SANParks, NCPD partner to make parks more accessible

NCPD and SANParks team

Kruger Park CEO Glen Phillips made this announcement at the launch of the SANParks Disability Forum held on International Disability Day. SANParks has agreed to work with the NCPD on universal design and ensuring that access to its work environment and all park facilities as well as future opportunities that will lead to the employment of persons with disabilities and for universal access to its public parks.

Creating employment for those with disabilities

SANParks signed a pledge and agreed to create accessible facilities for its guests and employees to be able to share in the SANParks experience. Furthermore, SANParks pledged to offer opportunities of employment to persons with disabilities at all levels in the organisation.

The partnership also includes an employment programme to appoint persons with disabilities in SANParks structures. According to the 2013/2014 14th Commission for Employment Equity (CEE) annual report, which is based on reports received from designated employers, only 0.9% (50,867 out of a total 5,593,326) of the country’s economically active people (EAP) are persons with disabilities.

“Unemployment is a great challenge and we believe there is a gap that can be filled. Persons with disabilities with qualifications are not being employed due to work environments that are not sensitised,” said Therina Wentzel, national director of NCPD.

Inclusion, access and economic empowerment

NCPD is an organisation dedicated to advocating and facilitating inclusion, access, and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities. The organisation also influences and contributes to government policies to assist implementing sensitisation programmes.

“Accessibility is still a massive challenge faced by persons with disabilities and it is the barrier to creating inclusive environments for all. There are still structures that are not wheelchair compatible that are meant for the public, let alone other types of disabilities,” said Wentzel.

Wentzel added that “7.5% of South Africans (excluding children aged four and younger) are identified as persons with disabilities. Though they are seen as a minority group, they have rights and should be acknowledged and considered and involved in environmental plans and legislations”.

Although SANParks is achieving its equity targets, it will be starting the developments from April 2017 with the hope of spreading the developments throughout the country.