Webpage text titled “Our School” for Thuthukani Special School
Listed as “Our School”
Official source
Source domain: thuthukani.org.za
Collected on 29 July 2026
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Apply for Learner Placement
Families or guardians of learners with severe to profound intellectual disability aged 6–19 may apply to place their child at Thuthukani Special School, which serves learners from Empangeni, Richards Bay, eNseleni, Kwa-Mbonambi, eSikhaweni, Ngwelezana, and other rural areas.
- Who it is for
- parents or legal guardians of learners with severe to profound intellectual disability aged 6–19
- How to act on it
- Contact the school directly through its website to request referral forms and initiate the assessment process.
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We accept learners from Empangeni, Richards Bay, eNseleni, Kwa-Mbonambi, eSikhaweni, Ngwelezana, and other rural areas.
Donate to Support Learners
Make a financial contribution to help cover the cost of education, therapy, meals, and other essential resources for learners at Thuthukani Special School. The school requires at least R 3000.00 per learner annually to meet basic educational needs in 2026.
- Who it is for
- individuals, businesses, or foundations interested in funding education for learners with severe intellectual disability
- How to act on it
- Use the 'DONATE' button on the school’s website to make a secure contribution.
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Fundraising requirement stated: at least R 3000.00 per learner to cover educational needs for 2026
Sponsor a Child
Individuals or groups can sponsor a learner at Thuthukani Special School to support their educational needs, including access to specialised services, materials, and daily care.
- Who it is for
- individuals or organisations wanting to support a learner's education
- How to act on it
- Visit the 'Sponsor a Child' section on the school’s website and follow the donation instructions provided there.
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Sponsor a Child
Sponsor a Volunteer
Support the recruitment and deployment of volunteers who assist in teaching, therapy, and daily activities at Thuthukani Special School.
- Who it is for
- individuals or groups willing to fund volunteer participation
- How to act on it
- Go to the 'Sponsor a Volunteer' section on the school’s website and complete the required form or contact details.
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Sponsor a Volunteer
Facts
Places
KwaZulu-Natal, uMhlathuze Local Municipality
Amounts
R 3 000
Key Takeaways
- Thuthukani Special School in Empangeni (near Dover Sugarcane Farm)
- Founded: February 1981
- Learners: severe to profound intellectual disability; ages 6–19
- Current enrolment: 439 learners; waiting list (assessed): over 350 as of March 2026
- Accepts learners from Empangeni, Richards Bay, eNseleni, Kwa-Mbonambi, eSikhaweni, Ngwelezana and other rural areas
- Main aims: build self-esteem and functional ability for independence and community contribution
- Identified as a Resource Centre to pilot National Educational Policy on Inclusion (National and Provincial Department of Education)
- Implementing CAPS: SID; included subjects: Life Skills and Physical Education
- Department of Health declared Thuthukani a Health Promoting School; final score 98.6%
- Sports/representation: Special Olympics World Games (table tennis and swimming); swimmer won gold medal
- Choir: 2023 SASCE second place in district; 2024 first place in district; second nationally
- No boarding facility; learners use public transport daily
- SA Government subsidy received but insufficient; school fees kept very low
- Only about 26% of learners could pay school fees in 2025; SGB writes off all unpaid fees annually
- Fundraising requirement stated: at least R 3000.00 per learner to cover educational needs for 2026
- Thuthukani Special School
- National Department of Education
- Provincial Department of Education
- Department of Health
- Department of Social Development
- National Nutrition Programme
- School Governing Body (SGB)
- Special Olympics World Games
- SASCE
- CAPS: SID (National Curriculum for children with Severe Intellectual Disability)
- World Down Syndrome Congress
- Focus Poynt