How South Africa’s Special Needs Education is Transforming Lives

How South Africa’s Special Needs Education is Transforming Lives

Hailing from Mthatha in the Eastern Cape province, two young women who aced their Matric at Efata Special School share a story of resilience that reflects the larger changes taking place in South Africa’s special needs education system.

Phelokazi Ncobeni remembers clearly the day her life changed. “I recall a moment in 2022 when I started losing my sight,” she says softly, as she realised that her dreams of becoming a pilot were fading. Coming from a home where her mother worked as a domestic worker, the diagnosis of glaucoma felt like more than just a medical issue—it was a serious threat to her hopes of lifting her family out of poverty.

However, at Efata Special School, Phelokazi discovered a new path. Although she had to switch from science to a different curriculum, she dedicated herself to her studies with great determination. “You’d swear I was used to these subjects,” she says with a smile, “but I was just committed and obsessed with success.” Now, she is getting ready to study law at the University of the Free State, driven by a new dream: “To take care of my mom, build her a nice house, and live the life I always wanted.”

RELATED: SPECIAL NEEDS PUPIL OLEBOGENG BEAT THE ODDS TO EMERGE TOP OF HIS MATRIC CLASS

For Linamandla Jiya, Phelokazi’s schoolmate, the story shapes out differently. Because of her albinism, her journey through education has been marked by challenges, including threats during preliminary examinations.

However, even when facing personal tragedy (like losing her father during her June 2024 exams), she found strength in unexpected places.

Linamandla’s mom, Nomxolisi, became her pillar. But it was her blind high school teacher who opened her eyes to new possibilities.

“Ms. Makgolane’s approach to teaching, regardless of what people consider a disability, made me believe anything is possible,” says Linamandla. “Currently, I have an acceptance letter from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University to study Public Management, but I wish to become an educator to inspire others as I was inspired by Ms. Makgolane.”

These personal triumphs reflect a broader success story unfolding across South Africa’s special needs education sector. Recent Department of Basic Education data shows the national pass rate for Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSEN) reaching 89.1% in 2024, up from 86.6% the previous year. More significantly, 51.3% of these students achieved bachelor passes—opening doors to university education that once seemed firmly closed.

Behind these numbers lies a network of support that’s getting more formidable each year. The country’s 78 LSEN centres that follow the CAPS curriculum now serve more than 6,600 students, providing specialised help to 139 blind learners, 174 deaf students, and hundreds more with various learning needs.

From additional time allowances to technological aids, these centres are providing much-needed provisions and accommodations for learners with disabilities.

RELATED: TOP LEARNER FROM PINELANDS HIGH SCHOOL

“These aren’t just statistics,” emphasises Therina Wentzel, National Director of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD). “Each number represents a young person whose fundamental rights to education, to pursue their dreams, and to participate fully in society are being realised.”

The NCPD’s work goes beyond the classroom because they advocate for accessible infrastructure, employment equity, and social inclusion. Their efforts, through their fundraising platform, Casual Day, combined with the dedication of educators and support staff across the schools in South Africa, have helped create pathways to higher education and professional opportunities that were once out of reach for many learners with disabilities. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that every student has the support they need.

Across the provinces, the success stories keep growing. Gauteng is in the lead with a 95.7% pass rate. However, the Western Cape has also done well, with 63.3% of its LSEN learners qualifying for bachelor studies. These achievements are especially important because of the complex challenges these students face every day.

Figure 1. and Figure 2

 SOUTH AFRICAN LSEN COMPARATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS 2023 & 2024

Figure 2.

Reflecting on her journey, Phelokazi shares valuable advice for future students: “You cannot go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”

Linamandla brings her own message of hope as well: “Grade 12 isn’t just about passing exams—it’s about building a strong foundation for your future.”

As South Africa works to enhance its special needs education system, these voices remind us that each statistic represents a personal story of victory. The focus now shifts to expanding access, improving support systems, and keeping the high standards that allow students like Phelokazi and Linamandla to succeed.

RELATED: CLASS OF 2024 DELIVERS HIGHEST PASS RATE EVER!

Top achievers include learners from special needs schools

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Skip to content