🎉 A Groundbreaking Event at UJ Soweto Campus
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) made history on March 28, 2026, by hosting South Africa's first-ever Neurodiversity Career Fair at Imbizo Hall on its Soweto Campus. This asset-based event, organized by the Centre for Neurodiversity in the Faculty of Education, drew over 1,000 attendees, including neurodivergent individuals, educators, parents, employers, and community leaders. Rather than focusing on limitations, the fair celebrated the unique strengths and talents of neurodivergent people—those whose brains function differently from what is considered 'typical,' such as individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, or Down Syndrome.
Supported by key partners like the Paul and Humile Mashatile Foundation, the Gauteng Department of Education, and the Fathers of Children with Neurodiversity organization, the day featured vibrant showcases, live performances, and meaningful networking. It marked a pivotal step toward reimagining career pathways in a way that honors neurodiversity as an advantage, aligning with UJ's commitment to inclusive education and societal transformation.
Showcasing Talents: From STEM to Entrepreneurship
At the heart of the fair were displays from 22 schools, special skills centers, mainstream institutions, and full-service schools across Gauteng districts. Participants presented an array of impressive projects, including STEM innovations, robotics prototypes, woodworking crafts, needlework, visual arts, handcrafted products, and entrepreneurial ventures. Live performances in music, poetry, fashion, and dance added energy, while a panel of judges recognized excellence in various categories.
Over 13 schools and centers were highlighted post-event, emphasizing practical skills and creativity. This approach shifted the narrative from accommodation to celebration, demonstrating how neurodivergent learners excel in areas like pattern recognition, innovative problem-solving, and hyper-focus—traits highly valued in modern industries such as technology and design.
- Robotics and STEM projects that rivaled professional prototypes
- Artistic handcrafts blending tradition with contemporary flair
- Entrepreneurial pitches ready for real-world scaling
The event connected exhibitors with 25 NGOs, NPOs, corporates, health professionals, and academic institutions from South Africa and abroad, including Sol Plaatje University, University of South Africa (Unisa), University of Pretoria (UP), University of Limpopo, Michigan State University, Liverpool John Moores University, University of Warwick, and the Career Industry Council of Australia.
The Mpedi Family Scholarships: Fueling Research on Neurodiversity
A major highlight was the announcement of the 2026 Mpedi Family Scholarships for Neurodiversity Studies by UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi. Five recipients were awarded R50,000 each in once-off funding to pursue full-time Research Master's degrees in Education, specifically focusing on neurodevelopmental learning needs of children and youth.
Eligibility requires a minimum 65% average in prior qualifications, full-time registration at UJ, and a research proposal aligned with neurodiversity themes. Applications closed on February 27, 2026, selected based on merit to build a pipeline of experts advancing inclusive practices. For full details, visit the scholarship guidelines.
Prof Mpedi's Vision: From Personal Experience to Systemic Change
Prof Mpedi, speaking as both a leader and father to a son with Down Syndrome, shared a deeply personal message: "Neurodiversity is not a challenge to be managed, but an advantage to be celebrated." He emphasized shattering glass ceilings, committing his family's resources to scholarships that empower underrepresented voices. "We are building a new world... with you," he told neurodivergent attendees.
This initiative builds on UJ's inclusive ethos, addressing South Africa's estimated 630,000 autistic learners alone, many facing barriers due to under-resourced support systems.
Photo by Peter Burdon on Unsplash
Voices from the Frontlines: Recipients and Organizers Speak
Prof Maximus Sefotho, Director of the Centre for Neurodiversity, described the fair as a "path of hope" rooted in Botho (Ubuntu), disrupting traditional career models for neuro-inclusive ecosystems. Recipient Welma Platten-Steyn, researching teacher strategies for ASD, aims to equip educators nationwide. Maria Mokoena focuses on teacher resilience supporting autistic children, inspired by family experiences.
These perspectives underscore the event's impact: fostering respect, inclusion, and practical solutions.
The Centre for Neurodiversity: UJ's Beacon of Support
Launched in 2022, the Centre facilitates teacher training, psychological assessments, therapeutic interventions, family support, and community advocacy. Past projects include World Down Syndrome Awareness events, international collaborations like with the Catholic University of Colombia, and career assessments with Girls Unlimited NGO. Funds raised at the fair will support a Mobile Educational and Therapeutic Services Bus for underserved areas across South Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Learn more at the Centre's page.
Navigating Challenges: Neurodivergence in South African Higher Education
South Africa's Education White Paper 6 (2001) mandates inclusive education, yet implementation lags. Teachers often lack ASD/ADHD knowledge, leading to inadequate strategies. Nationally, special schools concentrate in Gauteng (34.8%) and Western Cape (17.4%). Neurodivergent unemployment mirrors global trends—around 80% for autistics—exacerbated by SA's 32% youth joblessness and hiring biases.
| Province | % Special Schools |
|---|---|
| Gauteng | 34.8% |
| Western Cape | 17.4% |
| KwaZulu-Natal | ~15% |
HEDSA advocates for disability services in HEIs, but neurodiversity-specific programs are emerging, with UJ leading.
Bridging School-to-Work: Employment Pathways for Neurodivergents
The fair targeted transitions from school to higher ed or jobs, highlighting neurodivergents' strengths in innovation. Corporates and unis networked for internships, while psychosocial support addressed barriers like sensory overload. Similar efforts at Nelson Mandela University focus on ASD transitions, signaling a national shift.
Photo by Daria Nepriakhina 🇺🇦 on Unsplash
- Asset-based hiring: Focus on hyper-focus, creativity
- Flexible workplaces: Remote options, quiet zones
- Mentorship programs: Peer support networks
First Cohort Success: Real Impact from Scholarships
The inaugural 2024-2025 recipients graduated in July 2025, producing theses on Down Syndrome transitions and parental experiences. Mohammed Mosala earned the Chancellor's Medal, publishing with UJ and contributing to Columbia University. Their work informs policy, proving scholarships yield high-impact, African-led research.
Future Horizons: Sustaining Momentum in SA HE
UJ plans annual fairs, bus rollout, and expanded scholarships. Nationally, calls grow for policy recognizing neurodiversity explicitly, teacher upskilling, and employer incentives. Events trended on X, amplifying calls for inclusive hiring. Check UJ's full recap at their news site.
This initiative positions UJ—and SA higher ed—as pioneers, fostering a society where every mind thrives.