The Commission’s Provincial Manager, Mpho Boikanyo, says this was discovered during the Provincial Commissioner Angie Makwetla’s visit to the province a few months ago. Boikanyo says there are a lack of special schools in the province and the few that do exist, make no provision for the learners with severe intellectual disability (SID).

Boikanyo adds that investigations are underway and they are currently in talks with the Provincial Department of Education.

She says they have discovered that, according to the assessments that are done prior to the admission of learners at special schools, if it is found that a learner is severely intellectually disabled, that learner will not be accepted at any special school in the province. Boikanyo explains that this is mainly because of the lack of specialised care that is required to meet the needs of such a learner.

These needs include ensuring proper infrastructure, accommodation, and well trained teachers, among others.

“Parents and guardians of these learners are told ‘unfortunately we cannot accept your child’. Our concerns at the SAHRC is then what happens to this learner? Where should this learner now go? Who must take care of these learners? What about this learner’s education, and his or her access to enjoyment of human rights?”

Boikanyo says the human rights of children should be protected at all times, and investigations are launched where there are reports of violations.

She says they are planning on conducting a hearing inclusive of all relevant government departments, NGO’s, parents, and other members of communities to find a solution to enable children who are severely intellectually disabled to have access to education.

She further appeals to communities to come to the table and report any cases of violation.

OFM News