The UJ Centre for Neurodiversity hosts its inaugural career fair, bringing together schools, corporates and NGOs.
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The University of Johannesburg (UJ)’s Centre for Neurodiversity will host its inaugural career fair dedicated to neurodiversity.
The fair presents a unique opportunity to bring together neurodivergent people, industry, community-based organisations, partners in education and academia to showcase what is available and how can these be leveraged for the benefit of neurodivergent people.
The career fair is organised in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Education, the Paul and Humile Mashatile Foundation, and the Fathers of Children with Neurodiversity organisation and will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Imbizo Hall.
The event marks a landmark shift in how career development for neurodivergent individuals is approached in South Africa placing Ubuntu, ability, creativity, and enterprise at the centre of opportunity.
Unlike traditional disability focused career exhibitions that often emphasise accommodation and limitations, the Neurodiversity Career Fair adopts an asset-based model that celebrates talent, competence, and innovation. The Fair brings together 22 schools, the majority of which are special schools, to showcase their abilities and creativity, including Visual Arts, handcrafted products, STEM and robotics projects, woodwork, needlework, live performances, and entrepreneurial ventures. A panel of seven judges will recognise excellence in each category.
With over 1,000 registered attendees spanning corporates, academia, health professionals, educators, NGOs, NPOs, and parents, this event creates a powerful platform to connect neurodivergent individuals with real career, entrepreneurial, further education, and psychosocial support opportunities.
The 25 participating NGOs and NPOs represent a broad spectrum of support organisations. Academic representation is equally robust, with local and international universities joining in on the fair. This cements the position of UJ’s Centre for Neurodiversity as a hub of research and catalyst to collaboration in SA and the African continent.
The fair will be inaugurated by Letlhokwa Mpedi, UJ vice chancellor and principal, accompanied by the executive dean of the Faculty of Education, Nadine Petersen, marking an important moment in inclusive career development.
The Fair aims to strengthen the transition pathways from home to school, from school to higher education, and ultimately to meaningful employment or neuroentrepreneurship.
Corporate partners, higher education institutions, skills development organisations, and government departments have confirmed their attendance to engage directly with learners not as beneficiaries of support, but as emerging talent ready to contribute to the marketplace.
Participating schools include special schools, mainstream schools, full-service schools, and skills centres from districts across Gauteng and South Africa.
A portion of funds raised will support the acquisition and/or re-modelling of a Mobile Educational and Therapeutic Services Bus, extending career counselling, psychological assessment, and therapeutic interventions to underserved schools and communities across South Africa and the SADC region.
The event will take place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 9am to 4pm at Imbizo Hall, UJ Soweto Campus.