Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu, [email protected]
PERSONS with disabilities from across the country are set to benefit from a wide-ranging empowerment package that includes residential stands, livestock, solar equipment and mining support tools during the Zimbabwe National Disability Expo 2026 in Masvingo.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda revealed the package during a Post-Cabinet Media Briefing on Tuesday while giving an update on preparations for the Zimbabwe National Disability Expo 2026, which will be held at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo from June 24 to 26.
The Expo will run under the theme, “Embracing Disability Inclusion in all Sectors: A Master Stroke for National Prosperity and Economic Development.”
Dr Soda said President Mnangagwa, who will officiate at the event on June 26 as Guest of Honour, will continue the tradition of empowering persons with disabilities through various donations aimed at improving livelihoods and promoting economic participation.
“This year, the donations comprise pigs and goats; residential stands to be allocated to persons with disabilities drawn from all local authorities in Masvingo Province; a commercial stand in Masvingo City; hammer mills for small-scale miners with disabilities; water pumps for household and mining use; and solar panels, among others,” said Dr Soda.
He said the initiative is part of Government’s broader efforts to ensure that persons with disabilities actively participate in socio-economic development and are not left behind in the country’s development agenda.
Dr Soda said preparations for the Expo were well on course, with the event expected to attract about 500 exhibitors from Zimbabwe and abroad.
A total of 438 exhibitors have already paid exhibition fees, while 24 exhibitors from eight countries — India, Eswatini, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Rwanda and Zambia — have confirmed participation.
The Expo, a Government initiative, provides a platform for persons with disabilities, Government ministries, departments and agencies, civil society organisations and communities to showcase the abilities, talents and achievements of persons with disabilities.
Dr Soda said the Expo also promotes disability inclusion by supporting persons with disabilities to spearhead decision-making processes and the organisation of the event.
In line with the spirit of inclusivity, 70 percent of the entertainment during the three-day Expo will be provided by persons with disabilities.
Government has also invested in infrastructure improvements at Mucheke Stadium ahead of the event, including the construction of a disability-inclusive ablution block and the refurbishment of volleyball, tennis and basketball courts to improve accessibility.
Dr Soda said Masvingo Province was an appropriate host for the Expo given its rich history in disability rehabilitation and empowerment.
He noted that the late Jairos Jiri, a pioneer in disability welfare and rehabilitation in Zimbabwe, hailed from the province and left a lasting legacy through institutions that continue to support persons with disabilities.
The province is home to several rehabilitation and special needs institutions, including Ngomahuru Psychiatric Hospital, Henry Murray School for the Deaf, Copota School for the Blind, Jairos Jiri Training Centre in Mucheke and Mukume Primary School in Mwenezi.
