Adcorp is proud to announce that, with the support of its brands ICAN and PMI, it has been recognised by the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) and Integrated Reporting & Assurance Services (IRAS) for having the highest rate of employment for persons with disabilities in its sector for the second year in a row. This prestigious award was received at an exclusive event hosted by NCPD and IRAS on 8 August 2024.
It underscores Adcorp’s commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual, regardless of ability, is given the opportunity to thrive. At Adcorp, we believe that every person deserves a chance to contribute their talents and skills, and we are proud to be leaders in promoting diversity, inclusion, and belonging for all.
Kehumile Metswi, Transformation Manager at Adcorp Group: “Embracing diversity means celebrating the unique contributions that people with disabilities bring to our workforce and communities, making us stronger together.”
Brandon Urdang, Head of Sustainability at Adcorp Group, adds: “When we embrace diversity, including disability, we unlock a wealth of untapped potential. Persons with disabilities bring unique perspectives, unwavering loyalty, and a determination that inspires us all. Let’s create workplaces where everyone can thrive.”
Breaking down barriers
In South Africa, people with disabilities face significant barriers to employment. Statistics show that more than 86% of individuals with a disability are unemployed, despite being fully capable of contributing productively with the right support. The country’s broader economic challenges highlight the urgent need for targeted support and inclusive practices to enable these individuals to fully participate in the workforce and realise their potential.
Adcorp’s commitment to action
Our efforts are driven by a centralised corporate citizenship strategy and a robust culture of diversity and inclusion. We demonstrate this commitment through our long-standing relationships with employees. Notably:
- Three employees with disabilities have been with us for over 17 years.
- The average tenure of our employees with disabilities is between 5 and 8 years, excluding new interns.
We are particularly proud of our internship model, which has proven successful in providing tailored support. For example, Sello, who was almost blind, received special glasses through our programme and became a standout performer. Stories like Sello’s reflect the positive impact of our inclusive approach.
Partners in inclusion
ICAN, along with PMI, play a crucial role in helping businesses understand the benefits of employing individuals with disabilities. Our diversity and inclusion solutions go beyond recruitment and training to foster accessible workplaces where employees with disabilities feel valued and included.
Adcorp leverages ICAN’s expertise to support its internal brands in achieving their objectives while making a meaningful investment in the lives of persons with disabilities, their families, and our society. This aligns with our core mission of unlocking human potential and driving societal progress.
“Persons with disabilities are among the most disadvantaged in the job market. Let us change that. Open your doors to their talent and commitment. It’s not just the right thing to do; it’s good for business”, concludes Urdang.
We call on all businesses and organisations to embrace and support persons with disabilities, so we can drive meaningful change and contribute to a more equitable society.
