How my allies at Vodacom changed my journey with disability

I am fortunate that my parents always believed that there is nothing I can't do when I put my mind to it. I have also been fortunate to be at Vodacom for 17 years, where I have colleagues who are truly my greatest cheerleaders and motivators - some of them I have known since I started working here. I have a work ‘family’ who, without me saying a word, will ensure I have drinking yoghurt or water ready since I battle at times to chew or swallow, and always have my back even on the days where my conditions impact my speech and I can't speak.

When I started on my journey with disability, I was not ready to ask for help. I am an independent person. But I’ve learned that this is something that we need to do. By asking for help, we are allowing another person to become an ally, realise what they are capable of doing, and contribute towards helping others in their communities. 

That’s why allyship is something I am passionate about. With it, we can drive change and remove barriers in and out of the workplace. People only know what they know - and if we share our stories, we are able to motivate others to step up and be an ally. 

Navigating a succession of health challenges 

My journey with disability started when I was born with a genetic heart condition, two years after my parents lost my older sisters within three days of birth to the same condition. The journey became a bit more challenging when I was diagnosed with endometriosis in my early twenties. Regular surgeries became part of my daily life. Fast forward to my mid-thirties and working at Vodacom, and I started battling with keeping my head up, lifting my arms, and a droopy eye. 

After almost six years of doctors visits, I was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, a rare autoimmune neuromuscular disease that affects all your voluntary muscles. I reached out to a senior colleague at Vodacom who has a disability to help mentor me through the process. This was a great way to learn how to navigate daily life with challenges. 

I had also just been seconded to the Tobi Chatbot team, which had just started, and I had the most amazing people leader who would stretch me to grow my capabilities, but also understood when I had a bad day. Both him and our ME at that time were truly amazing, acknowledging me and allowing me to navigate the challenges and ask for help when I needed. A while later I applied for a specialist position, and I then ended up taking care of Tobi’s Customer Experience team for about three years. 

A year after my Myasthenia Gravis diagnosis, another diagnosis followed of Rheumatoid Arthritis - another autoimmune disease. Eventually, I decided with some of my health challenges to take a step away from being a people leader. I missed it but it was best for the team since my various conditions call for numerous doctors appointments and I didn't want to leave the team waiting while I am at a doctor's visit. 

As both autoimmune diseases impact my mobility and cause a lot of anxiety, in 2022, I thought it was these symptoms that were causing me not to be able to hold cutlery - then, it turned out I’d had a stroke. So, I have a real lucky packet of challenges that impacts my daily life. However, I am still in the Tobi Chatbot team today as a specialist, and I currently look after reporting and keeping close track of our net promoter score. 

Disability Network

It is sometimes such a shock to receive a diagnosis that your world feels like it is falling around you. The Vodacom Disability Network is there to help you adapt to your new normal. I was lucky that in those early days of diagnosis, our first Disability Employee Network had just formed and it provided me with even more safety and support. 

The bravery of others motivated me to step up and work to further education and awareness around disability, be it visible or non-visible. The world of disability is continuously changing and education around these changes starts with us with disabilities. I am very passionate about educating people and ensuring it is in a way that ensures they understand, and allows for questions. One of the biggest challenges for us is that people are prone to dismiss us or think we are only capable of simple tasks. We need to drive brave and even awkward conversations to ensure we can help one another to be at our best. I want those who come after me to have less obstacles and more support. 

In my perfect world, we will have continuous training for people leaders to expand their frame of reference, and many leaders who step up not because it is a KPI, but because it is the right thing to do. Also, as Chairperson of the Disability Network, I would love to see Vodacom leading the way with regards to disability inclusion and becoming a market leader in this. 

I identify areas where we need to improve or re-look at existing ideas/processes because being a Top Employer for people with disabilities is our goal. Inclusion for all is part of our company’s strategy, and I think that every employee has a role to play.