Bhisho promises to boost special needs

MORE government special needs schools, access to psychometric testing and having pupils with mild intellectual disabilities allowed in mainstream schools are some of the priorities the ANC in the province will have to address as part of its bold plan to improve special needs education.

After the party's two-day provincial lekgotla at the weekend, the ANC has tasked Education MEC Mandla Makupula with the responsibility, which may include building more special needs schools.

Organisations have cautiously welcomed the move, saying it is long overdue and may require a complete overhaul of the Learner with Special Education Needs (LSEN) Directorate.

Makupula and the directorate would have to identify the exact needs of pupils with learning disabilities and devise a plan to deal with the challenges involved. - Zandile Mbabela