Campus Rector calls on students to become inclusivity ambassadors

Students were challenged to become ambassadors of inclusivity during the Ga-Rankuwa leg of TUT's 2026 Disability Awareness Campaign. Hosted by the Disability Unit in collaboration with Transformation, Employment Equity and Diversity (TEED), the event celebrated progress in disability inclusion while encouraging students and staff to help create an environment where everyone can access information, participate fully in campus life and pursue their goals with confidence.

Dr Elikanah Lumadi, Ga-Rankuwa Campus Rector, welcomes guests and students to the Ga-Rankuwa Disability Awareness Campaign. According to Dr Elikanah Lumadi, Ga-Rankuwa Campus Rector, disability inclusion is not just a campaign or the responsibility of one office. It is a core institutional value that should shape teaching, services, facilities, activities and daily interactions across the University.

In his welcome message to guests and students at the Ga-Rankuwa leg of the 2026 Disability Awareness Campaign, Dr Lumadi said a truly inclusive university is one where students with disabilities can access information, participate in lectures, use facilities, take part in student activities, assume leadership roles and pursue their dreams with confidence.

“This can only be done if they receive support from the University and their fellow students,” he said.

Calling inclusivity a shared responsibility, Dr Lumadi said university culture is shaped not only by policies but also by how students treat one another. He called on all students to become ambassadors of inclusivity and to move from mere awareness to action.

The event featured several guest speakers who highlighted the importance of inclusivity and universal access for people living with disabilities across all campuses.

Before his presentation, Dylan Mashele from the National Council for People with Disabilities congratulated TUT for selling more Casual Day stickers than any other university last year. He encouraged students with disabilities to engage with the University and communicate their needs so that appropriate support can be provided.

“Because no two students with disabilities will require the same assistance, it is very important for students with disabilities to disclose their disabilities with relevant departments in order to get the necessary assistance during registration at the University,” he said.

Nthabiseng Mohubedu, TUT student, shared her experience after a life-changing accident while studying and explained how the Directorate of Student Development and Support assisted her throughout her academic journey.

Sunnyjoice Bapale, TUT alumna, also reflected on how TUT supported her in completing her qualification after a car accident left her paralysed during her studies.

Wiseman Mposula, representative from the Department of Social Development, highlighted the work of the Itireleng Residential Care for Disabilities Braille Unit and the services available to people who are visually impaired.

Staff members receive a special award from the National Council for People with Disabilities.