Miss South Africa 2025 and Empower Youth Africa (EYA) Ambassador Qhawekazi Mazaleni visited Tshegofatsong Special School in Mamelodi, Pretoria, ahead of World Book Day on 23 April and in recognition of World Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month.
During the visit, Mazaleni led a book-reading session for learners in the school’s autism unit. She read from her isiXhosa children’s book Amasele Amdaka, using an interactive and sensory-aware storytelling approach tailored to the learners’ needs.
The session was designed to encourage participation and engagement through inclusive storytelling methods. The initiative highlighted the importance of accessible reading experiences for children on the autism spectrum, while promoting awareness, acceptance, and early literacy development.
The initiative formed part of her ongoing Empower Youth Africa literacy programme, with a focus on inclusive education and access to language-appropriate learning materials for children with diverse learning needs.
The visit carried added significance as it aligned with both World Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month and World Book Day, underscoring the role of books in promoting inclusion, communication, and understanding.
Amasele Amdaka was developed by Mazaleni during her final year studying Speech Therapy, inspired by her work with a young patient living with cerebral palsy. She says the experience strengthened her commitment to creating accessible and affirming learning tools for children facing communication challenges.
“This book was created from a place of understanding and care,” Mazaleni said. “Every child deserves to see themselves in stories and to experience learning in a way that affirms who they are. Inclusion is not just awareness, it is action.”
She also engaged with educators and learners on the importance of representation, early intervention, and sustained support for children with diverse developmental needs.
Mazaleni, who is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology with a focus on autism, continues to integrate her academic work with advocacy efforts aimed at promoting inclusive education and developmental support for neurodivergent children.
Her literacy outreach remains a key pillar of her Empower Youth Africa mandate, which focuses on education access, youth empowerment, and community-driven impact through storytelling and school-based engagement.
Saturday Star