For people with special needs, having a job gives them a key sense of purpose.
"I'm often asked why I did it. It just seemed like the right thing to do," says Julie Tobiansky, owner of Merrypak, a well-known packaging company in Cape Town. "We've become so fond of him. It's a blessing to have him working with us," says Karin Lottering, Shaheed's supervisor."Shaheed has great respect for others. He has never said anything bad to anybody."Image: Zakiyah EbrahimBecause Shaheed, 33, is so focused on completing his tasks, he often has to be reminded to take his lunch break. As the interview takes place, this becomes evident as Shaheed is eager to get back to work.
Eventually, Ruwaydah got in touch with Shainaaz Parker, an occupational therapist at Alexandra Hospital Outpatient Services, who got Shaheed a placement at Merrypak. "They're not distracted by other things: they're focused on the tasks they've been given. There are no grey areas with them, and that's why they're amazing workers. I would love for other businesses to consider people like them to join their workforce."12 years after a court ordered it, Eastern Cape govt plans to build special-needs school
People are afraid of people who are different. But there are good, kind-hearted and caring people who are written off because they're different, says Julie.
I already appointed 1 for my company as well 😇