Experiences of Unemployed Indigenous people Living with Disabilities in Soshanguve Township, South Africa - An Exploratory Study

This study explores the experiences of unemployed indigenous people living with disabilities (PWD) in post-apartheid South Africa. The promise of a better life for all made by the government of national unity in 1994 remains a pipe dream as most South Africans are still living on the margins of the economy where unemployment and poverty are rampant. This study examines the experiences of PWD in Soshanguve Township, Tshwane, South Africa. It employs the symbolic interactionist (SI) theory as a lens for gaining insights into the experiences of black women and men living with disabilities in their quest to access employment opportunities. The study is exploratory and uses a case study design approach. Data was collected from 15 purposively sampled black men and women living with disabilities in Soshanguve Township, with whom in-depth interviews were held. A focus group discussion was conducted with four purposively selected respondents who met the selection criteria. Findings revealed that PWD are the worst affected group in terms of unemployment as their poverty levels remain high. Despite the implementation of the Employment Equity Act (EEA) Number 55 of 1988, employment opportunities for black PWD are scarce in South Africa. This is due to, among other reasons, the fact that employers are reluctant to employ PWD. PWD were missing employment opportunities in Soshanguve Township due to employers who refused to employ them. However, the study also established that there are a few opportunities available for PWD. These include opportunities for training, social assistance support, disability grants and social protection, access to social services and cash transfer programmes. The study expands knowledge on the experiences of black men and women who live with disabilities, thereby contributing toward the design of policies and other social security interventions that alleviate the plight of marginalised communities living with disabilities.

Author dc:creator

• Jobodwana, Nomna Linda

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Tshifhumulo, R.
• Chari, T.

• Disabilities
• Unemployment
• Experiences
• Insights
• Narratives
• Socio-economic factors

Language dc:language.iso

en

Repository record dc:identifier.uri

https://univendspace.univen.ac.za/handle/11602/2691

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:univendspace.univen.ac.za:11602/2691