Mandla Simelane is a South African peacebuilder working across educational institutions and non-governmental organisations, with a particular focus on marginalised communities. His scholarly and practice-based work sits at the intersection of embodied marginality, inclusive practice, and humanising pedagogies, contributing to approaches that centre dignity and social justice in education and community engagement.

Mandla Simelane is a South African peacebuilder working across educational institutions and non-governmental organisations, with a particular focus on marginalised communities. His scholarly and practice-based work sits at the intersection of embodied marginality, inclusive practice, and humanising pedagogies, contributing to approaches that centre dignity and social justice in education and community engagement.

Mandla Simelane is a South African peacebuilder working across educational institutions and non-governmental organisations, with a particular focus on marginalised communities. His scholarly and practice-based work sits at the intersection of embodied marginality, inclusive practice, and humanising pedagogies, contributing to approaches that centre dignity and social justice in education and community engagement.

Mandla Simelane, Deputy Chairperson for Stakeholder Relations, Communications, and Strategic Initiatives at the African Left Handers Foundation (ALHF), has officially obtained his professional membership badge with the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP). This milestone strengthens ALHF’s ongoing commitment to inclusive education, accessibility, and universal design by connecting our continent-wide advocacy to global professional standards, knowledge, and international accessibility networks.

“Every time we confront a harmful assumption and affirm a person’s dignity without asking them to become somebody else, we engage in the quiet work of peacebuilding.”

“Every time we confront a harmful assumption and affirm a person’s dignity without asking them to become somebody else, we engage in the quiet work of peacebuilding.”

On 13 August, the African Left-Handers Foundation marked International Left-Handers Day by donating left-handed scissors to primary school learners in Phokeng, North West — turning awareness into action, and putting inclusion directly into young hands.

On 16 June, we commemorate fifty years of youth activism. The young people of 1976 stood for the right to learn with dignity. Half a century later, that same struggle for an inclusive society lives on — and it lives on in every young left-hander asked to conform.

African Left-handers Foundation

We, the Left-Handed People of the World, in order to create equality and opportunity for all, present this Charter to foster acceptance and inclusion of left-handedness in all aspects of our lives. Left-handedness is a natural variation of human handedness but is subject to bias, prejudice and discrimination globally. Acceptance will ensure that left-handed people around the world are supported to fully develop their skills and talents without being restricted in the use of their left hand. We also include left-footers as well as those who are left eye dominant or left ear dominant amongst the left-handed fraternity.

The African Left Handers Foundation (ALHF) was privileged to attend the Neurodiversity Career Fair 2026, hosted by the Centre for Neurodiversity at the University of Johannesburg under the leadership of Prof Sefotho.

At the African Left Handers Foundation, our advocacy has always been rooted in a simple but powerful truth: inclusion cannot be piecemeal, justice cannot be selective, and dignity cannot be conditional.

Marking International Human Rights Day, the Centre for Education Rights and Transformation (CERT) at the University of Johannesburg has thrown its weight behind the movement to end structural bias against left-handed people.

Celebrating the diversity of how people think, learn, and experience the world, the University of South Africa (UNISA) has issued a stirring commendation for left-handers.

This International Human Rights Day, the African Left Handers Confederation Initiative (ALHCI) was honored to receive a powerful message of support from the Office of the Public Protector South Africa (PPSA).

On 25 August 2025, the African Left Handers Foundation (ALHF) was honoured to welcome the Public Protector of South Africa, Adv. Kholeka Gcaleka, as a guest speaker at our reception and podcast event, held to mark the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding between the ALHF and the Centre for Educational Rights and Transformation (CERT).

25 August 2025, the African Left Handers Foundation (ALHF) proudly entered into a historic partnership with the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Centre of Education Rights and Transformation (CERT). This collaboration was launched on a podcast.

Today, we celebrate the uniqueness and creativity of our left-handed community. It’s a day to embrace our individuality and recognize the strengths that come with being a “lefty.” From art and music to science and sports, left-handers have made their mark on the world.

African Left Handers Foundation, extends its warmest congratulations to the class of 2024 who have successfully completed a significant chapter of their educational journey. Your perseverance, dedication, and hard work have brought you to this incredible milestone, and we celebrate your achievement wholeheartedly. This would not have been accomplished without the unwavering commitment and support to your academic journey by parents/guardians, principals, educators and other governance and support structures within the department of basic education, school and community ecosystem.

The holiday season is here, and as the Foundation, we extend our warm wishes of love, joy, peace, and safety to you and your loved ones. This festive season, let’s celebrate the gift of life and the joy it brings responsibly. We passionately encourage everyone to prioritise safety on the roads even at home.