The North West Provincial Legislature hosted a debate on a motion sponsored by African National Congress (ANC) Deputy Chief Whip Karabo Magagane. The motion calls for curriculum adaptation to reflect diverse learning styles and address the needs of neurodivergent learners.
Deputy Chief Whip Magagane emphasized that the current education system fails neurodivergent learners, citing the example of a child with autism who might sit through an entire school day without anyone noticing their internal struggle. “We do not presume competence,” she said. “Too often, we only acknowledge neurodiversity when we can see it.”
To address this issue, Deputy Chief Whip Magagane proposed several interventions, including trained classroom assistants for neurodivergent learners at a 1:3 ratio, intensive teacher training in coding and technical programs, and skills-based certification that opens doors to work and higher education. She also stressed the importance of active partnerships with families to turn parents into advocates and collaborators in their children’s education.
ANC Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) Smuts Matshe supported Magagane’s motion, emphasizing the need to accept and support neurologically different individuals. He called for increased awareness and understanding of neurodiversity, particularly in rural communities, and for the government to provide more advanced and user-friendly school environments and learning programs.
MPL Matshe also emphasized the importance of empowering churches, traditional leaders, educators, and non-governmental organizations with the necessary training, funding, and resources to reduce stigma and support families. Universities and colleges should become centers of excellence in neurodiversity, providing specialized training to teachers and conducting context-specific research, he said.
The debate highlights the growing call for inclusive education that supports neurodivergent learners.
