real workplace experience — preparing participants for formal employment.
Going Beyond Compliance: Measurable Outcomes and Recognition
Attacq’s approach is not merely aspirational; it yields measurable results. For the third consecutive year, Attacq achieved the highest Disabled Persons Rate (DPR) in its sector, reaching 6.29% — an exceptional outcome given the company’s relatively small workforce.
A standout example of its impact is the annual recruitment of ten persons with disabilities into its learnership programme focused on customer service and IT skills. Crucially, Attacq then supports these learners in transitioning into meaningful employment within the broader ecosystem of Mall of Africa tenants — demonstrating a sustainable pipeline from skills development to work readiness.
This recognition from the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) and the Institute of Directors in Southern Africa (IRAS) underscores Attacq’s leadership in an area where many organisations struggle to move beyond compliance to genuine inclusion.
Inclusive Economic Participation and Enterprise Development
In addition to direct employment initiatives, Attacq fosters broader economic inclusion through its enterprise and supplier development programmes. In partnership with Property Point, the company supports SMMEs — including those led by or serving persons with disabilities — by providing funding, training and access to procurement opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
These programmes do more than develop individual businesses; they help build an inclusive economic ecosystem where historically excluded groups can participate meaningfully in the property sector and beyond.
Leadership with Purpose in a Broader Context
Attacq’s model aligns with South Africa’s wider socio-economic inclusion goals, where both government and civil society continue to call for enhanced focus on education, employment and participation for persons with disabilities.
However, where policy often stagnates, Attacq’s practice shows what is possible when inclusion is embedded at every level of strategy — from recruitment and training to supplier development.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Inclusive Corporate Citizenship
Attacq’s inclusive approach to disability is a compelling case study in how companies can move beyond rhetoric to strategic action, measurable outcomes and long-term impact.
By fostering opportunities for persons with disabilities, championing diversity internally, and creating pathways to sustainable employment, Attacq not only enriches its own organisational culture but contributes to a broader vision of an inclusive South Africa — one where economic participation is a lived reality for all.
