Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE Government has made notable progress in integrating persons with disabilities (PWDs) into the national development agenda, with renewed efforts now focused on closing the information gap that continues to affect many people living in rural communities.
Speaking on Monday during belated International Day for Persons with Disabilities commemorations held at Chief Fuyane’s homestead in Matobo District, Special Advisor to the President on Disability Issues Cde Rossy Mpofu said the introduction of the Disability Policy had addressed many longstanding challenges faced by PWDs. The commemorations were held under the theme: “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.”
“As the advisor to the President on disability issues, I can confidently say that significant strides have been made in ensuring that people living with disabilities are included in the development agenda. What remains is to close the information gap, particularly among persons with disabilities living in rural areas, so that they fully understand and access the services and opportunities available to them,” said Cde Mpofu.
Cde Mpofu said empowerment of PWDs is critical to achieving Vision 2030 and is firmly embedded in the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2). She noted that most challenges faced by persons with disabilities had been addressed through the Disability Policy, adding that collective effort was key to safeguarding their rights.
“If we work together as stakeholders, there is a lot we can do to protect and promote the rights of people with disabilities. As a representative of PWDs, I have deliberately worked closely with the Department of Social Development to capture the concerns and challenges faced by people with disabilities at grassroots level,” she said.
Cde Mpofu commended President Mnangagwa for his commitment and openness in addressing disability issues.
“People with disabilities do not want to survive on begging; they want to be economically empowered and to play a meaningful role in national development,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Edgar Moyo said Government was intensifying efforts to empower persons with disabilities through initiatives such as free education, free medical care and economic empowerment programmes.
He said Zimbabwe continues to demonstrate strong commitment to regional and international frameworks on disability inclusion by providing services such as Assisted Medical Treatment Orders (Amto) and free basic education through Beam.
“My ministry provides a wide range of services to people living with disabilities across all 66 administrative districts in the country. These include access to AMTO, free basic education, vocational training, disability vocational training fees, provision of assistive technologies such as wheelchairs and artificial limbs, as well as economic empowerment grants and loans,” said Minister Moyo.
Minister Moyo said the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, commemorated annually on 3 December, is not merely a celebration but a moment for reflection, accountability and renewed commitment.
“This year’s theme challenges us to build communities, institutions and systems that empower every citizen to reach their full potential. Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency President Mnangagwa, our nation continues to move steadily towards Vision 2030, guided by the principle of leaving no one and no place behind.”
He said this principle was not only a policy position but also a moral obligation, ensuring that persons with disabilities are actively supported to contribute to and benefit from national development.
Minister Moyo described the Persons with Disabilities Act as a landmark step towards justice and dignity.
“It introduces a broadened definition of disability that recognises diverse lived experiences and establishes a National Disability Fund to support access to education, healthcare, employment and assistive technologies. The Act also guarantees participation in decision-making, ensuring that persons with disabilities are not only consulted but also lead,” he said.
Chief Fuyane said the Disability Policy, launched by President Mnangagwa in 2021, directly addresses the needs of persons with disabilities in rural communities.
“In the past, families would hide relatives with disabilities, but there has been progress as communities now better understand disability issues,” he said.
Senator representing persons with disabilities Annah Shiri said there had been significant improvement in the welfare of PWDs since the launch of the Disability Policy.
“Persons with disabilities have benefited from housing, farming inputs and various empowerment programmes,” she said.
Representatives of persons with disabilities who attended the event expressed appreciation to the Government for rolling out initiatives that promote inclusion, protect their rights and expand opportunities.
@DubeMatutu
