Chronicle Editor
Nqobile Tshili, Online Writer
TIRELESS late National Hero Joshua Malinga is among the great people whose life work improved the well-being and empowerment of people with disabilities in Zimbabwe.
Paying tribute to Malinga at his funeral service at the Amphitheatre in Bulawayo today, the city’s Minister for Provincial Affairs Judith Ncube has paid tribute to Malinga who she said opened the floodgates for people with disabilities to be recognised as contributors to the national economy, instead of being beggars who live on handouts.
Malinga succumbed to prostate cancer last Friday at 79.
He was a special advisor to the President, former Mayor of the City of Bulawayo, and Zanu-PF Politburo member.
Malinga was born on 20 April 1944 in Filabusi. He was born able-bodied and was attacked by Polio at a very young age.
“It is a dark day for the city of Bulawayo, following the death of a nationalist stalwart who fought for the rights of the minority. The honour given to Cde Malinga (National Hero) is befitting considering the role played in uplifting previously marginalised citizens,” said Minister Ncube.
The Minister said Malinga was a principled man and a champion for special interest groups.
“He was instrumental in setting up the Disability Act of 1992. He lived a purpose-filled life and I challenge everyone to live a purpose-filled life,” she said.
The Disability Act prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, education, publicly available premises, provision of goods and services, accommodation, clubs and associations, and other contexts.
“We should uplift each other and this is what Cde Malinga lived to do. As a province, we are saddened by the death of Cde Malinga. We acknowledge the works that Cde Malinga did to develop this country. We should remain united as President Mnangagwa has reiterated to us. He was a peacemaker and unifier. I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the Malinga family and I want to assure you that we are in this together,” said Minster Ncube.
She expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa for establishing an office for those living with disabilities.
Online Reporter