Including persons with disabilities goes beyond accessibility.
On 1 April, Vodacom welcomes an intake of persons with disabilities candidates to the team as part of the group’s 2026 Early Careers Programmes, which include the group’s Discover Graduate Programme and Internship Programme. Inclusion goes beyond accessibility. While ramps are a good start, creating a truly inclusive culture and environment means committing to education and career opportunities that promote empowerment. These programmes demonstrate Vodacom’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for young people with disabilities.
What are Vodacom’s Early Careers Programmes?
Spurred on by a passion for youth development, Vodacom created the Early Careers Programmes to help give unemployed youth under the age of 26 a start in their careers. As part of the company’s commitment to inclusion, qualifying persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Applications opened in mid-2025 with a deadline of 31 August 2025. The successful candidates will soon begin their career journeys with Vodacom.
Vodacom 2026 Discover Graduate Programme
This is for graduates who completed at least an undergraduate or equivalent qualification in 2025 and have less than two years’ work experience. They join Vodacom as full-time employees with a salary and benefits, but will also receive mentorship, coaching and on-the-job training for two years. After the two years, there are opportunities to move into available positions within the organisation.
Vodacom Internship Programme 2026
This is a 12-month fixed-term contract for South African citizens with less than a year of post-study experience. It gives interns structured work experience and training while earning an income. It also acts as a pipeline to the Discover Graduate Programme and other employment opportunities at Vodacom.
Vodacom Empowers Persons With Disabilities
The persons with disabilities candidates who began their Early Careers Programmes with Vodacom this April enter a workplace where empowerment and inclusion are priorities and the focus is on creating a culture of belonging that goes far beyond compliance.
1. South African Sign Language Initiative
Vodacom recently became the first South African organisation to embed sign language into the workplace. Kicking off in January this year, in partnership with the National Institute for the Deaf (NID), the phased initiative will see South African Sign Language integrated into Vodacom’s digital platforms, employee training programmes and day-to-day operations.
The SASL font has been integrated in Microsoft 365 and the company’s Employee Engage app now contains a SASL dictionary. Hence employees can also complete a 12-module SASL course, developed in collaboration with NID and deaf educators.
2. Disability awareness training
By providing disability awareness training to all staff, Vodacom creates a culture where persons with disabilities are understood and included. Colleagues are empowered to recognise their needs, accommodate them and offer help without feeling awkward or unsure.
3. Disability Employee Forum
Vodacom’s Disability Employee Forum keep staff informed and educated through webinars, talks and expos. By hearing from persons with disabilities themselves, staff learn new perspectives and become more aware of including their colleagues who have specific needs.
4. Assistive Technology for Persons with Disabilities
Vodacom’s commitment to provide reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities includes assistive technology, such as screen readers for staff with visual impairments, standing desks for those unable to sit for long periods and hearing aid compatible devices, among others. Equipped with the necessary technology, staff with disabilities can work efficiently and contribute equally to their teams.
As the latest candidates for Vodacom’s Early Careers Programmes take up their positions, an inclusive future awaits.
