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Progress Report: Danish Economic Empowerment Project

Progress Report – Danish Economic

Empowerment Project

30 January 2009

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Table of Contents

Introduction ....................................................................................... 3 Activity 1: Economic development of 4 sheltered / protective workshops......................................................................................... 3

Dilokong Protective Workshop for the Disabled – Limpopo Province....................................................................................................... 3 Tembalethu Protective Workshop – Gugulethu, Western Cape...... 3 Johannesburg Council for the Disabled – Lenasia, Gauteng .......... 4 Dillo Disabled Cooperative – Qwa Qwa, Free State Province ........ 5

Activity 2: Develop a database of professionals with disabilities. ...... 6 Activity 3: Increase the capacity of the Disability Movement to place and support persons with disabilities. ................................................ 7

Incubator Business Learnerships with New Age Disability Integration Services........................................................................ 7 Empowering deaf youth for more effective entrance into the labour market ............................................................................................ 8 Persons with Disabilities in Media .................................................. 8

Expenditure....................................................................................... 9 Proposal for expenditure of remaining funds ................................... 11 Conclusion ...................................................................................... 13

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IInnttrroodduuccttiioonn This report briefly outlines the progress made in the Danish economic empowerment project from September 2008 to January 2009. A summary of expenditure is included, as well as a proposal for expenditure of remaining funds.

AAccttiivviittyy 11:: EEccoonnoommiicc ddeevveellooppmmeenntt ooff ffoouurr sshheelltteerreedd // pprrootteeccttiivvee wwoorrkksshhooppss Dilokong Protective Workshop for the Disabled – Limpopo Province

Progress continues to be made – although slowly – at Dilokong Protective Workshop. After the strength of the bore hole was determined, a bore hole pump has now been purchased from the raw material fund established as part of the Danish Economic Empowerment Project. The previous pump was stolen before the project commenced and all masures have now been taken to ensure the pump is properly secured. Currently the workshop is struggling to finalize the Eskom connection to provide electricity to the bore hole pump. The revised board and management continue

to function effectively and the paprika contract sourced on behalf of the workshop remains active. As soon as electricity is secured for the pump and a sustainable water source can be gauranteed, paprika planting will commence. The next and final stakeholder meeting has been scheduled for March 2009, at the Dilokong workshop. Tembalethu Protective Workshop – Gugulethu, Western Cape All training at Tembalethu Protective Workshop has been completed as per the agreement with the service provider – Cape Craft and Design Institute. Greater ownership and involvement of workshop members in product design, production and marketing has not only benefitted the morale of the workshop, but has increased revenue and sales. On 9th September the Tembaletu Workshop launched its revamped shop, with a whole range of newly-designed bags. The new bag designs are proving popular, and have started to sell well – especially to tourists.

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As part of the launch of the new shop, CCDI-staff visited the workshop to recognise the achievements of staff, trainers, and particularly the participants in the process. Reports don’t really do justice to the personal achievements and stories of commitment, and the enthusiasm and growth of the participants, some of whom were able to express their experiences and appreciation of the new knowledge, opportunity, and personal development and sense of integration. The adoption of a logo and development of appropriate branding and marketing materials will assist the Tembaletu workshop in creating a marketing identity. Swing tickets and sew-in labels with the logo and information have been developed and printed, within the budget. Work is ongoing on the website. Further product Development mentoring has been ongoing, and additional skills training has taken place to identify other potential products and techniques that are effective but save time. A site visit to the Kirstenbosh botanical gardens shop on 9 August was attended by 17 Tembalethu crafters and proved highly successful, as much was learned about effective marketing, pricing, display etc. Ongoing mentorship will take place until February 2009, under the Business Skills component. As part of the Business Skills Micro MBA training, various workshop members have also developed their own business ideas for supplementary businesses which will further increase revenue. Additional funds are required for the start-up of the business ventures identified by the group who have completed the MicroMBA course, totaling R30,000. Equipment which would streamline production procceses and create more ergonomic working environments has also been identified. There is a clear need for an ongoing relationship between the CCDI and Tembaletu Workshop in the future.

Johannesburg Council for the Disabled – Lenasia, Gauteng All training at JOCOD has been completed as per the agreement with the service provider. However, 10 more persons will be trained on the entrepreneurship programme and 15 micro entreprises has been established due to this training. 5 trainers were also trained to ensure sustainable training within JOCOD. Various positive connections with business partners were established for the various business units of JOCOD. This includes for the manufacture of seshoeshoe dresses, detergent sales, manufacture of wheelchair breaks etc. Seeds for indian vegetables which is not locally available was also sourced directly from India, and harvesting of these vegetables for the local indian community commenced in November.

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However, it is felt that more could have been achieved if JOCOD management communication chanels were more effective and follow up more immediate and productive. The lack of significant decision making and involvement of persons with disabilities in the management of the workshop continues to present a problem. Dillo Disabled Cooperative – Qwa Qwa, Free State Province

Training as agreed upon with the service provider will be completed by the March 2008. Currently training has taken place in bottle craft – producing glass articles from recycled bottles and the Micro MBA business course. The workshop has also been assisted to formalize their acounting systems and keep proper business records. Best practice business principles have been instilled and the workshop has

been assisted with proper pricing of products etc. The workshop has been introduced to various possible business partners – both from the private and public/government sector. Meetings with various departments from local government have revealed many sources of future development and future projects with the Department of tourism are being explored. This will involve moving the workshop to a currently abandoned school, and developing part of this school as a tourist guest house. Part of the school will also be developed as caring centre for chronically ill persons, as some of the workshop members have extensive nursing experience. There is excellent partnership between the workshop and the surounding community. During a site visit to Qwa Qwa an interview was arranged for the workshop manager on Qwa Qwa community radio to increase awareness of the activities of the workshop in the area. There is a great need for continued mentorship for at least another year with this project, who are showing excellent potential. (workshop members wash bottles before using Bottle Craft tecniques to turn them into usable glass ware.)

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AAccttiivviittyy 22:: DDeevveelloopp aa ddaattaabbaassee ooff pprrooffeessssiioonnaallss wwiitthh ddiissaabbiilliittiieess.. The Office on the Status of Disabled Persons (OSDP) in the Presidency, as part of the Danish funded economic empowerment project, has partnered with the online recruitment company – www.jobacccess.co.za, towards the economic empowerment of persons with disabilities. Outcomes of the partnership include creating a highly visible platform for employers to publicize positions specifically for persons with disabilities, as well as creating a database of job candidates with disabilities. Since September 2007, 1900 active candidates with disabilities have been registered on the system. During January so far 674 unique visitors visited the site, it received 82 779 hits and 52 posts were advertised for persons with disabilities. The database continues to grow steadily and buy in / commitment from private companies and Government continues to increase. Negotations with 9 National Government Departments are currently underway, including StatsSA, Department of Transport and Gauteng Shared Services. Currently 41 companies are registered users who advertise and recruit from the site. Jobaccess is currently working with major companies including Unisa, Mercedes Benz and Edcon. The OSDP continues to work towards raising greater awareness of the database among persons with disabilities and companies, and towards strengthening commitment within Government Departments. Jobaccess.co.za has been advertised by the director in the OSDP during live talks on various radio stations. Some of the “top jobs” advertised on jobaccess.co.za on 29 January 2009 include: PROFESSOR/ ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR Post Date: 25/01/2009 Hours: Full Time Job Location: Gauteng, South Africa Salary: Negotiable

Banking Learnership Post Date: 14/01/2009 Hours: Full Time Job Location: South Africa Salary: See details

Disabled Secretary: Sales and Marketing Post Date: 23/12/2008 Hours: Full Time Job Location: Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa Salary: R - Market Related

Disabled Graduate/Trainee (1 Yr Contract) Post Date: 22/12/2008

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Hours: Full Time Job Location: Gauteng, South Africa Salary: Market Related

Callcentre Operator Post Date: 09/12/2008 Hours: Full Time Job Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa Salary: R 4500.00

all types Post Date: 26/11/2008 Hours: Job Location: South Africa Salary: 5,000

Arrears Account Councilor Post Date: 25/11/2008 Hours: Full Time Job Location: South Africa Salary: R Neg

Call Centre Agent-Centurion Post Date: 10/11/2008 Hours: Full Time Job Location: Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa Salary:

International Computer Drivers Licence training Post Date: 07/11/2008 Hours: Part Time Job Location: Durban, Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa Salary:

People with Disability Post Date: 04/04/2008 Hours: Full Time Job Location: South Africa Salary: R00

AAccttiivviittyy 33:: IInnccrreeaassee tthhee ccaappaacciittyy ooff tthhee DDiissaabbiilliittyy MMoovveemmeenntt ttoo ppllaaccee aanndd ssuuppppoorrtt ppeerrssoonnss wwiitthh ddiissaabbiilliittiieess.. Incubator Business Learnerships with New Age Disability Integration Services Three learners were placed in the incubator business development project, which concluded at the end of September 2008. Through their work in NADIS (New Age Disability Integration Services) – a recruitment and selection company, an enormous amount of opportunities were created for many individuals from the Gauteng area. Overall, through their direct effort, 343 persons with disabilities were placed in employment, interships or learnerships. The learners also gained great experience working in this field and we are optimistic that they will be very successful in the recruitment industry.

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Of these three learners, Monde Chiya has established and is Director in Pro-diSAbled Foundation (Association incorporated under Section 21) from 01 October 2008. This non profit leg of NADIS will be run as his own endeavour. Donald Skosana has also been appointed as Administrator and Office support from same date. Thabi Mogangoa is remaining with NADiS (from 01October 2008) as a Recruitment & Selection Trainee Consultant and will be receiving 5% commission on future placements secured. NADiS & Pro-diSAbled Foundation will be sharing office space, network and cross market each others businesses, where possible. Empowering deaf youth for more effective entrance into the labour market The OSDP has prioritized the development of deaf youth of school going age with specific emphasis on increasing the employability of this target group. The OSDP envisaged promoting positive peer pressure in schools for the deaf, through leadership and interpersonal development. Other important outcomes also included a raised awareness of salient disability related issues and increased awareness of requirements and opportunities for employment / self employment and further study. The service provider which was appointed – the Deaf Federation of South Africa (DEAFSA), conducted a highly successful training and development camp between 23 – 27 September 2008. The camp was attended by 41 learners between grade 8 and 12. Upon completion of the camp learners had to submit projects which required them to enter the job market, do interviews with employers, do research on opportunities which are available etc. This project proved a valuable learning experience for all involved. A follow up meeting will be held with representatives from this group at the Union Buildings during March. During this meeting they will be addressed by a deaf official working for the Department of Communication (DOC) and various other persons considered experts on employment and self employment of persons with disabilities. Persons with Disabilities in Media East Coast Media is currently completing the narrative for the documentary which is being produced as part of the close out report of the Danish project, and it should be completed soon. As the second part of OSDP’s partnership with East Coast Media, no new developments can be reported. Negotiations are still underway for the long term

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partnership between OSDP and the Department of Labour, which will include training persons with disability in media, and setting up various micro media hubs. This intervention will greatly increase the development and sustainability of the four sheltered workshops involved in the Danish project.

EExxppeennddiittuurree

Funds Received from Danish Government

R 3,099,174

Total Funds committed up to date

R 2,509,417

Total Funds paid out up to date

R 1,896,945

Total Funds Remaining but committed

R 612,471

Total Funds Remaining and not committed

R 589,757

Currently in account

R 1,202,228

R 1,896,945R 612,471

R 589,757

Total Funds paid out up to date

Total Funds Remaining but committed

Total Funds Remaining and not committed

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Expenditure per Financial Year

R 0

R 200,000

R 400,000

R 600,000

R 800,000

R 1,000,000

R 1,200,000

Fin. Year

04/05

Fin. Year

05/06

Fin. Year

06/07

Fin. Year

07/08

Fin. Year

08/09

Financial Year

Ex

pe

nd

itu

re

Estimated Expenditure

Actual Expenditure

Expenditure (Funds spent / committed) as per Main Activity

R 818,366

R 311,500

R 100,000

R 100,000

R 1,179,551

Piloting of workshops into viable

micro business entities

increasing the capacity of the

disability movement to place and

support persons with disabilities

Develop a databse of persons with

disabilities

reproduction, printing and

distrubution of final report,

resources and documentary

Administration

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PPrrooppoossaall ffoorr eexxppeennddiittuurree ooff rreemmaaiinniinngg ffuunnddss It is estimated that approximately R 589 757 will remain unspent by the end of Financial year 2008/09, despite fulfilling the mandate as per the project plan. The OSDP would like to propose that these funds be spent towards ensuring effective closure of the Danish project and maximal sustainability. For this reason it is proposed that, in order to allow the current project manager to complete the final external audit, her contract be extended for two months. This is due to the fact that it would be impossible to conduct the final audit before the close of this financial year. It is proposed that the remainder of the funds be spent towards increasing sustainability. A more detailed expenditure plan for sustainability will be developed if this initial proposal is accepted. Please see table for more information:

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Proposal for spending of remainder of Funds Total available R 589,756.84

Item Reason Cost Implications

Salary: Extended contract - Project Manager (2 months)

To complete external audit after end of financial year 08/09 and ensure all funds are spent.

R 52,260.00

Administration cost of extra two months of contract.

R 2,996.84

Deaf Youth Meeting at Union Buildings

As follow up to deaf youth development camp.

R 4,000.00

Dilokong Protective Workshop

Funding towards sustainability (including continued mentoring and purchase of equipment and stock)

R 120,000.00

Dillo Disabled Cooperative

Funding towards sustainability (including continued mentoring, purchase of equipment and stock)

R 120,000.00

Tembalethu Protective Workshop

Funding towards sustainability (including purchase of equipment and stock, continued mentoring, small business start up grants for entrepreneurs trained as part of the Danish project, revamp of Tembalethu facilitites to increase attraction for tourists and working efficiency.

R 120,000.00

Qadraplegic Association of South Africa CV sourcing Project

Increase the capacity of the disability movement to place persons with disabilities through capacitating QASA to source quality CV’s of persons with disabilities for the jobaccess.co.za database.

R 30,500.00

External Audit

R 40,000.00

Contingency R 100,000.00

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CCoonncclluussiioonn The Danish Economic Empowerment Project continues to touch many lives - both directly and indirectly. Direct interventions have concluded in most cases and the OSDP is currently working towards ensuring sustainability and long term impact.

Persons impacted through Danish economic empowerment project

33

49

36024

1900

41

20 351

Dillokong Protective Workshop

Dillo Disabled Cooperative

Johannesburg Council for the

Disabled

Tembalethu Protective Workshop

Jobseekers database

Deaf Youth Development Camp

Trainees - IT

Internships

0

100

200

300

400

Persons

impacted

Dillokong

Protective

Workshop

Dillo Disabled

Cooperative

Johannesburg

Council for the

Disabled

Tembalethu

Protective

Workshop

Workshop

Persons impacted - Sheltered / Protective

Workshop transformation