RP Moodley School for Learners with Disabilities A celebration was held in honor of the first nurse - Sister L Bhana
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In a quiet corner of Clare Estate stands a school built on determination, compassion and a powerful belief: that every child deserves the chance to learn.
This year, RP Moodley School for Learners with Disabilities celebrates 40 years of dedicated service, marking a milestone that reflects not only the growth of the school but the resilience of the community that helped build it.
As South Africa observes Human Rights Month, the school’s story serves as a powerful reminder of how ordinary citizens once challenged discrimination and created opportunities for children who had long been excluded from the education system.
A father’s fight for opportunity
The journey began in April 1966, when a determined father, the late S. N. Chetty, approached the Durban Cripple Care Association seeking education and support for his four-year-old daughter who had a disability.
Alongside community leaders M. Perumal and paediatrician Dr B. T. Naidoo, Chetty hoped to secure a future for children like his daughter.
But the response reflected the harsh reality of the apartheid era.
Discriminatory practices and statutory restrictions meant their request was denied.
Undeterred, Chetty persisted. His determination led to a meeting in June 1967, which resulted in the formation of an Indian auxiliary branch dedicated to advocating for children with physical disabilities.
By 29 August 1970, the group had established the Natal Indian Cripple Care Association (NICCA), which became independent of the Durban Cripple Care Association. The founding members included Dr. S. Reddy, R. P. Moodley, M. Mia and T. S. Maharaj.
Despite limited resources and minimal support during apartheid, the organization continued lobbying government for the establishment of a school for children with disabilities.
Over time, NICCA evolved into the Natal Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of Disabled (NACROD), now known as the Association for Persons with Disabilities – KwaZulu‑Natal.
RP Moodley School for Learners with Disabilities The school is built on what is described as 'holy ground' that was made possible through the generosity of the Clare Estate Andhra Vishnu Temple and the Manikum Trusts.
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Laying the foundations
A significant breakthrough came in 1974, when community leader Raju Periasamy Moodley secured premises at 306 New Germany Road in Clare Estate, through the generosity of the Clare Estate Andhra Vishnu Temple and the Manikum Trusts.
Two years later, the Department of Education and Culture approved subsidies, enabling the construction of prefabricated buildings that would accommodate 50 learners and offices for NICCA.
On 1 January 1977, the Spes Nova School for Cerebral Palsied Children opened its doors — providing a vital educational lifeline for children who previously had limited access to specialized schooling.
As more children were identified as needing support, the association expanded its services. In January 1986, the AM Moola Spes Nova School opened in Phoenix.
That same year marked the birth of another important institution.
On 1 April 1986, the Clare Estate School for the Physically Disabled opened its doors with 60 learners and Ivan Naidoo as its first principal.
Four buses, subsidised by the Department of Education, transported children daily from areas including Tongaat, Verulam, Phoenix, Newlands, Chatsworth, Reservoir Hills, Merebank and Isipingo.
A dedicated team of educators, therapists and support staff worked alongside volunteer doctors such as Dr K. R. Ramiah and Dr J. Jithoo, orthopaedic specialist Dr V. Naidoo, and paediatricians Dr A. A. Dawood and Dr B.T. Naidoo.
Their shared mission was simple but profound: to provide education, therapy and dignity for children living with physical disabilities.
Building a permanent home
Through the commitment of planner B. Panday and chief psychologist for special education P. B. Singh, government funding was secured for the construction of a permanent school.
The broader community also played a crucial role, raising funds to ensure the project could be completed.
In 1995, the school temporarily relocated to Sea Cow Lake while construction took place.
The new facility officially opened on 30 November 1996, and the school was renamed RP Moodley School in honour of the immense contributions made by Raju Periasamy Moodley towards the development of the institution.
Blocks for the new building were sponsored by the Clare Estate Educational Board, chaired by T.S. Maharaj, with R.P. Moodley serving as treasurer.
With the implementation of the South African Schools Act in 1996, the school’s oversight transitioned from a Board of Management to a School Governing Body, aligning with the country’s evolving democratic education system.
A beacon of hope
For the educators who dedicated their lives to the school, the mission has always been clear.
“Children with disabilities have a right to education. RP Moodley School has been meeting this need for 40 years,” said former principal Ivan Naidoo. “The school stands as a beacon of hope for all learners with disabilities.”
Over the decades, many learners have gone on to complete their schooling and become contributing members of society — a testament to the impact of the institution.
Former principal Anand Sirkissoon, who led the school from 2003 to 2022, reflects on the deeper lesson the school has taught the community.
“The beginnings of RP Moodley School marked the dawn of an era that slowly came to accept that differently abled learners are exactly that — abled in a different way,” he said.
“Instead of focusing on limitations, we must recognize individual strengths. Given the opportunity, learners with disabilities have shown again and again that they have the capacity to excel.”
Sirkissoon also paid tribute to the dedicated staff who continue to support the learners.
“The people who truly make the difference are the staff — educators, aides, therapists, drivers, security and support personnel. Their commitment and teamwork have shaped the lives of countless children.”
RP Moodley School for Learners with Disabilities Over the years, many former pupils have gone on to complete matric and become active, contributing members of society — a source of immense pride for the school community.
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Serving today’s learners
Today the school serves 195 learners, many from underprivileged communities including Clermont, Overport, Asherville, Reservoir Hills, Newlands and central Durban, as well as surrounding informal settlements.
Following the implementation of the Department of Education’s inclusive education policy, the school expanded its admissions to include learners with a wide range of disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, Down syndrome, autism spectrum conditions and multiple disabilities.
A trans-professional team of educators and therapists works together to provide specialized, individualized support through the D-CAPS curriculum, ensuring that learners receive both academic guidance and therapeutic care.
For parents, the school has become more than just an educational institution.
“It takes a village — and that’s exactly what RP Moodley School is,” said parent and School Governing Body chairperson Ayesha Yunos.
“It’s filled with warmth, love, support and most importantly acceptance. Our children are given the opportunity to focus on their strengths. For us as parents, it’s a safe space, a community and a support system.”
RP Moodley School for Learners with Disabilities Celebrating sponsorship of a new scholar transport vehicle
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LOOKING AHEAD TO 40 YEARS
Celebrating 40 years
As the school prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary in May 2026, the milestone stands as a tribute to the founders, educators, volunteers and community members who helped build it.
Their vision — born during a time of exclusion and inequality — continues to shape the lives of children today.
In a country where the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa guarantees every child the right to basic education, RP Moodley School represents what that promise looks like in practice.
For four decades, it has ensured that children with disabilities are not left behind, but instead are given the opportunity to learn, grow and realize their potential.
And as the school community gathers to celebrate this remarkable milestone, one message rings clear: when a community believes in the potential of every child, extraordinary things can happen.
To learn more or offer support, visit https://www.rpmoodleyschool.org.za
RP Moodley School for Learners with Disabilities - Autism Awareness Campaign
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