Communication - Press

DE&I Disability Indaba Round Table Discussion

The Importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion within Private Sector Strategies for Growth

Participation in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is essential for the private sector as it directly contributes to stronger business performance, innovation, and long-term competitiveness. Diverse teams bring a wider range of perspectives that enhance problem-solving and decision-making, leading to improved financial results and market relevance.

How imperative is the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in South Africa’s Mainstream Economy?

Including persons with disabilities in South Africa’s mainstream economy is not only a human rights imperative but also a strategic advantage for the private sector, government and the broader economy. With an estimated 3.3 to 3.5 million South Africans living with disabilities—about 6.6% to 7.5% of the population—their systematic exclusion from employment represents a significant waste of talent and productivity Government of South Africasajim.co.zaWikipedia.

Many studies show that formal employment rates among people with disabilities remain less than one‑third of those without, with over 68% unemployed or economically inactive.  This exclusion costs South Africa roughly 7% of GDP—equating to nearly US $24.5 billion in lost economic output Government of South Africa.

For the private sector, embracing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) by employing, procuring from, and empowering people with disabilities delivers profound benefits. It enhances workforce diversity, introduces unique perspectives and problem-solving strengths, and boosts employee engagement and retention. It also aligns with B‑BBEE procurement imperatives by creating opportunities to partner with disability‑owned enterprises, which can improve procurement scores and foster inclusive supply chains Government of South Africa+4Government of South Africa+4disabilityconnect.co.za+4.

Moreover, inclusion of persons with disabilities promotes corporate reputation, strengthens ESG credentials, and demonstrates alignment with constitutional protections under Section 9, the White Paper on Disability Rights, Reasonable Accommodation frameworks, and universal access policies sanews.gov.za.

In South Africa, where the legacy of inequality demands meaningful transformation, inclusion must be seen as a value proposition—not merely a matter of compliance, and as a vital driver of smart growth, social cohesion, and equitable economic development.

The DE&I Disability Indaba Round Table: The Business Case for Disability Inclusion in South Africa

The DE&I Disability Indaba is scheduled to take place on 6^th and 7^th November 2025, in Johannesburg, South Africa.  The purpose of the Indaba is to promote the inclusion of persons with Disabilities in South Africa’s Mainstream economy.  This event is brought to you by Innovative Entrepreneurs in collaboration with the French SA Chamber of Commerce and the British Chamber of Business.

In order to better understand the type of challenges faced by the Private Sector when considering the employment or procurement from Persons with Disabilities the French SA Chamber of Commerce and the British Chamber of Business hosted a DE&I Disability Indaba Round Table.  Private Sector experts who are responsible for DE&I participated and shared their experiences, challenges and identified solutions during the Round Table discussion.

The following points were noted and will form part of the DE&I Disability Indaba Programme of Events:

• Universal accessibility from a public transport, public accessibility space (Disability consciousness at all levels within Private Sector and Government Policies including design of spaces, design of tools and employee inductions).
• Highlight the different types of disabilities.
• Create awareness of the importance of disclosing one’s disability – it is not a weakness and will not be discriminated against in the workplace and explain what a Person with Disabilities needs to disclose in terms of doctors letters, evidence.
• Organisations that can assist with the Identification of Persons with Disabilities – Also at Board Level, Senior Management Level, Middle Management Level (Pipeline Development of Persons with Disabilities)
• Better understanding of the AI and Support Tools available to support Persons of Disabilities in the workplace
• Awareness workshops – Inhouse and public sessions in all spheres of management in Private Sector and Government (employee inductions)
• Awareness workshops with Government Departments responsible for Economic Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
• To include demonstrations for the delegates during the DE&I Disability Indaba to experience (being blind folded and eating, sitting in a wheelchair and trying to do certain tasks, the importance of sign language).
• Consider the different enterprise development opportunities available for Persons with Disabilities to become entrepreneurs.

For more information on the DE&I Disability Indaba, please contact Arlene Wilson-Max on

Email: arlene(@)innovative.org.za or Cell: +27 (0)791080613.