TUT departments take hands to support children living with disabilities

The Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Department of Transformation, Employment Equity and Diversity, Alumni Relations and the Higher Education Development and Support: Disability Unit joined hands to donate essentials and gifts to children living with disabilities during a recent community outreach initiative held at Bongwanake Foundation in Mabopane.

The initiative formed part of the University’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and followed up on promises made during Mandela Day activities in 2025.

Founded by TUT alumna, Belinda Mogashwa, the Bongwanake Foundation in Mabopane provides holistic support and care services to children living with disabilities. Welcoming guests during the event, Belinda reflected on the organisation’s journey and acknowledged TUT for its continued support. “We are where we are today because of TUT,” she said.

Dr Khosana Tladi, Director of Transformation, Employment Equity and Diversity at TUT, said the outreach initiative reflected the University’s commitment to fulfilling promises made during a previous visit to the foundation in 2025. “During our outreach in 2025, we made certain promises and today we are fulfilling those,” he said.

As part of the commitments, Dr Tladi said TUT would help make therapy services available weekly or monthly and also pledged to donate computers to support children’s access to education.

“We want this place to feel like a home and really add value to the lives of the children,” he added.

“TUT is the people’s university and everything we do is centred around helping each other,” Shalate Davhana reflected. Speaking on behalf of the Alumni Relations Office, Davhana highlighted the importance of collaboration, compassion and giving back to communities. She commended Mogashwa for using her education and experience to make a meaningful impact within her community.

Coordinator of the Disability Unit, Ivy Morolane, also highlighted the importance of patience, care, and understanding when working with children living with disabilities, while acknowledging the role of families and caregivers in supporting them daily.

The event concluded with the official handover of gifts and essentials to the children, reinforcing TUT’s commitment to improving lives and supporting vulnerable communities.