College of Economic & Management Sciences

Unisa unlocks futures for learners with disabilities

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Unisa recently hosted a groundbreaking career expo for learners with disabilities at Sonitus School in East Lynne, Pretoria. Sonitus is a special needs school for hearing-impaired learners. The event brought together industry professionals, educators and learners under one roof to explore pathways to professional success.

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Dr Thuli Ngonyama-Ndou, Senior Lecturer in the Human Resource Management Department, addressing learners

Organised through Unisa’s flagship community engagement initiative, Asset Mapping: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty, the event was titled "Explore Your Options – Careers Showcase". It sought not only to inspire, but to equip learners with practical knowledge, mentorship and firsthand exposure to diverse career possibilities.

The initiative is spearheaded by Prof Ramodungoane Tabane and represents a collaboration between Unisa’s College of Education and the College of Economic and Management Sciences. The expo is a visible extension of Unisa’s commitment to social transformation and inclusive education. "This expo was not just about showcasing careers; it was about affirming the dreams of learners with disabilities and offering them a space where ambition and access go hand in hand," said Tabane.

Helen Moraka, Acting Academic Support Officer at Unisa’s Advocacy and Resource Centre for Students with Disabilities (ARCSWiD), spoke candidly about the importance of institutional support. As both a professional and a mother to a daughter with a hearing impairment, she reflected, "Education institutions are preparing learners with disabilities for the world of work, but the world of work is not always ready for them. Misconceptions still prevail."

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From left: Itumeleng Dube (Lecturer, Department of Public Administration and Management), Dr Thuli Ngonyama-Ndou (Senior Lecturer, Department of Human Resource Management), Thatiso Dube (CEO of GALXBOY), Cecilia Van Zyl (Senior Lecturer, Department of Economics) and Lorraine Nesongozhe (Lecturer, Department of Economics)

A lineup of inspiration

The event featured a diverse panel of professionals who shared their journeys, advice and encouragement:

  • Thatiso Dube, founder of the acclaimed streetwear brand GALXBOY, captivated the learners with his entrepreneurial story rooted in youth culture and local creativity. For many, it was a dream come true to meet the designer behind the brand they already loved.
  • Thendo Mudau, founder of tech company SoftElsie Solutions, encouraged learners to explore the power of artificial intelligence and software development. He emphasised the importance of using tools like ChatGPT not just for knowledge, but to create meaningful, original work.
  • Tebogo Pitso, Educational Officer at Ditsong National Museum of Natural History, offered a window into careers in heritage and science communication. She emphasised the many roles behind the scenes in museum operations and handed out museum vouchers to eager learners.
  • Joseph Komane, representing the Council for the Built Environment, highlighted STEM opportunities and the importance of maths and science education. He spoke about programmes that support learners from underserved communities to enter engineering and construction-related professions.
  • Thuli Ngonyama-Ndou, senior lecturer in Human Resource Management at Unisa, encouraged learners to seek out opportunities for practical experience and to align their passions with their educational choices. Her insights connected directly with the Life Orientation curriculum.

The structure of the event was informed by a pre-expo thematic study of learner expectations. The findings revealed three major needs: detailed career information, guidance on exploring personal interests and greater networking opportunities. These insights shaped the programme, ensuring it spoke directly to the learners’ goals.

By creating spaces where learners with disabilities are heard, seen and supported, Unisa is taking concrete steps to break cycles of poverty and marginalisation. The expo affirmed that access to opportunity is not a privilege, but a right.  

* By Sizile Makola, Senior Lecturer, Department of Business Management

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Publish date: 2025-05-22 00:00:00.0

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