By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – Autism Awareness Month closed on a powerful note in Namahadi on 30 April, as parents, children and educators gathered at Lesedi Autism Centre to celebrate inclusion, resilience and progress.
Held at Charles Mopeli Stadium, the event also marked the centre’s fifth anniversary, drawing families and community members for a vibrant programme of music, performances and reflection.
Children took centre stage, captivating the audience with confident performances that highlighted their abilities and growth.
Beyond the celebration, parents’ voices delivered the day’s strongest message — a call for continued support, understanding and acceptance.
Malefu Mabe expressed gratitude for the assistance families receive, stressing its life-changing impact.
“The support we get as parents makes a real difference. We ask the community to continue embracing our children with love and understanding,” she said.
Gloria Kokong urged parents to remain hopeful and united. “Our children are unique and capable. They deserve the same opportunities and acceptance as any other child,” she said.
Their testimonies underscored both the daily challenges and the milestones achieved by families raising children with autism, reinforcing the need for sustained awareness and community involvement.
Fellow parent Charmaine Thaele also stood in solidarity with families, using her personal journey to encourage and advocate for children living with autism.
Observed globally every April, Autism Awareness Month promotes understanding and acceptance of people on the autism spectrum, while challenging stigma and pushing for equal opportunities.
As the event drew to a close, a strong sense of unity and renewed commitment to advocacy was evident.
Founded five years ago by the late Thabo Mofokeng, Lesedi Autism Centre continues to play a critical role in supporting families in QwaQwa — a legacy that lives on through its ongoing work to empower children with autism and their communities.
