President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the Education Lekgotla today in the east Rand (Birchwood), as concerns over access to education for children with special needs continue to grow in South Africa.

While there has been significant progress in ensuring uninhibited access to the constitutional right to basic education, challenges persist that require targeted interventions to ensure equitable access to basic education.

According to information provided by the Department of Basic Education from 2002 to 2023, the number of special schools increased from 295 to 499, a 69% increase.

EDUPLEX Training Institute, which was established in 2014, is a non-profit academic institution dedicated to enhancing educational practices through professional development.

One of their flagship initiatives focuses on equipping educators with practical strategies and innovative techniques to foster inclusive, effective learning environments for both hearing and visually impaired-learners.

Miss South Africa Mia Le Roux has embarked on an initiative to highlight the plight of children with hearing and visual challenges.

She says it is her civic duty to ensure that all children and learners have equal access to pursue their academic ambitions.

Le Roux says, “I want to share a message of gratitude to have a school like EDUPLEX. It’s beneficial because I had an opportunity to attend a school like this. I’m grateful that a special inclusive school like this exists. I think the message I want to share is that there could be a path to walk. Don’t be scared, be the first because you can do it.”

The Minister of Basic Education, Ms. Siviwe Gwarube, delivered her ministerial opening address at the 2025 Basic Education Lekgotla, emphasising the importance of partnerships within the education sector to ensure quality education for all learners. Minister Gwarube stated that… pic.twitter.com/2DMmt4ZSix

— Dep. Basic Education (@DBE_SA) February 27, 2025

Former President Nelson Mandela paid a visit to the EDUPLEX learning institution and successfully lobbied that the satellite institution be established in his hometown of Mthatha in the Eastern Cape.

For the teachers of Nelson Mandela Park Primary, the experience of engaging with children from disadvantaged backgrounds has been fulfilling.

“‘It’s very difficult to deal with learners with special needs. What’s needed is love and empathy and ensure you have resources to assist and uplift them. They have the devices that are assisting them,” says teacher Xoliswa Neti.

Another teacher Thobeka Sakwe says, “Teaching these learners is enjoyable because they are keen to learn. If they don’t understand they come to you. I also learn something to be patient with them.”

South Africa’s second lady Humile Mashatile expressed her appreciation to teachers who had dedicated their time and effort to support learners with special needs…

“‘Educators play a critical role in our education system. They provide the necessary support. Some of the children with disabilities also come from disadvantaged communities. So, educators play a critical role, and we need to appreciate it as a country and need to thank them for all the accomplishments they make to the country,” says Mashatile.

Head of the EDUPLEX training Institute Jannie De Goede described their collaboration with Mandela Park Primary in Umtata as a partnership that should be replicated across the country.

“The teachers are like brothers and sisters to me. I’ve adopted the school because they are willing to make a difference in education in South Africa. We need schools like this and enthusiastic teachers. They take this opportunity to make a difference in these children’s lives.”

VIDEO | Educating children with special needs: