18 Apr 2026

One of the participants at the just ended Pan-African Congress on Autism, which was held in Gaborone from April 15 to 18, Mr Kgosi Tau is appealing for financial assistance to further his studies after defying the odds through his academic journey.

At just 21, the Ramotswa native has already achieved what many will consider remarkable.

Diagnosed with autism at the age of four, Tau has navigated a world not always built with him in mind, emerging with academic results that reflect resilience and possibility.

“I like to think of my journey as both a blessing, but not without its challenges,” he says.

“I say it is a blessing because who would have thought that within a few years, I would successfully complete my IGCSE and A-Level studies with over 40 points in both curricula,” he adds. Despite these achievements, Tau now faces a new challenge.

He dreams of pursuing theatre at university; a space where creativity, expression and identity converge, but that dream remains out of reach due to financial constraints.

Despite approaching the Department of Tertiary Education Financing (DTEF) since 2024, Tau has been unable to secure government sponsorship.

“I was told my disability does not qualify,” he explains.

“Unfortunately, the special dispensation is offered to persons with physical disabilities and not autism and neurodivergence as a whole.”

In his search for alternatives, Tau has managed to secure a partial scholarship, but it is still not enough to fully support his studies.

Still, there is no sense of defeat in his voice, only a quiet resolve.

“I hope that by putting my story out, the narrative will change and the autism community as a whole will attain genuine acknowledgement and support from the government and other stakeholders regarding the financial, academic and emotional difficulties of either living with autism or having a relative who is autistic,” he says. ENDS