MEC calls for infrastructure at special schools to be improved
It is important that the government create the best conditions for people with autism.
Kwa-Thema – The Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, emphasised the importance of government in creating the best conditions for people with autism so that they can make their own contribution to a future that is fair and sustainable for all.
Chiloane spoke on behalf of sister departments, namely education, health, and social development, on Sunday at World Autism Awareness Day at Phelang LSEN School in Kwa-Thema.
Observed annually on April 2, World Autism Awareness Day raises awareness about persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which affects social interaction, communication, behaviour, and sensory processing.
It is a developmental disorder caused by genetic and environmental factors, with symptoms that appear within the first three years of life.
Speaking to the attendees, who included parents, caregivers, and teachers, Chiloane said the government needs to improve the infrastructure and resources in special needs schools so that there is a balance in all of them.
“Infrastructure is a problem that needs urgent attention,” said Chiloane.
He added, “My predecessor, who is now the premier of Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi, always emphasised that learners with disabilities are not third-class citizens. It remains true, given the effort and the care which our teachers at our special schools teach our learners.
“The results of these efforts are witnessed through our learners. Despite their challenges, they can reach their potential and excel academically.”
Chiloane further spoke about the impact ASD has on families, stating that it can be extremely stressful to meet the complicated requirements of a person with autism.
“I am sure, as parents of children with autism, you understand how expensive occupational therapists are. Every parent wants the best possible relationship with their kids.
“Children with autism experience fear and frustration in social situations, but parents may help children acquire confidence, especially those on the high-functioning end of the spectrum,” said Chiloane.
“One of our successes is Olympia Park High School, which received a 100% pass rate in the 2022 academic year,” said Chiloane.
A supportive parent and mother of 17-year-old, non-speaking autistic advocate Zekwande Mathenjwa from Garsfontein in Pretoria, Irene Mathenjwa said Zekwande was diagnosed with autism at the age of two.
At the time of the diagnosis, they told her Zekwande would never be able to speak or do anything with his life, and as a parent, she went through the trauma of having to accept that kind of condition, which is very difficult.
“I just want to say to all the parents of children with autism that there is nothing wrong with having a child who is autistic.
“As my son always says, ‘Autism is a body and mind disconnection, but the brain, mind and intellect are very much intact, just their body is failing them’,” said Irene.
She added, “My journey has been a difficult one where, as a parent, you want to do everything to the best of your ability.
“You want to go around to find medication, therapists and so on. So, my journey has been a long and painful one where we did many things.
“We did hyperbaric oxygen therapy, applied behaviour analysis (ABA) therapy, and stem cell therapy with the view that we wanted to change him to be our typical normal.
“Zekwande was later introduced to a methodology where he speaks using a stencil tool. He types out words and constructs sentences.
“That is when we got to communicate with him and understand his emotions. The first thing he said to us was, ’Why do you want to change me to become like you because I’m happy the way I am?’
“That was when we accepted autism and Zekwande’s journey,” said Irene.
Zekwande has found his purpose in life and wants to reach out to the millions of autistic children, particularly those in rural areas where most children do not have access or the privilege he got on the journey of life.
Through his foundation, he does a lot of work, like counselling parents and community members so they can understand autism and experience how it is to live with autism.
Anyone willing to support Zekwande can reach him through his foundation, the Zekwande Foundation, on www.zekwandefoundation.co.za
