According to Statistics South Africa (StatsSA), over 2.8 million people in South Africa live with disabilities. They experience high levels of unemployment, and often remain in low-status jobs, earning less than the average remuneration. Multiple barriers hinder the capacity of persons with disabilities to find employment and enjoy full and effective participation in the labour market on an equal basis with others.
These factors have been widely documented and include barriers to education, a dearth of reasonable accommodation, lack of accessibility to infrastructure and to information, limitations to their legal capacity, as well as attitudinal barriers from society. In addition, disability is often equated with an inability to work. These factors have in the past had a significant negative impact on the employment of the disabled.
For over 74 years, the Pietermaritzburg Mental Health Society (PMBMH) has created awareness around the rights of the mentally disabled. PMBMH is a non-government organisation providing services to persons living with mental disabilities. This includes social work, residential care, protected employment, mental health awareness and community development among many others.
Their vision as an organisation is to empower people to ensure optimum quality of life while their mission is to work with the community to achieve the highest possible level of mental health. This is done by:
• Enabling people to participate in the identification of
individual and community mental health needs and by
responding appropriately;
• Developing effective but affordable services to meet the
needs of people having difficulty coping with everyday
situations or who are affected by a mental disability such
as psychiatric illness, intellectual disability or emotional
disturbance;
• Creating public awareness of mental health issues;
• Striving for the recognition, promotion and protection of
mental health rights for all people;
• Aspiring towards a caring and equal service system with a
just and fair society; and
• Accepting the uniqueness of each individual and
recognising the potential of people. Its management is
responsive and based on participation, mutual trust and
respect.
Many people living with disabilities struggle to find employment, proper education and as a result find themselves
vulnerable and excluded. This violates their dignity and limits their ability to advance their livelihoods. HWSETA has partnered with PMBMH for a mental health awareness project. Learners with mental health disabilities have been placed with employers for on-the-job training in environments that can accommodate their disabilities for a period of 12 to 18 months. All selected learners received work skills training in preparation for the placement. The project is taking place in the uMgungundlovu and Msunduzi municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal. A total of nine different companies are hosting the trainees.
A breakdown of the funding allocated to PMB Mental Health for
projects by Health and Welfare SETA is:
|
Financial year: 2016/2017 First intake 4 trainees R 270 900 18 months 100% employment rate No dropouts |
Financial year: 2017/2018 Second intake 9 trainees R 609 525 18 months Targeted employment rate of 60%
|
Financial year: 2018/2019
Third intake 12 trainees R 692 700 12 months Start on 1 July 2019 |
An employment officer and social worker have been assigned to each learner, who is responsible for monitoring the learner’s progress in the workplace.
PMB Mental Health works towards defying the obstacles faced by persons with disabilities by giving them opportunities that will allow them to reach their full potential.
As the Health and Welfare SETA, we understand and support the inclusion of people living with disabilities. Too often people with mental disabilities are denied appropriate education and work opportunities and are socially sidelined, abused and exploited.
The organisation strives to help them to overcome the obstacles that deny them the opportunity to reach their full potential as well as to dispel the myths and stigma attached to these disabilities.
On 26 June 2019, the first induction workshop was held for the 12 trainees. The induction workshop focused on:
• Introducing the project to the host employers, trainees
and parents and explaining in great detail by means of
presentations what is expected of them
• Experiences of previous and current trainees with their
host employers, teaching trainees how to handle their
finances
• Health and safety aspects to be adhered to; and
• Understanding the contracts put in place to guide them
and ensure protocol is observed.
Attendees included trainees, their parents, host employers, social workers and the employment officer. The outcome of the induction workshop was a sound understanding of what to expect for the next 12 months as well as great anticipation and excitement.
41 Comments
Makgetla Phetlhu
3rd February 2021Good afternoon
I am someone living with mental disability and I will like to know what opptunities are their for me in teams of work related.
Wendy Tembe
5th February 2021Dear Makgetla
Kindly contact cape mental health centre on the following contact details for advise.
Email. info@cmh.org.za.
Phone. +27 (021) 447 9040
Trust you will find this note in order.
Thank you
Regards
Jarod
15th November 2024Good day hope you wall if possible to call me on 0743034835
Wendy Tembe
18th November 2024Dear Jarod
Thank you for the email, kindly note that this is an outdated post.
Trust you will find this note in order
Thank you
regards
Naipaul
12th February 2021Good afternoon
I have a 37-year-old son who is mentally handicapped but is intelligent.
He needs to be self-supportive as it is rather difficult for me to be able to fully support him.
Can you please advise further?
Wendy Tembe
15th February 2021Dear Naipaul
Kindly contact Cape Mental Health for advise.
Email:Ingrid@cmh.org.za
Trust you will find this note in order.
Thank you
Regards
Rose
17th October 2024Hi my name is Rose mphela I’m been living with biplor disorder I’m struggling to get a job
Wendy Tembe
30th October 2024Dear Rose
Thank you for the email, kindly note that HWSETA does not recruit, select or place beneficiaries of funded programmes. HWSETA administer partnerships through advertising funding on an annual basis to registered Employers and once approved for funding they advertise to recruits beneficiaries.
You may continuously search for adverts advertised by Employers.
All the best!!!
Trust you will find this note in order
Thank you
Regards
Anna
12th February 2021Gooday admin, I need assistance with getting a job as I have a mental health illness and its difficult to find one.
Wendy Tembe
15th February 2021Dear Anna
Kindly contact the cape mental health and check if they have any advise that they can assist you with.
Email address; Ingrid@cmh.org.za
Thank you
regards
Li-marié
11th April 2021Good evening.
I have severe mental illness and need help to find employment.
Can you please assist me in any way?
Kind Regards
Li-marié
Wendy Tembe
12th April 2021Dear Li-marie
Kindly contact an Organisation called, Cape Mental health for advise. Their website is http://www.cmh.org.za
Trust you will find this note in order.
Thank you
regards
Leah Masango
12th August 2024Evening
I need your help to get job I got the illness of mental health so please help me get the job
Yours Leah
Wendy Tembe
14th August 2024Dear Leah
Thank you for the email, Kindly note that HWSETA advertise vacant positions on the HWSETA website under vacancies Tab, further HWSETA does not recruit or place beneficiaries for funded programmes.
Trust you will find this note in order
Thank you
regards
Mrs M Manono
10th November 2021Hi , I am the Head of Department in a school for learners with severe mental handicap. They graduate at 18 years of age. Please help us guide them and channel them in terms of careers and employment opportunities. The School is in Durban
Thanks
0762296237
manonoamahleh@gmail.com
Wendy Tembe
11th November 2021Dear Mrs Manono
Kindly contact Cape Mental Health for advise they might have for you..use the contact details below or visit their website for the services they offer.
Cape Mental health
Phone. +27 (021) 447 9040.. Email. info@cmh.org.za
Trust you will find this note in order
Thank you
Regards
Pamodgal
21st August 2024Hi
I will like to ask does HWSETA company help people who use cratches to walk found jobs?
I so need permenet job.
Wendy Tembe
22nd August 2024Dear Pamodgal
Thank you for the inquiry, please note that HWSETA is not an Agency for employment placement. HWSETA an Organization that administer skills development through HWSETA registered Employers.
Kindly check opportunities when Employers advertise.
Trust you will find this note in order
Thank you
regards
Candice
10th February 2022Good day
Is this initiative still going?
Wendy Tembe
15th February 2022Dear Candice
Kindly verify with PMB Mental Health for advise.
Trust you will fin this note in order
Thank you
regards
Kal Wolfson
26th April 2022Hi, I have a baby sister named Jordana Wolfson who is 21 who’s got down syndrome.
Are there any employment opportunities in Johannesburg that can look into offering her a full/part-time paid employment plan?
Jordana has been volunteering at a local butchery 3 times per week for the past 3 years. Sadly due to financial strains brought on by the COVID-19 Lockdowns and restrictions the butchery that she has been volunteering at doesn’t have the financial capacity to offer her a paid internship either on a part-time or full-time basis.
Jordana really loves working with people and has debunked many preconceived perceptions about her disability and I’m sure the managers at the Butchery would be willing to furnish her with a very positive letter of recomendation.
Please can someone get back to us on possible employment programs and maybe even a social worker who can help her find employment, in a paid role as my parents are really struggling to support her as they live on a very tight and fixed income.
You can contact my mother Monica on 0722399813 if you have any further questions
Wendy Tembe
28th April 2022Dear Kal
Thank you for the inquiry, kindly note that HWSETA does not place or recruit beneficiaries or students on funded programmes. Instead kindly visit the Cape Mental health’s website for such information.
Trust you will find this note in order
Thank you
regards
Deborah
17th June 2022Good day I haves 28 year old son.
Who is intellectually challenged.
He is a very kind responsible young man of sober habits. I am just looking for a job general worker for him.
He works well understand supervision and is diligent he thrives on routine.
We live in Alberton Johannesburg.
Kind Regards
Deborah
Wendy Tembe
20th June 2022Dear Deborah
Kindly be informed that HWSETA advertise job opportunities on the HWSETA website.
Trust you will find this note in order
Thank you
Regards
candice pillay
23rd August 2022Im a 41 year old single mum living with Bullous Lung Disease,also have an underlying condition called AVN.
I seeking a work from home position,able to work international and local.
Please kindly advise
Wendy Tembe
26th August 2022Dear Candice
Thank you for the inquiry, kindly be informed that HWSETA is still evaluating the EOI application. Feedback will be provided in due course at this stage, we cannot confirm the date and please do not hesitate to follow-up with us.
Trust you will find this note in order
Thank you
regards
Angel palesa
26th May 2024Good day my name is Angle and i whent to a special school and i rgraduate 2022 i have been playing for a job and learnership but still nothing any general job available m here
Wendy Tembe
7th June 2024Dear Angel
Thank you for the email, please note that HWSETA advertise available vacancies on the HWSETA website under VACANCIES TAB.
Trust you will find this note in order
Thank you
regards
Katlego Choeu
12th December 2022Hi my cousin is mentally disabled, is there any jobs available in pretoria?
Wendy Tembe
31st January 2023Dear Katlego
Kindly be on a look-out when Employers advertise opportunities. HWSETA advertise vacancies on the HWSETA website under RECRUITMENT TAB.
Trust you will find this note in order
Thank you
regards
martin
5th June 2023Good Day Wendy,
I have a 25 old son who was diagnosed with schizophrenia about 4 years ago. He is on medication and is doing well. He is looking forward to doing a technical or artisan course, as he has grade 11, to keep himself busy and finally get a job, which ever one is easier to obtain first.
Please assist.
Kind Regards
Martin
Wendy Tembe
7th June 2023Dear Martin
Thank you for the enquiry,kindly note that it can be advisable that you look for public TVET colleges offering the programmes he would like to enroll for and enquire with them directly for more information. HWSETA does not recruit beneficiaries for any funded programmes. HWSETA administer funding / bursaries through public universities and public TVET Colleges.
Trust you will find this note in order
Thank you
regards
Mthokozisi
14th August 2024I’m looking for a job for next year
Wendy Tembe
16th August 2024Dear Mthokozisi
Thnak you for the inquiry, kindly note that HWSETA advertise on the website should the opportunities become available.
https://www.hwseta.org.za/vacancies/
Trust you will find this note in order
Thank you
Regards
Gerhard
23rd July 2023I am urgently in need of work. I have BD Type1 and i have 28years experience in the motor industry in management positions. Extremely creative, deadline driven, team player ext ext.. willing to relocate
Wendy Tembe
24th July 2023Dear Gerhard
Thank you for the inquiry, kindly note that HWSETA advertise job opportunities on the HWSETA website under RECRUITMENT TAB.
You are encouraged to visit the page on http://www.hwseta.org.za
Trust you will find this note in order
Thank you
regards
Isaac Radiokana
29th September 2024Please send me this document
Wendy Tembe
1st October 2024Dear Isaac
Please note that the article was written in 2019.
Trust you will find this note in order.
Thank you
Regards
Kamogelo Kgopo
31st December 2024My Cousin is Mentally disabled and Has a 1 year old Son.
How can I apply for her?
Wendy Tembe
23rd January 2025Dear Kamogelo
Thank you for the email, kindly note that HWSETA advertise vacancies under vacancies Tab on the HWSETA website. Kindly visit the HWSETA on a regular basis.
http://www.hwseta.org.za
Trust you will find this note in order
Thank you
Regards