A local clinic school takes a stance on autism
Randburg Clinic school teaches Makro Strubbens Valley employees about autism.
A recent autism outreach initiative at Makro Strubensvalley has been hailed as a meaningful step toward greater awareness and inclusivity in the workplace, equipping staff with essential knowledge to better understand and support individuals on the autism spectrum.
The event, led by a team from Randburg Clinic School, aimed to educate and empower Makro employees on autism. According to organizers, the goal was successfully achieved, with staff actively engaging in discussions and demonstrating a strong willingness to learn.
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According to Randburg Clinic school departmental head Portia Pilane, the session was specifically tailored for Makro staff. During the engagement, it emerged that at least two employees have children diagnosed with autism, adding a deeply personal dimension to the discussions.
“The outreach featured a lineup of experienced speakers, including Jeff Panter, Portia Pilane, Zaheer Ismail, Anita Molebatsi, and Mbali Kekana. The team covered critical topics such as understanding autism, distinguishing between meltdowns and tantrums, effective communication strategies, and practical tools aimed at helping staff respond with empathy and confidence” she said.
Despite the program’s success, time constraints posed a challenge. Organizers noted that the limited session duration restricted the depth of content that could be covered, though they expressed gratitude to Makro for prioritizing the initiative within a busy schedule.
The impact of the outreach extended beyond the session itself.
Looking ahead, the outreach team plans to expand the program to reach a broader audience. The school plans to host transport drivers’ workshop will take place in their premises on April 30.
“The aim is to further extend awareness into sectors that regularly interact with the public,” she concluded.
With continued efforts like these, the initiative is poised to deepen understanding and foster more inclusive environments across Johannesburg and beyond.
