THE South African National Association for Special Education (Sanase) held a special awards ceremony at Khulangolwazi Special School on February 12 to celebrate the special needs learners who were apart of the class of 2025.

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The event put the spotlight on the strength, resolve and academic success of learners with special needs who took the same National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams as other senior learners across the country.

Dr. Khetha Khumalo, the deputy chairperson of Sanase, said they thought it was vital to acknowledge these learners’ accomplishments as they are commonly forgotten.

“These learners despite adversity have reached the highest level of achievement. There is no guarantee that they would get placement at tertiary institutions, but to write the same NSC as all other matriculants is an amazing achievement, and it is us who need to be the champions and voice of the voiceless,” said Dr. Khumalo.

Sadtha Naidoo, the deputy chief education specialist for KZN and member of the inclusive education directorate, said that acknowledging these learners conveys a strong message to other learners with disabilities. He believes that it shows them that they can achieve amazing goals despite difficult circumstances. Naidoo said that even if learners learn at a different speed, what they achieve is still important.

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“We also want to recognise that KZN got first, second and third position in the entire country for South African sign language, which is a subject on its own. Besides that, all special schools achieved above 80%,” said Naidoo.

Naidoo explained that the Department of Education gives accommodation so that learners have the aid they require, including things like extra time during examinations. He added he is happy to recognise these learners and believes that they can achieve things and be part of society.

Top performing learners

The award for top performing learner in the country went to Shezi Thobani from KwaThintwa School for the Deaf, Cato Ridge. Ngidi Amahle from St Martin De Porres School, Port Shepstone was second and Nonduduzo Mkhize from Fulton School for the Deaf, Gillits, was third.

The ceremony was a joyous celebration of all the learners and staff’s hard work. It was also to recognise that these learners are changing what it means to achieve in an inclusive education system.

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