EDUCATION FOR ALL: Nelson Mandela University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Muki Moeng, left, Faculty of Education Associate Professor Nokhanyo Mdzanga, centre, and Professor Heloise Sathorar, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, spoke at the launch of the University’s Autism Niche Area on 30 September
Professor Heloise Sathorar, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, said that the two short learning programmes on autism education announced at the launch were “only the start” of the new Autism Niche Area at the University.
“For us, education is not a privilege. It is a right for every child to be educated and this is an example of the work done in the faculty to ensure quality education for all,” said Prof Sathorar at the launch on Monday, September 30. “There is such a lot that can happen in this space.”
Dr Muki Moeng, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Learning and Teaching at Nelson Mandela University ,commended her ”resilient” colleague, Professor Nokhanyo Mdzanga, who has worked since 2011 to bring the Autism Niche Area to fruition.
“We are also excited that the Faculty of Education has been working with the provincial and national Departments of Education in making sure that this programme gets recognised,” said Dr Moeng.
South Africa has a dire shortage of special needs schools for autistic children and these schools often have discouragingly long waiting lists for placement. In addition, there are very few facilities in rural areas, and many children do not receive any formal education.
This adds to the urgency of equipping teachers in mainstream schools with the skills to identify – and help – autistic learners in the classroom.
Strong community support
Prof Mdzanga thanked the autism community in Gqeberha for rallying round to support the Faculty in developing the programme. She singled out former Quest School for Autistic Learners principal Joan Jorritsma, who chairs Autism Eastern Cape, as well as Quest teacher Lizahn Burger and Khosi Netnou, who founded the Umphanda Foundation for Autism.
“Parents, leaders of organisations who communicated with us over the years, and principals, teachers or schools who know children with autism were all invited to our first consultative stakeholders meeting,” she said.
Together with the University, they developed two SLPS, which will be offered in 2025. One course aims to help parents and teachers identify learners with autism, so that they can be referred for a professional diagnosis, followed up with appropriate early intervention and assistance. The other aims to help teachers in mainstream schools to teach autistic children in their classroom.
“The prevalence of autism diagnoses has been increasing worldwide, creating a growing demand for educators who are well-versed in autism-specific strategies. By launching this niche area, the faculty positions itself to meet this demand,” said Prof Mdzanga.
“The goal is for all of our teachers, both in service and pre-service, to learn how to support and teach learners with autism spectrum disorder, equipping them with the skills and strategies needed to create an inclusive and specialised learning environment.”
Poignant personal stories
The launch included poignant personal stories of the struggle for an education for autistic children.
DRAMATIC MOMENT: The play ‘Just Different, Not Less’ was presented at the launch of Nelson Mandela University’s Autism Niche Area
A powerful play, Just Different, Not Less, highlighted stereotypes and debunked myths. It featured a performance by JR Nkosi, an autistic self-taught pianist who inspired the story. The University’s Future Teacher Choir also performed.
Tears were shed as Prof Mdzanga shared her struggle for an education for her son. Now 17, he has never been to school as none would accept him – and she knows that many other parents face the same challenge.
“This niche area is for every parent who is not sleeping because they do not know where to go or what to do.
“It is dedicated to scholarship in learning, teaching, research, internationalisation and innovation within the field of autism. It aims to address challenges and opportunities associated with autism as well as enhance the support and development of individuals with autism.
“We were very much aware of the prevalence of children who were mostly at home due to our reality of not having enough schools for these children,” she said.
“We were also aware that faculties of education in South Africa did not fully prepare teachers to teach autistic children.
“I would question myself as to why am I waking up? Why am I going to the Faculty of Education and training teachers who cannot teach my own child?”
Autism in Africa
Moreover, the learning material available in other countries did not necessary reflect the reality in Africa.
“There are cultural nuances in an autism diagnosis in South Africa that we do not see in the Eurocentric literature,” said Prof Mdzanga.
The new Autism Niche Area therefore also would contribute to the global discourse on autism education through publications, conference presentations and international collaborations.
The goal also was to strengthen partnerships with local and national and international autism organisations, advocacy groups, and special education networks.
“We aim to influence educational policies related to special needs, education, and autism support. This includes advocating for more resources, better teacher training programmes, and inclusive practices in schools – and we are not going to back down,” she said.
Occupational therapist Leryke Kleynhans, who herself is autistic, spoke on behalf of the national body Autism South Africa, which has approved the SLPs.
“Continuous professional development for educators in the field of autism is vital,” she said. “It's crucial that educators embrace neurodiversity and recognise that every learner, regardless of their neurological makeup, deserves an education tailored to their needs.
“The access of autistic learners to education aligns with South African policies and global frameworks, such as the South African Schools Act and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, promoting the full participation of all pupils.”
However, many special needs children were denied this right: “today is not just the launch of a niche area, it is the beginning of a movement towards a more neurodiverse and accepting educational system,” said Kleynhans.
Although the University of Johannesburg has opened a neurological centre, and has its own school, Prof Mdzanga believes that Mandela University will be one of the first South African universities to offer autism education in such a focused way. The SLPs will be offered from 2025.
SPELLING IT OUT: Performers at the launch of Nelson Mandela University’s Autism Niche Area