In 1994, Khanyisa opened its doors with one teacher and three pupils. The  school grew quickly and in 1997 moved from the one classroom it occupied in Wynberg to larger, rented premises in Plumstead. In 1999 the mission of the school was redefined. It was decided that Khanyisa is for the child with a learning disability, who cannot cope in the mainstream schools (which are often underfunded and have large classes).

Since then the school has grown in leaps and bounds with new classes being added almost every year. In 2010 the 7th class was started for 9 yr olds bringing our number to 77. Thanks to our donors we have been able to add 5 new classrooms to help us manage this growing number.

The curriculum has expanded more recently to include extra practical skills and wider musical tuition.

We are committed to environmental protection, teaching pupils to grow their own organic food which they then take home thereby also acquiring an important life skill.