{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,10,2]],"date-time":"2026-10-02T16:44:12Z","timestamp":1790959452329,"version":"4.1.0"},"reference-count":41,"publisher":"AOSIS","issue":"1","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2025,5,27]],"date-time":"2025-05-27T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1748304000000},"content-version":"unspecified","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/"}],"content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":[],"abstract":"<jats:p>Background: South African Speech-Language Therapy and Audiology (SLH) programmes historically followed Western frameworks, often lacking in cultural and linguistic relevance to the local context. SLH curricula and clinical training continue to face challenges in aligning with South Africa\u2019s diverse population and healthcare needs.\n\nObjectives: To investigate South African undergraduate SLH students\u2019 experiences of transformation in the curriculum and clinical service provision.\n\nMethod: A cross-sectional survey design was employed on students from four South African universities. Data were collected through an online questionnaire. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while thematic analysis was conducted on qualitative responses.\n\nResults: Findings revealed that most students perceived limited cultural and linguistic relevance in the SLH curriculum, with 60% indicating insufficient Afrocentric content and South African language integration. Students reported feeling underprepared for working with diverse linguistic groups, citing a lack of appropriate resources and limited training in cultural competence. Students proficient in an indigenous language reported higher confidence levels in clinical interactions. Qualitative themes included lack of representation in curriculum content, insufficient cultural competence training and desire for indigenous knowledge and Afrocentric approaches.\n\nConclusion: The study highlights critical gaps in SLH education in South Africa, particularly in the inclusion of culturally and linguistically relevant training. Recommendations include integrating Afrocentric content, indigenous language modules and practical training for working in diverse clinical settings.\n\nContribution: This study contributes to the discourse on decolonising SLH education in South Africa, offering evidence-based recommendations to align training with the country\u2019s diverse sociocultural and linguistic realities.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.4102\/sajcd.v72i1.1086","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2025,5,27]],"date-time":"2025-05-27T09:25:43Z","timestamp":1748337943000},"update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4102\/crossmark-policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":3,"title":["South African Speech-Language Therapy and Audiology students\u2019 experiences of academic and clinical curriculum transformation"],"prefix":"10.4102","volume":"72","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0003-3885-4370","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Farieda","family":"Abrahams","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"id":[{"id":"https:\/\/ror.org\/03rp50x72","id-type":"ROR","asserted-by":"publisher"}],"name":"University of the Witwatersrand"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-6220-9606","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Katijah","family":"Khoza-Shangase","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"id":[{"id":"https:\/\/ror.org\/03rp50x72","id-type":"ROR","asserted-by":"publisher"}],"name":"University of the Witwatersrand"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"2580","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2025,5,27]]},"reference":[{"key":"ref0","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Abrahams, F., Moroe, N.F., & Khoza-Shangase, K. (2023). Transformation of higher learning in South Africa: Perceptions and understanding of speech-language therapy and audiology undergraduate students. Education as Change, 27(1), 1\u201326. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.25159\/1947-9417\/11648","DOI":"10.25159\/1947-9417\/11648"},{"key":"ref1","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Abrahams, K., Kathard, H., Harty, M., & Pillay, M. (2019). Inequity and the professionalisation of speech-language pathology. Professions and Professionalism, 9(3), e3285. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.7577\/pp.3285","DOI":"10.7577\/pp.3285"},{"key":"ref2","unstructured":"Babbie, E.R. (2020). The practice of social research. Cengage Au."},{"key":"ref3","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77\u2013101. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1191\/1478088706qp063oa","DOI":"10.1191\/1478088706qp063oa"},{"key":"ref4","unstructured":"Caesar, L.G. (2004). Factors affecting school-based speech-language pathologists\u2019 use of language assessment practices with bilingual children. Western Michigan University."},{"key":"ref5","unstructured":"Filkins, B.L., Kim, J.Y., Roberts, B., Armstrong, W., Miller, M.A., Hultner, M.L., Castillo, A.P., Ducom, J.C., Topol, E.J., & Steinhubl, S.R. (2016). Privacy and security in the era of digital health: What should translational researchers know and do about it?. American Journal of Translational Research, 8(3), 1560."},{"key":"ref6","unstructured":"Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). (2019). Guidelines for practice in a culturally and linguistically diverse South Africa. Health Professions\u2019 Council of South Africa. Speech Language and Hearing Profess Board. Retrieved from https:\/\/www.hpcsa.co.za\/Uploads\/SLH\/Guidelines%20for%20practice%20in%20a%20culturally%20and%20linguistically%20divers---.pdf"},{"key":"ref7","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Hewat, S., Penman, A., Davidson, B., Baldac, S., Howells, S., Walters, J., Purcell, A., Cardell, E., McCabe, P., Caird, E., Ward, E., & Hill, A.E. (2020). A framework to support the development of quality simulation-based learning programmes in speech\u2013language pathology. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 55(2), 287\u2013300. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/1460-6984.12515","DOI":"10.1111\/1460-6984.12515"},{"key":"ref8","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Hlayisi, V.G., Ramkumar, V., Petersen, L., & Vangerwua, B. (2024). Best practice in audiology: Context matters. Frontiers in Audiology and Otology, 2, 1419219. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/fauot.2024.1419219","DOI":"10.3389\/fauot.2024.1419219"},{"key":"ref9","unstructured":"Horton, R., & Munoz, M.L. (2021). Teaching culturally responsive evidence-based practice in speech language pathology. Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders, 5(3), 7."},{"key":"ref10","unstructured":"Howell, D.C. (2002). Statistics for the behavioral sciences, Pacific Grove, CA: Duxbury."},{"key":"ref11","unstructured":"Hyter, Y.D., & Salas-Provance, M.B. (2021). Culturally responsive practices in speech, language, and hearing sciences (vol. 1). Plural Publishing."},{"key":"ref12","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Kamhi, A.G. (2011). Balancing certainty and uncertainty in clinical practice. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 42(1), 88\u201393. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1044\/0161-1461(2010\/09-0078)","DOI":"10.1044\/0161-1461(2010\/09-0078)"},{"key":"ref13","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Kathard, H., & Pillay, M. (2013). Promoting change through political consciousness: A South African speech-language pathology response to the World Report on Disability. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 15(1), 84\u201389. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3109\/17549507.2012.757803","DOI":"10.3109\/17549507.2012.757803"},{"key":"ref14","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Khamis, R., & Bortz, M. (2023). Translanguaging: A theoretical shift necessary for culturally and linguistically responsive practice in speech language hearing Sciences. In M. Goral, & A. Lerman (Eds.), Advances in the neurolinguistic study of multilingual and monolingual adults (pp. 36\u201350), HSRC Press, Cape Town.","DOI":"10.4324\/9781003330318-5"},{"key":"ref15","unstructured":"Khoza-Shangase, K. (2019). Intellectual and emotional toxicity: Where a cure does not appear to be imminent. In E.D. Phaswana, K. Khoza-Shangase, & H. Canham (Eds.), Black academic voices: The South African experience (pp. 42\u201364)."},{"key":"ref16","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Khoza-Shangase, K., & Kalenga, M. (2023). Influence of social inclusion and institutional culture on students\u2019 interactions in clinical settings. South African Journal of Communication Disorders, 70(1), 991. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4102\/sajcd.v70i1.991","DOI":"10.4102\/sajcd.v70i1.991"},{"key":"ref17","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Khoza-Shangase, K., & Kalenga, M. (2024a). English instruction experiences of native South African speech-language and\/or hearing (SLH) undergraduate students: An exploratory study. Journal of Psychology in Africa, 34(1), 59\u201364. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/14330237.2023.2290426","DOI":"10.1080\/14330237.2023.2290426"},{"key":"ref18","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Khoza-Shangase, K., & Kalenga, M. (2024b). English additional language undergraduate students\u2019 engagement with the academic content in their curriculum in a South African speech-language and hearing training program. Frontiers in Education, 9, 1258358. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3389\/feduc.2024.1258358","DOI":"10.3389\/feduc.2024.1258358"},{"key":"ref19","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Khoza-Shangase, K., & Mophosho, M. (2018). Language and culture in speech-language and hearing professions in South Africa: The dangers of a single story. South African Journal of Communication Disorders, 65(1), 1\u20137. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4102\/sajcd.v65i1.594","DOI":"10.4102\/sajcd.v65i1.594"},{"key":"ref20","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Khoza-Shangase, K., & Mophosho, M. (2021). Language and culture in speech-language and hearing professions in South Africa: Re-imagining practice. South African Journal of Communication Disorders, 68(1), 1\u20139. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4102\/sajcd.v68i1.793","DOI":"10.4102\/sajcd.v68i1.793"},{"key":"ref21","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Khoza-Shangase, K., Moroe, N., & Neille, J. (2021). Speech-language pathology and audiology in South Africa: Clinical training and service in the era of COVID-19. International Journal of Telerehabilitation, 13(1), 1\u201331. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.5195\/ijt.2021.6376","DOI":"10.5195\/ijt.2021.6376"},{"key":"ref22","unstructured":"Khunou, G., Canham, H., Khoza-Shangase, K., & Phaswana, E.D. (2019). Black in the academy: Reframing knowledge, the knower, and knowing. In G. Khunou, E. Phaswana, K. Khoza-Shangase, & H. Canham (Eds.), Black academic voices: The South African experience (pp. 1\u201310), HSRC, Cape Town."},{"key":"ref23","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Lindsay, S., & Kolne, K. (2023). A scoping review of the role of gender within speech-language pathology practice. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 25(2), 231\u2013244.","DOI":"10.1080\/17549507.2022.2037707"},{"key":"ref24","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Madahana, M., Khoza-Shangase, K., Moroe, N., Mayombo, D., Nyandoro, O., & Ekoru, J. (2022). A proposed artificial intelligence-based real-time speech-to-text to sign language translator for South African official languages for the COVID-19 era and beyond: In pursuit of solutions for the hearing impaired. South African Journal of Communication Disorders, 69(2), 915. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4102\/sajcd.v69i2.915","DOI":"10.4102\/sajcd.v69i2.915"},{"key":"ref25","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"McIntyre-Mills, J. (2019). Designing a policy response to populism and the \u2018Wicked\u2019 issues of exclusion, Unemployment, poverty and climate change. In J. McIntyre-Mills, & N.R.A. Room (Eds.), Mixed methods and cross disciplinary research: Towards cultivating eco-systemic living (pp. 267\u2013318), Springer Cham.","DOI":"10.1007\/978-3-030-04993-5_12"},{"key":"ref26","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Mdlalo, T., Flack, P., & Joubert, R. (2016). Are South African speech-language therapists adequately equipped to assess English Additional Language (EAL) speakers who are from an indigenous linguistic and cultural background? A profile and exploration of the current situation. South African Journal of Communication Disorders, 63(1), 1\u20135. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4102\/sajcd.v63i1.130","DOI":"10.4102\/sajcd.v63i1.130"},{"key":"ref27","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Moonsamy, S., Mupawose, A., Seedat, J., Mophosho, M., & Pillay, D. (2017). Speech-language pathology and audiology in South Africa: Reflections on transformation in professional training and practice since the end of apartheid. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, 2(17), 30\u201341. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1044\/persp2.SIG17.30","DOI":"10.1044\/persp2.SIG17.30"},{"key":"ref28","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Mophosho, M. (2018). Speech-language therapy consultation practices in multilingual and multicultural healthcare contexts: Current training in South Africa. African Journal of Health Professions Education, 10(3), 145\u2013147. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.7196\/AJHPE.2018.v10i3.1045","DOI":"10.7196\/AJHPE.2018.v10i3.1045"},{"key":"ref29","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Mophosho, M., Masuku, K.P., & Khoza-Shangase, K. (2022). Complexities with context: Cultural and linguistic diversity challenges in preventive audiology in Africa. In K. Khoza-Shangase (Ed.), Complexities and challenges In preventive audiology: An African perspective, 155\u2013176, AOSIS, Cape Town","DOI":"10.4102\/aosis.2022.BK311.10"},{"key":"ref30","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Nagdee, N., Sebothoma, B., Madahana, M., Khoza-Shangase, K., & Moroe, N. (2022). Simulations as a mode of clinical training in healthcare professions: A scoping review to guide planning in speech-language pathology and audiology during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. South African Journal of Communication Disorders, 69(2), 905. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4102\/sajcd.v69i2.905","DOI":"10.4102\/sajcd.v69i2.905"},{"key":"ref31","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Pascoe, M., Klop, D., Mdlalo, T., & Ndhambi, M. (2018). Beyond lip service: Towards human rights-driven guidelines for South African speech-language pathologists. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 20(1), 67\u201374. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/17549507.2018.1397745","DOI":"10.1080\/17549507.2018.1397745"},{"key":"ref32","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Pentecost, M., Gerber, B., Wainwright, M., & Cousins, T. (2018). Critical orientations for humanising health sciences education in South Africa. Medical Humanities, 44(4), 221\u2013229. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1136\/medhum-2018-011472","DOI":"10.1136\/medhum-2018-011472"},{"key":"ref33","unstructured":"Pillay, M., & Kathard, H. (2015). Decolonizing health professionals\u2019 education: Audiology & speech therapy in South Africa. African Journal of Rhetoric, 7(1), 193\u2013227."},{"key":"ref34","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Pillay, M., Tiwari, R., Kathard, H., & Chikte, U. (2020). Sustainable workforce: South African audiologists and speech therapists. Human Resources for Health, 18, 1\u201313. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12960-020-00488-6","DOI":"10.1186\/s12960-020-00488-6"},{"key":"ref35","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Seabi, J., Seedat, J., Khoza-Shangase, K., & Sullivan, L. (2014). Experiences of university students regarding transformation in South Africa. International Journal of Educational Management, 28(1), 66\u201381. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1108\/IJEM-01-2012-0017","DOI":"10.1108\/IJEM-01-2012-0017"},{"key":"ref36","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Stockman, I.J., Boult, J., & Robinson, G.C. (2008). Multicultural\/multilingual instruction in educational programs: A survey of perceived faculty practices and outcomes. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 17(3), 241\u2013264. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1044\/1058-0360(2008\/023)","DOI":"10.1044\/1058-0360(2008\/023)"},{"key":"ref37","unstructured":"Tu, T., Palepu, A., Schaekermann, M., Saab, K., Freyberg, J., Tanno, R., Wang, A., Li, B., Amin, M., Cheng, Y., Vedadi, E., Tomasev, N., Azizi, S., Singhal, K., Hou, L., Webson, A., Kulkarni, K., Sara Mahdavi, S., Semturs, C., Gottweis, J. et al. (2024). Towards conversational diagnostic AI, https:\/\/doi.org\/10.48550\/arXiv.2401.05654"},{"key":"ref38","unstructured":"Ullauri, A. (2021). Audiology services in diverse communities: A tool to help clinicians working with Spanish-speaking patients and families. Plural Publishing."},{"key":"ref39","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Watermeyer, J., & Neille, J. (2022). The application of qualitative approaches in a post-colonial context in speech-language pathology: A call for transformation. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 24(5), 494\u2013503. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/17549507.2022.2047783","DOI":"10.1080\/17549507.2022.2047783"},{"key":"ref40","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Wigdorowitz, M., P\u00e9rez, A.I., & Tsimpli, I.M. (2022). Sociolinguistic context matters: Exploring differences in contextual linguistic diversity in South Africa and England. International Multilingual Research Journal, 16(4), 345\u2013364. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/19313152.2022.2069416","DOI":"10.1080\/19313152.2022.2069416"}],"container-title":["South African Journal of Communication Disorders"],"original-title":[],"link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/sajcd.org.za\/index.php\/sajcd\/article\/viewFile\/1086\/2463","content-type":"text\/html","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"text-mining"},{"URL":"https:\/\/sajcd.org.za\/index.php\/sajcd\/article\/viewFile\/1086\/2464","content-type":"application\/epub+zip","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"text-mining"},{"URL":"https:\/\/sajcd.org.za\/index.php\/sajcd\/article\/viewFile\/1086\/2465","content-type":"text\/xml","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"text-mining"},{"URL":"https:\/\/sajcd.org.za\/index.php\/sajcd\/article\/viewFile\/1086\/2466","content-type":"application\/pdf","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"text-mining"},{"URL":"https:\/\/sajcd.org.za\/index.php\/sajcd\/article\/view\/1086","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2025,7,1]],"date-time":"2025-07-01T02:13:57Z","timestamp":1751336037000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/sajcd.org.za\/index.php\/sajcd\/article\/view\/1086"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025,5,27]]},"references-count":41,"journal-issue":{"issue":"1","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2025,5,27]]}},"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4102\/sajcd.v72i1.1086","relation":{},"ISSN":["0379-8046","2225-4765"],"issn-type":[{"value":"0379-8046","type":"print"},{"value":"2225-4765","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2025,5,27]]},"article-number":"a1086"}}