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THUTHUKANI SPECIAL SCHOOL other

THUTHUKANI SPECIAL SCHOOLRef: https://www.thuthukani.org.za/our-history/

Official source

Source domain: thuthukani.org.za

Collected on 29 July 2026

Always confirm details on the official source before acting.

Our copy (archived 29 July 2026)Official source

What this means

This document is a webpage section titled “Our History” for Thuthukani Special School. It describes the school’s origins in February 1981 under Joanna James (Director of Zululand Mental Health), starting from a small home-based school in Empangeni, and later expanding to larger premises including a 5 ha land donation on Dover Farm. It records key milestones such as the start of building in September 1990, completion of the first phase in October 1991, further phases completed by 3 February 1993, and later growth to 425 enrolled learners in 2019. It also outlines the school’s curriculum development and its relationship with the Thuthukani Adult Workshop founded in 1996, which provides sheltered work opportunities for adults with intellectual disability.

Facts

Reference

https://www.thuthukani.org.za/our-history/

Amounts

R 500 000

Key Takeaways

  • February 1981: Joanna James (Director of Zululand Mental Health) initiates a special school idea after reports from social workers
  • Initial premises: Hillview Farm, Empangeni (home school) with 4 Zulu children and one teacher
  • Premises expansion: rented house at 57 Tanner Road from the Borough of Empangeni; overcrowded with 50+ children
  • 1990: Owen Jonson offers 5 ha of land on Dover Farm
  • September 1990: building commences after Department of Education grant of R500 000
  • October 1991: first phase completed (8 classrooms, kitchen, storeroom, admin block, outbuilding)
  • 3 February 1993: Phase 3 completed (Workshop and Home Economics)
  • 2018: 3 new temporary classrooms added
  • 2019: Thuthukani Special School has 425 enrolled learners
  • Thuthukani Adult Workshop founded in 1996 by Marie Liebenberg; provides sheltered work for 120+ young adults
  • Thuthukani Special School
  • Joanna James
  • Zululand Mental Health
  • Owen Jonson
  • Department of Education
  • Borough of Empangeni
  • Marthie Combrinck
  • Tanya Girvin
  • National Writing Team
  • National Curriculum Statement
  • CAPS (Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements)
  • Special Olympics
  • Marie Liebenberg
  • Peter Bannock
  • Lyn Bannock
  • Perfecto Plastics
  • Focus Poynt