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WHY I AM ME MATTERS TO THE FUTURE OF WORK

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By Modern Centric Holdings


Founder and Group Managing Director of Modern Centric Holdings, Zakhele Mgobhozi at the 2024 I AM ME conference

The world is constantly evolving, there are technological advances and economic shifts in industries daily, the core of sustainable growth remains rooted in diversity, inclusion and human dignity. The upcoming 2025 I AM ME summit, themed "Leave No One Behind", is more than just a set of events, it is a vital movement shaping the future landscape of employment, societal integration and social justice, values that organisations like Modern Centric Holdings,  are committed to championing.

I AM ME 2024

Recent statistics paint a disheartening picture of South Africa's labour market. The 2025 Quarterly Labour Force survey reveals a deeply stressed employment landscape, formal employment continues to decline, Youth disengagement is on the rise, and the long-term joblessness is becoming entrenched. Overall employment has fallen by 291 000, leaving 16.8 million people unemployed. Notably, the Labour Force itself has contracted by 54 000, indicating that more individuals are opting out or being pushed out of active participation altogether.


This crisis is even more profound when viewed through the lens of marginalized communities. The unemployment rate among Black South African Women stands at 38.6%, the highest across demographics, while White Men experience a comparatively low rate of 7.7%. For Persons with dis-Abilities, the challenges are well-documented and deeply rooted, ranging from inadequate education and skills to societal discrimination and inaccessible workplaces. The South African White Paper on dis-Ability emphasizes that attitudinal barriers, stigma and a lack of supportive mechanisms remain significant obstacles to employment for PWDs, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.

Co-founder and Managing Director of Modern Community Foundation, Revel Harris at the 2024 I AM ME conference


I AM ME seeks to confront these disparities head-on. By spotlighting the lived experiences of the LGBTQIAP+ community and Persons with dis-Abilities, it aims to foster dialogue, understanding, and systematic change. The 2024 conference, hosted at the Marriot Hotel in Melrose Arch, brought together change makers, allies and underrepresented voices under the theme "Leave No One Behind". It demonstrated that genuine inclusion requires more than surface-level diversity, it demands a committed effort to challenge stereotypes, and create workplaces and societies where everyone can thrive.


Modern Centric Holdings under the leadership of Zakhele Mgobhozi, a passionate advocate for social justice, has been a pioneer in integrating diversity and inclusion into business strategies. The company's initiatives focus on empowering marginalized individuals promoting supplier diversity and creating employment opportunities for Persons with dis-Abilities. The commitment exemplifies how organisations can be catalysts for change, making inclusion a part of their operational DNA. So why does I AM ME matter to the future of work?

CEO of Durban International Convention Centre, Lindiwe Rakharebe at the 2024 I AM ME conference

The I AM ME movement recognises that the future of work depends on embracing the full spectrum of human potential. When organisations actively include marginalized communities, they unlock a wealth of talent, innovation and perspectives that drive economic growth and societal resilience. The 2024 Labour Force data underscores the urgency, if South Africa's economy is to recover and thrive, it must harness the talents of those most often left behind, Persons with dis-Abilities, LBTQIAP+ individuals, Women and Youth.


By championing initiatives like the I AM ME movement, companies can help promote equitable access to workplaces, equitable policies and inclusive cultures that recognise the dignity of all. It challenges corporations, policymakers, and civil society to work collaboratively in inclusivity. Furthermore, it aligns with the broader goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Zakhele Mgobhozi and UNFPA Country Representative and Country Director for Botswana and Eswatini, Yu Yu at the 2024 I AM ME conference

The I AM ME summit in 2025 promises to be pivotal moment, a platform where voices are amplified, solutions are co-created, and commitments are solidified. It will remind us that the future of work is inclusive by design and that sustainable growth depends on our collective ability to embrace Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging and Sustainability.


Right now preparations for I AM ME 2025 summit have started and we invite you to join us-whether as an advocate, partner, ally, or participant, and let us always remember that the real strength of any society lies in its ability to Leave No One Behind.


Follow us on social media for announcements and speaker reveals, because at I AM ME you are not just invited, YOU BELONG!


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CENTRIC INSIGHTS

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