By Lebone Rodah Mosima
Supported Employment Enterprises (SEE) took the spotlight during a joint oversight visit by Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala and Deputy Minister of Basic Education Makgabo Reginah Mhaule this week, as government looks to expand disability-inclusive procurement and job creation.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for the public service to raise its employment equity target for persons with disabilities to 7% by 2030, and for government and public entities to set a 7% preferential procurement target.
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The deputy ministers visited SEE’s Rand and Springfield factories in Johannesburg — a public entity under the Department of Employment and Labour — after conducting a back-to-school oversight visit at Elethu Themba Combined School in southern Johannesburg, where they handed over donations including 100 pairs of shoes and 30 trees.
At the factories, the department said the deputy ministers saw first-hand the work produced by persons with disabilities, as SEE positions itself as a capable supplier to the public sector.
SEE’s mandate is to create sustainable employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
It operates 13 factories across eight provinces and produces goods including office furniture, metal safes, school and household furniture, hospital linen, protective clothing and uniforms, embroidery, screen printing, upholstery, cupboards and bookbinding.
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Mhaule said the Department of Basic Education is considering using SEE as a supplier, particularly for school furniture. She said SEE, as an “arm for government”, needs support given its role in supporting the socio-economy and creating opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Mhaule said the outcome of the engagement would be taken forward with the development of a formal memorandum.
