ATTENTION: NEWS EDITORS & EDUCATION JOURNALISTS
Media Advisory
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, 19 March 2025
This Thursday, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) will shine a light on neurodiversity with a symposium to commemorate World Down Syndrome Awareness Day. The event, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof Letlhokwa Mpedi, will see the ceremonial presentation of the 2025 Mpedi Family Scholarships for Neurodiversity Studies.
The symposium will focus on the extraordinary potential of neurodivergent communities and the scholars dedicated to amplifying their voices.
Since its launch in 2024, the Mpedi Family Scholarship has catalysed research that bridges academic rigour with real-world impact. This year, UJ celebrates the inaugural cohort of scholars, whose research work will help reshape educational frameworks for children with Down Syndrome. Among them is Mohamed Mosala, whose study on transitioning learners from home to school earned a distinction, and Aaliyah Hannamon, whose research on teaching mathematics in inclusive classrooms offers tangible strategies for educators.
The event will also award the second cohort of Mpedi scholars, whose forthcoming studies aim to deepen societal understanding of neurodivergent experiences. Their research will explore themes ranging from inclusive policy design to innovative teaching methodologies, aligning with UJ’s Strategic Plan 2035 to drive global partnerships and sustainable social impact.
“These scholars are not just researchers but they are advocates, collaborators, and storytellers,” says Prof Mpedi, reflecting on the scholarship’s mission. “Their work reminds us that understanding neurodiversity starts with listening to those who live it daily.”
The symposium will feature insights from thought leaders:
Keynote speaker Prof Liesel Ebersöhn, Director of the Centre for the Study of Resilience at the University of Pretoria, will discuss fostering resilience in neurodivergent youth.
Mr Buzwe Mabuza of the Fathers of Children with Neurodiversity Tribe will share personal narratives on redefining parenthood and advocacy.
The event will also pay tribute to Dr Jean Veronica Fourie and Dr Liz Hooijer, whose decades of work in neurodiversity laid the foundation for UJ’s Centre for Neurodiversity.
“Their dedication has turned classrooms into spaces of possibility,” says Prof Maximus Sefotho, the Centre’s coordinator.
UJ’s partnerships with institutions like the University of California-Davis and the Gauteng Department of Education highlight a shared vision that creates pathways from research to practice. Initiatives such as the Autism Spectrum Disorder and Down Syndrome Skills for Employability Youth Training Programme exemplify this synergy, preparing neurodivergent individuals for meaningful participation in the workforce.
As UJ marks its 20th anniversary, the event reinforces its commitment to neuro-inclusion for transformative change.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, 20 March 2025
Time: 9h00 – 14h00
Venue: Kopanong Hall, UJ Soweto Campus
Virtual Attendance: https://url-shortener.me/I0A
Members of the media are invited to attend.
Ends.
Note to the journalists: The General Assembly of the United Nations has observed 21 March as World Down Syndrome Awareness Day since 2012.
Media Enquiries
Mpiletso Motumi
Media Liaison
011 559 6463
082 052 7800
