Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu
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NKOMWA Foundation Trust (NFT) in partnership with the Bible Society of Zimbabwe (BSZ) restored hope for 35 people with disabilities in Beitbridge District, Matabeleland South when they donated customised assistive devices.
The devices included 15 wheel chairs, two tricycles, six walking sticks, two white canes, seven crutches, three sitting units, a commode and a walker with wheels and they are all valued at about US$10 000.
One of the beneficiaries, Ms Elizabeth Muzhambi (93) who received a wheelchair said the intervention has brought huge relief to her as she will now be able to move around.
“I was struggling to move around because of old age and I was now depending on my family to assist me. I was also starting to feel like a burden to other people,” she said.
Mrs Muzhambi said the wheelchair will help her to move around and do a few chores. “I will no longer ask people to assist me to move from one place to another,” she said.
Prudence Zulu (15) who has cerebral palsy also received a wheelchair. Her aunt, Ms Sibusisiwe Tlou said prior to the donation she had to use a wheelbarrow or carry her niece whenever moving around.
She said due to disability, her niece is confined in one place most of the time.
Ms Tlou said her niece will now be able to play with other children while her desire is to see her niece attending school.
“I’m happy that my niece has received a wheelchair as she will now manage to move around and play with her friends. She can also accompany others to the shops and other places and it’s my desire to see my niece going to school which can cater for her disability,” she said.
Mr Keith Zulu who is a disc jockey and music producer received a wheelchair. He said his work will now be easier as he will be able to sell his music and hold gigs.
Beitbridge Ward 10 Councillor Edward Ndlovu expressed his gratitude to the two organisations for their intervention.
He said people with disability have in the past been left out in terms of development.
Nkomwa Foundation Trust director, Mr Pick Nkomwa said Beitbridge district is the fourth district in Matabeleland South Province to benefit from their partnership with the Bible Society of Zimbabwe.
Other districts that have benefited are Bulilima, Mangwe and Gwanda.
He said this programme is in line with Government’s policy that no place and no person must be left behind.
“I’m glad that we have managed to put some smiles on the faces of 35 people. Assistive devices are critical to persons with disabilities as they enable them to be productive, independent and live dignified lives,” he said.
Mr Nkomwa however, said many people living with disabilities are in need of assistive devices.
He urged other development partners to consider setting aside budgets for disability issues in their programmes.
“Those mainstreaming disability should do an assessment or survey before imposing a programme on the people. Involvement and consultation is imperative if we are to achieve an inclusive world,” said Mtr Nkomwa.–@DubeMatutu
Online Reporter