Learners from special schools across the Johannesburg West D12 district were given a platform to showcase their abilities and talents at the inaugural Talent Without Limits Special Schools Festival.

The festival, hosted by the Johannesburg West Department of Education on Tuesday, September 22, was held at Laerskool Dr Havinga and brought together learners and educators for a day of sport, creativity and self-expression.

Rather than focusing on learners’ disabilities, the event placed the spotlight on what they can achieve, with participants competing and performing in activities ranging from soccer, netball, daisyball and bocce to dance, poetry, public speaking and arts and crafts.

Dr Mikateko Khosa, an educational specialist at Johannesburg West, said the festival was established in response to the need for learners with special needs to receive greater recognition and opportunities.

“Often learners with special needs are overlooked, and they are not given opportunities, and no one recognises their efforts. As a district, we therefore wanted to uplift and support them, change the narrative and make them see that they are valued,” said Dr Mikateko.

She said the event was also about creating opportunities for learners to build confidence and demonstrate their skills.

“We want to showcase their talents and make sure they exhibit their skills. We also have mainstream schools so that there is direct collaboration between the schools,” she said.

The involvement of mainstream schools formed part of the department’s broader effort to promote interaction and collaboration between learners from different educational settings.

Dr Mikateko said the department hopes the festival will become an annual platform where learners can continue to showcase their talents, with plans to eventually expand the initiative to other districts and the wider province.

She said the department’s vision extends beyond hosting an annual festival, with inclusion intended to become part of everyday life in schools and communities.

“The aim is to make inclusion a daily practice for everyone across Johannesburg West and the country.”