Thandekile Khumalo is a passionate humanitarian and youth empowerment advocate, with a powerful focus on disability inclusion, early childhood development, and community upliftment. Based in Freedom Park, KwaZulu-Natal, she is the founder of Para’demics Edu Centre — an early childhood development and skills training centre designed specifically for children with disabilities in low-income communities.
With a background in Public Relations and Customer Service, and currently pursuing a Diploma in Early Childhood Development, Thandekile brings both professional training and lived experience to her work. Her mission is to create inclusive environments where all children—regardless of ability—can enjoy their formative years, access developmental support, and grow in safe, supportive spaces.
Para’demics Edu Centre was established to give children with special needs something they are too often denied: the full preschool experience. Through her organisation, Thandekile not only provides daily learning and care, but also raises public awareness about disability inclusion through structured campaigns—most notably her annual walkathon held every June.
Thandekile’s efforts go beyond education. She works tirelessly to bridge social divides and cultivate acceptance within communities, advocating for environments where children with and without disabilities can learn and thrive together. Her approach combines empathy, communication, and hands-on action to drive sustainable change.
As an emerging leader, Thandekile Khumalo stands at the forefront of inclusive development—creating opportunities, shifting mindsets, and ensuring that every child, regardless of circumstance, has a chance to flourish.
