Bushbuckridge Educator and Miss Grand SA Finalist Caitlin Lubisi Champions Opportunities for Differently Able Learners

My name is Caitlin Shantell Lubisi, a 26-year-old proud resident of Rolle D Wisani in Ward 29, Bushbuckridge. I am honored to be a finalist of Miss Grand South Africa, representing my hometown and advocating for a cause that is very close to my heart.Professionally, I am an educator teaching at a special school in Tembisa. My journey in special education has been one of the most eye-opening and meaningful experiences of my life.

Over the years, I have witnessed two groups of learners come of age and eventually exit the schooling system. What touched me deeply was seeing many of these learners return to the school searching for employment opportunities.This reality saddened me because of the current challenges our country faces with rising unemployment. If it is already difficult for graduates to find jobs, the struggle becomes even greater for differently able individuals.

However, instead of allowing this challenge to discourage me, it inspired me to act.When I entered the Miss Grand South Africa competition, I decided to use my platform to advocate for differently able learners and encourage them to use the practical skills they acquire at school as pathways into trade and entrepreneurship. Many of these learners are incredibly talented and skilled in creating handmade products such as pillowcases, pillows, aprons, beadwork, candles, toolboxes, and mats.My vision is to help these learners turn their talents into sustainable opportunities by starting small businesses, selling their products within their communities, and eventually reaching mainstream stores through the right partnerships and connections.

I aim to raise awareness about the capabilities of differently able individuals while also providing them with a platform to showcase their creativity, diligence, and hard work.As part of this mission, my first project will involve showcasing and selling learners’ products at the upcoming street market taking place on 05 April 2026 at Thulamahashe New Stadium.This initiative will not only expose their work to the public but also help generate income that will directly benefit the participating schools.

I humbly invite schools to become part of this meaningful project by contributing items they would like to showcase and sell at the event. All proceeds from sold items will go back to the respective schools to continue supporting learners and their development.This initiative is more than just a market day — it is about restoring hope, creating opportunities, and proving that differently able individuals are capable of achieving greatness when given the right support and platform. I look forward to working together with schools, communities, and stakeholders on this project and many more initiatives in the future.

Learners create products such as aprons, beadwork, candles, pillows, mats, and toolboxes, which she believes can become sources of income and independence.As part of her mission, Lubisi will host a project showcasing and selling learners’ handmade products at the street market taking place on 05 April 2026 at Thulamahashe New Stadium.

Proceeds from all sales will go directly back to participating schools to support learner development.She has called on schools, communities, and stakeholders to support the initiative and help create opportunities for differently able individuals.

#MissGrandSA #Bushbuckridge #DifferentAbilitiesMatter #YouthEmpowerment #SupportLocal #Thulamahashe #EducationForAll