DA calls for urgent intervention at Johannesburg school for autism

The Democratic Alliance is calling on the Gauteng Department of Education to urgently intervene at the Johannesburg School for Autism following what it described as shocking conditions affecting learners at the inner-city institution.

DA Gauteng Education Portfolio Committee member Bronwynn Engelbrecht said a recent oversight inspection revealed that the school operates across four floors in a building shared with 22 other businesses and organisations, creating an environment unsuitable for autistic learners, particularly those with high support needs.

Engelbrecht said the overcrowded conditions, limited outdoor space and lack of specialised support services are severely impacting learners’ development and wellbeing.

The DA further raised concerns about a shortage of speech therapists at the school, claiming some learners only receive speech therapy sessions once every two weeks.

“For a non-verbal child, speech therapy is not a luxury, but a vital bridge to dignity, independence and meaningful inclusion,” Engelbrecht said.

The party also criticised the school’s infrastructure, saying learners are only allowed outside once a day because the outdoor area is too small and not designed for children with special needs.

The DA is now demanding that the Gauteng Department of Education allocate at least two dedicated floors to the school, preferably on the ground and second floors, to create a safer and more supportive learning environment.

The party said it would submit questions to Gauteng Education MEC Lebohang Maile regarding plans to improve infrastructure, expand therapy services and potentially relocate the school to a more suitable facility.

The DA said a long-term solution is needed to ensure autistic learners receive quality education and care in an environment tailored to their needs.