Online Reporter
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWE marks its 45th Independence anniversary under the theme “Zim@45: Devolve and Develop Together Towards Vision 2030,” the nation has already begun writing a new chapter in its history with the ground-breaking launch of the Realisation of The African Disability Protocol (RAD-P) project.
This convergence of celebrations highlights Zimbabwe’s commitment to inclusive development and human rights.
The recent launch of the RAD-P project at Harare’s Crowne Plaza Monomotapa Hotel marks a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s journey toward disability inclusion.
This initiative, which will run until 2028, positions Zimbabwe alongside Malawi and Zambia at the forefront of disability rights implementation in Africa.
The Special Advisor on Disability Issues in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Ms Rose Mpofu, through her representative, Mr Macnon Chirinzepi, said the Government is going above and beyond in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities.
“The Second Republic is walking the talk and fulfilling all its promises on disability empowerments through the NDS1 promulgation where disability is a cross-cutting issue on all the 14 pillars of the national development agenda,” she said.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has consistently emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering persons with disabilities through various initiatives.
“We remain determined to support persons with disabilities in achieving economic self-sufficiency,” the President has said, highlighting the government’s provision of financial support to disability associations for boosting businesses and promoting financial independence.
The timing of the RAD-P launch, coinciding with independence celebrations, reinforces the government’s commitment to disability inclusion as a fundamental pillar of national development, as recognized in Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1)
The implementation programme represents a paradigm shift in approaching disability rights. “There is need for social transformation and complete change of mindset from the charity model and personal tragedy model towards embracing the participatory and people-centred social model and human rights model of disability,” Ms Mpofu added.
This transformation is particularly significant given that approximately 11% of Zimbabwe’s adult population lives with some form of functional difficulty, with higher prevalence rates among women (12.1%) compared to men (9.8%).
The European Union’s support has been instrumental in advancing disability rights in Zimbabwe.
The RAD-P project, generously funded by the European Union, represents a regional collaboration between Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia.
EU Delegation to Zimbabwe Deputy Head of Mission Mrs Lourdes Chamorro, commended Zimbabwe’s progress, particularly noting the 2021 National Disability Policy launch and the early ratification of the African Disability Protocol.
Sightsavers Zimbabwe country director Mr Peter Bare emphasised the project’s significance.
“We witness the launch of a transformative initiative that marks a pivotal moment in our collective effort to advance disability rights and promote inclusive development across three nations,” he said.
Zimbabwe became the 16th country to ratify the African Disability Protocol, following Congo’s ratification in 2024 which made the protocol legally binding across the African Union. This achievement comes after years of advocacy and partnership between various organizations and the government.
Mrs Laisa Chouromba, Acting Director of Disability Affairs in the Ministry of Public Ser- vice, Labour and Social Welfare, highlighted the ongoing legislative progress.
“Our process with disability is before the parliament awaiting approval. This milestone sets a stepping stone to address the marginalization and discrimination of persons with disabilities in the country,” she said.
The implementation of the project will be coordinated through a network of organizations across the three countries.
Mr Leonard Marange, National Director for the Federation of Organizations of Disabled People in Zimbabwe (FODPZ), outlined the project’s scope.
“The RAD-P will run until 2028, targeting not just our three countries but the entire region through our partnership with the African dis- ability alliance,” said Mr Marange.
Zimbabwe will host the National Disability Expo 2025 in Victoria Falls by June’s end. This event will showcase the capabilities of persons with disabilities in an inclusive Zimbabwe, aligning with President Mnangagwa’s vision of ensuring PWDs’ full participation in all sectors.
Zimbabwe’s journey in disability rights has evolved significantly since independence in 1980, when it was considered a model country for disability rights in Africa. The recent launch of the RAD-P project, combined with the 45th independence celebrations, demonstrates how far the nation has come and its continued commitment to progress.
The impact of these initiatives is already visible at the grassroots level. Stories like that of Ndakaitei Matare and the Ward 38 Disability Support Group in Zvimba showcase how community-based initiatives are transforming lives.
