Creamer Media | April 22, 2025
Amid a strong move towards advancement, mobility and employment potential for people with disabilities, Engen has worked with the Disability Economic Empowerment Trust (DEET) to equip five states with 200 essential lives and career skills through their job preparation program.
Launched in September 2024, the initiative spans Kwazulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape Province, Northwest, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga. This includes CV writing, digital skills, workplace etiquette and interview preparation.
To date, 40% of driver training participants have gone through tests and obtained a driver license through the program driver training program. In particular, Limpopo achieved an astounding 95% pass rate.
The success of the program is rooted in its commitment to accessibility. The modified vehicles, support equipment, and sign language interpreters ensured that no participants were left, regardless of physical or sensory tasks.
“The program opened doors that were previously closed,” says Thabiso Phetuka, CEO of DEET. “It's about restoring access to dignity, agency and economic opportunity.”
Engen also provided over 30 support devices, further increasing the mobility and independence of participants.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to creating meaningful, long-term impacts,” says Olwethu Mdabula, Engen CSI Manager. “We are building the path to employment and entrepreneurship by addressing important barriers like mobility.”
Consistent with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and South Africa's 2015 white paper on Disability, the programme strengthens Engen's role as advocate for disability inclusion and social change.
“The partnership with Engen offers real hope for people with disabilities who are struggling to access the job market due to lack of skills and mobility,” Fetuka added.
In affirming Engen's dedication to the inclusion of disorders, Mdabula added: “It's about creating concrete opportunities that enable people with disabilities to become active members of society, not just non-discrimination.”
“Disclaimer – the views and opinions expressed in this article are the views of the author and are not necessarily those of the Bee Room.”
