“USS Pactech is committed to transformation and are actively contributing to the development of the community and the upliftment of vulnerable sectors within our society.”
The Association for the Physically Disabled – Greater Johannesburg (APD)
Focusing on persons with disabilities, USS Pactech is a financial supporter of the work undertaken by the APD.
The APD provides rehabilitative and palliative care to disadvantaged persons with disabilities living within the communities of Alexandra, the Johannesburg CBD, Soweto and Tembisa through its Social Work and Home Based Care programs.
As an example of their work, Mr. Thokozani Johannes Mthabela from Soweto owned his own electrical repair workshop. During a robbery at his premises Thokozani was seriously injured. Thokozani was sent home from hospital unable to walk or talk. After only six months’ assistance from APD Home Based Care workers, Thokozani was able to walk short distances with the aid of a walking stick and, although still receiving speech therapy, his speech was markedly improved.
Skills Development for Persons with Disabilities
USS Pactech currently sponsors six young persons with disabilities participating in learnership programs hosted by the APD.
Whilst studying an NQF level 3 qualification in Generic Management, the learners are actively engaged in running business ventures that support the APD.
One of those business ventures is Barrier Breakers Recruitment which specializes in the placement of persons with disabilities. Clayton Malan, a USS Pactech learner, who is himself visually impaired, leads a small team sourcing employment and skills development opportunities for persons with disabilities. Clayton and his team manage every aspect of the business that not only provides a service to persons with disabilities, but also raises much needed income for the APD.
Demisize Pty Ltd also supports the APD and provides business solutions to USS Pactech. In addition to skills development and the management of the USS Pactech Enterprise and Supplier Development funding, we also make use of the procurement services offered by Demisize.
Another USS Pactech learner, Nomfundo Zulu who is physically disabled, forms part of the Demisize procurement team that manages the administration involved.
We are exceptionally proud to be part of this program that not only provides additional education to our youth but prepares each and every learner in the program to be either employable or capable of running their own business.