Independence Through Integrated Support: How Casual Day Creates Pathways to Professional Success in Free State

When transport, housing, and employment align, extraordinary professional achievements become the norm rather than the exception

True independence isn’t achieved in isolation—it flourishes when the right support systems create pathways to success. Across South Africa’s Free State, residents at the Jean Webber Home in Bloemfontein demonstrate how dedicated transport services, meaningful employment opportunities, and supportive living environments combine to shatter misconceptions about disability and workplace inclusion.

The Foundation: Transport as Freedom

Every morning, APD Free State‘s accessible vehicle for wheelchair users navigates Bloemfontein’s streets, driving employees like Tebogo Rateleki and Bettina Nxozana from Jean Webber APD Free State Home. This isn’t merely transport—it’s the cornerstone of professional independence.

“Transportation isn’t an issue for Bettina, as she receives pick-up and drop-off service to and from work from APD Free State,” explains Rita-Lize Coetsee, HR Manager at Symington De Kok Attorneys. “Without reliable, accessible transport, her exceptional work ethic and problem-solving abilities would remain hidden talents rather than workplace assets.”

This door-to-door service, funded through Casual Day donations as well as fractions of the rentals paid by residents, removes the single biggest barrier to employment participation. By systematically addressing mobility challenges, employees can concentrate fully on professional excellence instead of daily logistics.

Professional Excellence in Action

At Pretorius Neurology within Mediclinic Bloemfontein, Tebogo has transformed from a document runner to managing the practice’s entire digital filing system. His supervisor, Sister Sarah Nel, emphasises his reliability: “He’s extremely punctual, friendly, and loved by everyone in the hospital. Even during holidays, he prioritises work, taking his laptop home to complete pending tasks.”

This dedication stems partly from the security that integrated support provides. Living at Jean Webber APD Free State home while maintaining professional responsibilities, Tebogo exemplifies how supportive accommodations enable career advancement. The workplace features adjustable tables and wheelchair-friendly spaces, but crucially, employers recognise that these simple adaptations unlock extraordinary potential rather than create burdens.

Meanwhile, Bettina navigates her law firm’s corridors with practised efficiency, managing stationery orders and sorting mail. Coetsee praises her unwavering reliability: “She’s absolutely a brilliant person to work with… She never presents any issues to us. She’s here every day… She does her work very properly.”

Independence Through Community Living

The Jean Webber Home at APD Free State provides more than accommodation—it creates a supportive community where residents like Tebogo and Bettina develop life skills alongside professional careers. This model of supporting independence enables individuals to maintain personal autonomy while accessing necessary assistance.

Natus van Niekerk, who has managed the reception area at APD Free State for over a decade, embodies this balance perfectly. Despite early medical predictions that he would never walk or talk, he greets visitors with infectious enthusiasm while handling switchboard duties and computer work. His philosophy captures the essence of supported independence: “I have always viewed challenges, not as stumbling blocks, but as stepping stones to overcome the restraints of my disability.”

Creative Professional Pathways

Khwezi Duma, a resident of the Jean Webber Home, APD Free State, illustrates how support systems enable diverse career paths. Operating as DJ Kloop98 from his improvised recording home studio, he creates Amapiano beats using just his right toe to control equipment. Born with athetoid cerebral palsy, Khwezi discovered that “hip-hop music” in the 90s helped him confront the anger of his disability.

Khwezi studied web and graphic design at Intec College after attending Vista Nova School, combining his love for technology with his passion for music. Today, he specialises in Amapiano music, and he has even won the Best DJ Award for his talents. What makes Khwezi truly special is how he uses his skills to help others. When he lived in Aliwal North, he taught computer skills and music production to disadvantaged young people. Some of his students have gone on to become artists and start their companies.

As he says, “Give persons with disabilities a fair chance to prove that they are worth something. We also have our own dreams and aspirations.” Now residing at the Jean Webber APD Free State with his fiancée, Nomvula Monyaki, Khwezi stays busy making music and running a small business selling snacks outside the APD Free State offices. His work can be found on YouTube and Spotify under DJ Kloop98, where he shares his unique musical creations with the world.

Investment in Professional Development

These success stories reflect long-term approaches to capability development. In 2021, Bettina’s workplace sponsored her Project Management certification—a testament to employer confidence in her professional future. This investment in skills advancement illustrates how inclusive employment becomes mutually beneficial when organisations recognise talent beyond traditional perceptions.

Similarly, Tebogo’s progression from runner to administrative professional wasn’t accidental. The ecosystem provides ongoing employment support, skills development, and workplace advocacy that ensures employees don’t merely survive—they thrive and advance professionally.

The Casual Day Connection: Systematic Change

These individual achievements represent systematic change partly enabled through South Africa’s largest corporate social responsibility initiative. Casual Day donations create the infrastructure that makes independence possible: accessible transport fleets, supported accommodation facilities, skills development programmes, and employer partnership initiatives.

This comprehensive approach addresses the reality that independence requires multiple support pillars working in harmony. When transport, housing, employment support, and skills development align, individuals can focus on professional excellence rather than daily survival.

Transforming Workplace Culture

Employers consistently emphasise these professionals’ reliability, skill, and dedication rather than their accommodation needs. Sister Sarah Nel reflects this cultural shift: “If Tebogo were to leave, we would cry, especially me. He’s a huge asset to the practice. He has never used his disability as an excuse—he always makes a plan.”

This transformation—from viewing disability as limitation to recognising diverse talent—benefits entire workplace cultures, creating more innovative, compassionate, and productive environments for all employees.

Support Independence Through Casual Day

This September, support the infrastructure that creates genuine independence. Visit casualday.co.za to register your organisation, buy stickers and merchandise or make a direct donation. Every contribution funds transportation services, accommodation support, and employment programs that transform potential into professional excellence.