The Ward 28 councillor in Cowdray Park, Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu, has called for the establishment of a dedicated autism school in Bulawayo’s western suburbs, citing growing concern over the lack of accessible specialist education for children on the autism spectrum.
His remarks come as the world marked World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, a United Nations General Assembly observance aimed at promoting understanding and improving the quality of life for people living with autism.
Speaking during a recent full council meeting, Councillor Ndlovu said children in western suburbs such as Nketa, Pumula and Cowdray Park are being disadvantaged by the absence of nearby facilities catering for autism and other special educational needs.
“You will recall that in Bulawayo we do not have council-run schools that cater for children with special needs. In the western areas, there is no school that caters specifically for children with autism,” he said.
He added that many families are forced to travel long distances across the city to access specialist institutions such as King George VI School, placing financial and logistical strain on already vulnerable households.
“Can we try to do better so that a child staying in Nketa, Pumula or Cowdray Park does not have to cross the city to access specialist education?” he asked.
The councillor also commended fellow councillors for supporting local schools through donations.
“Allow me to extend my sincere appreciation to Councillor Irene Moyo, who donated doors to St Peters Primary School in Pumula, Ward 17. I also applaud Councillor Tavengwe Zidya of Ward 24, who donated school uniforms, stationery and other items to Manondwane Primary School in Nketa,” he said.
Councillor Ndlovu urged other councillors, civil society organisations and the business community to support education initiatives in their communities.
“This is commendable, and we call on councillors in this house to support our local schools. Let us unite with the little that we have and support the education of our children,” he said.
“We also call on civil society to assist our schools. The business community operating in our areas should also contribute, because there are many needs in our schools.”
According to the World Health Organisation, despite international human rights conventions, people with autism continue to face stigma, discrimination and limited access to essential services.
“Access to timely, quality health care and support services remains limited, driving inequality across the life course. Addressing these challenges requires sustained action and greater investment in inclusive policies and services that uphold the rights of autistic people,” the organisation said in a statement marking the day.
Speaking to CITE, a parent, Nonhlanhla Mabhikwa, described the challenges caused by the shortage of suitable schools in the city.
“As a parent of an autistic son in Bulawayo, I have seen how limited access to schools that cater for children on the autism spectrum truly is. Most suitable options are expensive private institutions costing more than US$1,000, located far from many families, and often only available up to primary level. This makes it even more difficult for children beyond primary school, where options are almost non-existent,” she said.
Ms Mabhikwa added that while inclusive education is frequently promoted, it does not always recognise that children on the spectrum process information differently and require specialised teaching approaches and, in some cases, a different curriculum.
“Many accessible schools place these children in general classes or group them with learners who have different, often physical, disabilities. This does not meet their specific learning needs. It leaves both learners and teachers struggling and highlights the urgent need for more affordable, properly equipped schools that can genuinely support children on the spectrum,” she said.
Support CITE’s fearless, independent journalism. Your donation helps us amplify community voices, fight misinformation, and hold power to account. Help keep the truth alive. Donate today