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Disability Rights in the Workplace and Community in Free State

People with disabilities in Free State have the right to equality and reasonable accommodation in the workplace, access to public services, and social assistance through SASSA. Discrimination on the basis of disability is expressly prohibited by the Constitution and the Employment Equity Act.

The Law That Protects You

Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 — Section 9
Everyone has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law. Discrimination on the basis of disability is presumed to be unfair.
Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 — Section 6
Disability is a listed ground of unfair discrimination. Employers must reasonably accommodate employees with disabilities.

What To Do — Step by Step

  1. Request reasonable accommodation from your employer in writing. Reasonable accommodation means adjustments to your workspace, equipment, duties, or schedule to enable you to work.

  2. Apply for SASSA's Disability Grant if your disability is permanent and you cannot support yourself. You need a medical assessment confirming the disability.

  3. Report inaccessible public facilities to the municipality or provincial government. Failure to provide accessible facilities may violate the Promotion of Equality Act.

  4. Contact the CCMA or Equality Court if you face workplace discrimination based on your disability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as "reasonable accommodation" for disability in Free State?
Any change that allows the person to perform the essential functions of their job without causing unjustifiable hardship to the employer: modified hours, adapted equipment, different tasks, accessible workspace.
Can I be dismissed in Free State because of a disability?
Only if, after reasonable accommodation, you cannot perform the essential functions of the job. Even then, a fair incapacity process must be followed.
What is the SASSA Disability Grant and how do I apply in Free State?
It is a monthly grant for persons with a permanent disability that prevents them from working. Apply at your nearest SASSA office with a medical assessment, ID, and means test information.

Legal Resources in Free State

📋 CCMA: Bloemfontein CCMA (051 411 2700)

⚖️ Legal Aid SA: Legal Aid South Africa — Bloemfontein (051 411 8600)

🏛️ High Court: Free State Division of the High Court, Bloemfontein (051 492 4700)

🏢 Magistrates' Courts: Bloemfontein, Welkom, Phuthaditjhaba, Kroonstad, and other magistrates' courts

🏠 Rental Housing Tribunal: Free State Rental Housing Tribunal (051 403 3710)

The Free State has a large agricultural sector with significant ESTA farm worker rights issues, and Bloemfontein hosts the Supreme Court of Appeal — the highest court on non-constitutional matters.