The University of Johannesburg (UJ)’s Centre for Neurodiversity hosted a landmark symposium on Thursday, 20 March 2025, to highlight neurodiversity and commemorate World Down Syndrome Awareness Day. The event also featured the ceremonial presentation of the 2025 Mpedi Family Scholarship for Neurodiversity Studies.

The symposium aimed to share research findings, promote best practices, foster community engagement, and strengthen support systems for neurodivergent individuals, including those with Down Syndrome.

UJ Vice-Chancellor, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, reflected on the significance of Down Syndrome Awareness Day, the evolving role of fathers in neurodiversity advocacy, and the critical research being conducted at the university.

“The Mpedi Family Scholarship provides resources that require the right partners to drive real change, and the Centre is that partner. Today, we celebrate the unique contributions and abilities of individuals with Down Syndrome. This day is a call to action for governments to improve support systems and recognise their unique needs.”

Prof Mpedi emphasised that inclusive education, strongly championed in South Africa, has the potential to transform the lives of those with Down Syndrome.

“Inclusive education is not just a moral imperative—it is a legal and ethical obligation. However, policies often fail in implementation. This is where we must step in, advocate, and drive meaningful change.”

He also highlighted research on the challenges faced by people with Down Syndrome, including health and social inequities. Studies show that while the condition has a higher birth prevalence in low- and middle-income countries, survival rates remain low due to delayed diagnosis and limited healthcare access. Shockingly, reports indicate that only a third of children born with Down Syndrome survive beyond the age of two.

As a father to a young son with Down Syndrome, Prof Mpedi stressed the urgency of policy implementation.

“It’s not just about access—it’s about access for success. Schools must be equipped with the necessary infrastructure and resources to make inclusion a reality. True inclusion means everyone has a seat at the table, and we have a duty to make this happen. Let us work together to build a world where every child, regardless of ability, can learn, grow, and contribute.”

Since its launch in 2024, the Mpedi Family Scholarship has been a catalyst for research that bridges academia with real-world impact. The inaugural cohort of scholars presented their research, which seeks to reshape educational frameworks for children with Down Syndrome. The second cohort, awarded this year, will further advance the understanding of neurodivergent experiences, focusing on inclusive policy design and innovative teaching methodologies. This aligns with UJ’s Strategic Plan 2035, which aims to foster global partnerships and drive sustainable social impact.

Professor Maximus Sefotho, Director of the Centre for Neurodiversity, reinforced UJ’s vision to entrench neurodiversity studies within the institution and position the university as a leader in this field.

The event featured thought-provoking insights from distinguished speakers:

• Professor Liesel Ebersöhn, Director of the Centre for the Study of Resilience at the University of Pretoria, explored ways to build resilience in neurodivergent youth.
• Mr Buzwe Mabuza, founder of Fathers of Children with Neurodiversity Tribe, shared personal narratives on parenthood and advocacy.
• Professor Franaaz Khan reflected on her journey as a mother to a child with autism.

A special tribute was paid to Dr Jean Fourie and Dr Liz Hooijer, whose decades of dedication to education and neurodiversity laid the foundation for the Centre. Dr Hooijer urged attendees to continue embracing neurodiversity, emphasising its value in enriching society.

UJ’s collaborations with institutions such as the University of California-Davis, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Centre for Autism Research in Africa, Gauteng Department of Education, and Randburg Clinic School reflect a shared commitment to translating research into practice. Initiatives such as the Autism Spectrum Disorder Programme and the upcoming Down Syndrome Skills for Employability Youth Training Programme exemplify this synergy, equipping neurodivergent individuals with skills for meaningful participation in the workforce.

As UJ celebrates its 20th anniversary, the symposium reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a truly inclusive society, where neurodivergent individuals are not just accommodated, but empowered to thrive.