An examination of the employment equity code of good practice on the employment of persons living with disabilities at the University of Limpopo, South Africa

Abstract

The Employment Equity Act No. 55 of 1998 is a piece of legislation designed to promote equity and eliminate unfair discrimination in the workplace, ensuring that all employees have equal opportunities. Building on this foundation, the Employment Equity Code of Good Practice provides guidelines for implementing the Act, particularly in relation to the employment of persons living with disabilities. The Code outlines best practices for employers to promote inclusive workplaces, accommodate employees with disabilities, and eliminate barriers to employment. In the context of the University of Limpopo, this study seeks to examine the implementation of the Employment Equity Code of Good Practice, exploring the extent to which the institution adheres to these guidelines and identifying opportunities for improvement in promoting the employment of persons living with disabilities. The aim of this study was to examine the Employment Equity Code of Good Practice in relation to the employment of persons living with disabilities at the University of Limpopo in order to recommend measures to be applied in the implementation and consequently the employment of persons living with disabilities. The study adopted a qualitative research method and a descriptive research design to collect and analyse data. The participants were Reakgona Disability Centre (RDC) employed students, and University of Limpopo Human Resources (HR) section, who were selected purposively, as well as some employees living with disabilities at the University who were selected randomly. The findings revealed that the University of Limpopo has mixed results in implementing the Employment Equity Code of Good Practice for employees living with disabilities. Some of the challenges that emerged include lack of awareness, inadequate training, and inaccessible infrastructure. The study recommends measures to improve awareness, training, and implementation, including disability awareness training, reasonable accommodation, and inclusive practices to create a supportive work environment. Additionally, the University must prioritize improving physical accessibility, promoting inclusive practices, and providing tailored support services to support employees living with disabilities.