Tersia Mdunge, a finalist in the Best Woman category at the prestigious CSI Legacy Awards, has dedicated her career to advancing social responsibility and improving the lives of vulnerable communities across South Africa. With over 20 years of experience in corporate social responsibility (CSR), Tersia has led innovative programmes that address critical social challenges, particularly focusing on the safety of learners in special needs schools. Her work has made a significant impact, especially in the aftermath of the tragic fire at the North West School for the Deaf in 2015, which highlighted severe gaps in safety measures at schools for children with disabilities.
Tersia’s background in Social Work, with a Master of Medical Science and an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Social Science in Psychology, has provided her with a deep understanding of the social dynamics affecting vulnerable groups. Her academic journey has honed her critical thinking and empathetic skills, allowing her to design and implement effective strategies to address pressing social issues. Her professional experience includes lecturing social work at prominent universities, such as UNISA and the University of Venda, and presenting at both local and international conferences.
The project that earned Tersia recognition at the CSI Legacy Awards focuses on enhancing disaster risk management in special schools across South Africa. In response to the 2015 tragedy that resulted in the loss of three learners’ lives, Tersia played a crucial role in the development of a partnership between the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), and Santam, South Africa’s largest insurer. This partnership aims to assess risks, implement safety measures, and train school staff and learners in disaster preparedness. The initiative has since rolled out in six provinces and has directly contributed to improving the safety of over 400 special needs schools across the country.
A standout feature of the project is the development of a Standard Risk Assessment tool, which assists schools in identifying safety risks and implementing appropriate measures. This proactive approach helps reduce the vulnerability of learners, particularly those with disabilities, who may face unique challenges in emergency situations. For example, deaf learners are unable to hear fire alarms, making them particularly susceptible during a fire. The project ensures that schools are equipped with essential safety tools, such as fire extinguishers, and that staff and students are trained to respond effectively in emergencies.
One of Tersia’s most rewarding moments was witnessing school management teams and learners recognise the importance of safety and confidently use the equipment provided. The project’s impact has been far-reaching, with positive feedback from schools, including Yingisani School for the Deaf, where learners and staff have shown immense appreciation for the safety measures implemented.
Tersia’s success is also driven by the dedication of her colleagues, including Sean Harper, National Survey Manager at Santam, who developed the risk assessment questionnaire, and Cherie Josephs, the CSI Specialist managing the project. Both have personal connections to the cause—Sean is partially deaf, and Cherie’s daughter has hearing impairments—furthering their commitment to improving the safety of special needs learners.
As a finalist in the Best Woman category, Tersia’s work continues to inspire others in the CSR field. Her leadership in the disaster risk management project has set a powerful example of how women in leadership positions can drive social change and make a tangible impact on society. Looking ahead, Tersia plans to expand the safety training programme to mainstream schools and early childhood centres, ensuring that safety becomes an integral part of the educational experience for all South African children.
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