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.

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at a special reception held at the UJ APK Campus, cementing a powerful alliance dedicated to advancing the rights and well-being of left-handed individuals within our educational system.

This pivotal partnership aims to raise awareness, foster greater acceptance of left-handed individuals, and actively advocate for more inclusive and accommodating education environments.

A Prestigious Occasion

The gravity of this new chapter was highlighted by the presence of our esteemed guest, the Public Protector of South Africa, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, who delivered the event’s keynote remarks. Her powerful words resonated with all attendees, reinforcing the national importance of creating equitable and fair spaces for all learners, regardless of their dominant hand.

The event, expertly directed by Mr. Mandla Simelane from the ALHF, brought together key leaders who share a unified vision for change. We heard inspiring messages from:

• Mr. Maphuki Tsatsane, President of the ALHF

• Professor Nadine Petersen, the Executive Dean of Education at UJ

• Professor June Bam-Hutchison, Director of CERT

Following the official programme, the dialogue continued with an insightful podcast session featuring the Public Protector, ensuring the message of advocacy and inclusion reached an even wider audience.

A Shared Vision for the Future

This MoU is more than just a document; it’s a promise to countless left-handed students who face unnecessary challenges in classrooms not designed for them. By combining CERT’s academic and legal expertise in educational rights with ALHF’s dedicated grassroots advocacy, we will work tirelessly to dismantle barriers and ensure that learning environments are truly welcoming for every child.

This collaboration is a fitting milestone as the ALHF celebrates its 5th anniversary and the University of Johannesburg marks 20 years of academic excellence and social impact.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the University of Johannesburg, the Office of the Public Protector, and all our partners for making this day a resounding success. Together, we are building a world where every left-handed child can learn, create, and thrive without prejudice or disadvantage.