Efforts by Nelson Mandela University staff to establish an inclusive learning environment for all students saw the institution scoop two accolades at the recent Eastern Cape Regional Disability Collaboration (ECRDC) awards.
The university’s universal accessibility and disability services unit received the promoting best practices award and the unit’s deputy director, Dr Nosiphiwo Delubom, walked away with an honorary award for disability advocacy.
The ECRDC workshop and awards ceremony, hosted by the Higher Education Disability Services Association SA, take place annually and are aimed at promoting disability inclusion in higher education institutions and recognising achievements and efforts made by these universities.
Delubom, who has been working at the university for seven years, said the unit had spearheaded significant changes around campus to accommodate students living with disabilities.
And for the first time a deaf student was admitted to study in 2025, with a sign language interpreter provided by the university.
“This award is important because now everyone will see we are flying the university’s flag high nationally and showing we support all students living with disabilities,” Delubom said.
“We want to make sure all students receive the support they need.
“We are not giving anyone an unfair advantage, we are just ensuring all students are on the same level, despite whatever disability they are living with.”
Her passion as an activist started in 1996 while she was a teacher.
“I was in my second year of teaching,” she said.
“I was teaching in the rural areas and observed children with disabilities being deprived of an education.
“A little blind child struck me because the child was sitting at home with no education and no way to learn skills.
“I suggested the child be sent to a special school, but the parents had no understanding of the matter.
“I put myself in that child’s shoes and of the many children living with similar conditions and knew I had to do something.
“I have been fighting this social injustice ever since.”
She said other institutions should be accommodating of students with disabilities.
“They need to take the initiative and make the necessary changes.
“Our university has ensured that student housing has wheelchair access and is accessible to blind students as well, it is possible.”
Wheelchair-bound Boitumelo Wesi is one such student.
Wesi was placed in a student residence not suitable for her needs until she met Delubom, who gave her a referral which changed her tertiary education journey.
“From the very beginning, Dr Delubom and the entire staff went above and beyond to ensure that I was comfortable and well-supported,” she said.
“Thanks to their efforts, I was relocated to a residence which is much more accommodating for my disability, which has greatly improved my quality of life.
“They also arranged accessible transport for me, which has made getting to medical appointments, classes, and other essential activities much easier and less stressful.
“I no longer feel I’m navigating everything alone.
“They have truly helped me and are still assisting in me finding my footing and feeling included”
The Herald
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.