Inclusion campaign strengthens sense of belonging across Campuses

Every student deserves to feel seen, valued and empowered to succeed. This message, “Our university, our space, our belonging, was at the centre of the 2026 Soshanguve Campuses Disability Awareness Campaign, during which students, staff and stakeholders united to promote disability inclusion, accessibility, safety and belonging across the university community.

Student attendees Ivy Morulane, Disability Coordinator, welcomed attendees to the event, hosted at the Student Centre on Soshanguve South Campus. It formed part of a collaborative effort by the Higher Education Development and Support (HEDS) Disability Unit, Human Resources and Transformation (HR&T), Transformation Employment Equity and Diversity (TEED) and Itireleng. The campaign promoted meaningful conversations about creating a campus environment where everyone can participate fully and succeed.

Calvin Mogajane, programme director, steered the proceedings and facilitated dialogue and reflection throughout the day, helping participants engage with key issues affecting people living with disabilities.

Dr Levy Ndou, guest speaker, highlighted the role of inclusive pedagogy in shaping disabled students’ sense of belonging. He called on students and staff to support people living with disabilities and to embrace one another as members of a shared community. He also urged the university community to align itself with the Constitution of South Africa and the needs of persons with disabilities. Reaffirming his commitment to inclusion, he pledged support for people living with disabilities and committed to championing disability inclusion.

Johanna Kaltwasser, Applied Languages Lecturer, shared insights from her lived experience as a person living with a disability. She reflected on the challenges created by limited accessibility and contributed valuable perspectives to discussions on inclusion and belonging.

Lethabo Mogakwe, a TUT alumna with a Diploma and an Advanced Diploma in Language Practice, shared her inspiring journey and described how her experience at her alma mater shaped her future.

"The University helped me find direction, resilience and the purpose for my life," she said, highlighting the transformative impact of education and the opportunities that emerge when institutions support students to reach their full potential.

From left: Ivy Morulane, Disability Coordinator, Dr Levy Ndou, Lecturer, Johanna Kaltwasser, Lecturer, Calvin Tshehla, representative from Gauteng Department of Social Services, Calvin Mogajane, Student living with a disability and Linda Shongwe, TEED Project Officer. The campaign also featured several speakers who shared perspectives on inclusion, empowerment and safety.

Calvin Tshehla, Gauteng Department of Social Services representative, emphasised that knowledge is power and encouraged people living on the margins of society to rise above their circumstances and thrive.

Thabang Maake, Deputy Secretary of the Campus Student Representative Council, called for inclusivity despite students' circumstances. He stressed the importance of creating opportunities for all students to succeed and ensuring that every voice is heard.

Caiphus Dladla, mobility instructor from Itireleng, provided insights into how people with disabilities navigate their daily environments, helping attendees better understand the realities many individuals face.

Veli Mahlakwane, Gauteng Department of Community Safety representative, highlighted the importance of strengthening safety and protection measures for people living with disabilities. He also underscored the value of teamwork in advancing disability awareness initiatives.

Adding a creative element to the programme, Kudakutyla*, delivered a thought-provoking poem exploring inclusion, dignity and belonging, while the DED Choir brought energy and celebration to the event with a special performance.

The campaign concluded with reflections, questions and responses that reinforced a central message: inclusion is a shared responsibility. By working together, the University community can build a space where every student feels recognised, every voice matters and everyone has an opportunity to succeed.

• Kudakutyla is a professional performance poet, storyteller and creative who also works in software development. Known as "the keeper of stories untold," they perform spoken word at live events, campus campaigns, and corporate functions.

Ivy Morulane, Disability Coordinator and Calvin Mogajane, Student living with a disability.

Lethabo Mogakwe, TUT alumna and student living with disability.

Soshangve Campuses Choir