Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE construction of Nkemeletje Disability Centre in Gwanda District has brought excitement to the community, which views the facility as a source of empowerment for people with disability (PWDs).
The new facility is expected to be completed by August and will be installed with new clothing technology equipment and Information Communication Technology (ICT) gadgets.
Located in Ward 16, the disability centre will serve as a multi-purpose hub, which will have an early childhood development centre for children with disabilities and a vocational training centre.
It will also offer digital and soft skills development and agricultural initiatives such as goat rearing and horticulture projects to support sustainable livelihoods.
Government’s vision for an upper-middle-income society by 2030 seeks to ensure PWDs have equal access to education, healthcare, employment, information and infrastructure, among other basic services.
This involves having access to facilities that can empower them.
The disability centre is a partnership between Matabeleland South disability-based organisation — Nkomwa Foundation Trust, Gwanda Rural District Council and the local community.
Mapate village head, Mr Solomon Ncube, said PWDs in the rural areas have often been left out because of the absence of facilities.
“We have people with disability in the rural areas, but they have often been suppressed as they don’t have a place or platform where they can be empowered within the community,” he said.
“Having a disability centre will provide a platform for PWDs to be capacitated and empowered so that they can contribute significantly to the development of their communities.
“This will also help change the mindset of people about PWDs. People will see that disability isn’t inability. We are glad that our community has been selected to house this institution.”
Nkomwa Foundation Trust Director, Mr Pick Nkomwa, said significant work has been done under the project and efforts are underway to secure roofing material for the project.
To start the project, the organisation received US$7 000 from the Australian Government — Direct Aid Programme. Mr Nkomwa said the centre represents a vision for a future of self-reliance and dignity. He appealed to the corporate world and individuals to consider investing in the project as this will ensure empowerment and inclusion of PWDs.
“We are deeply grateful for the progress that has been recorded under the project so far. The initial capital injection provided a strong foundation to kick-start the project,” he said.
“While we experienced some delays along the way, we remain within our planned time frame. The establishment of a disability centre is a vital investment in inclusive infrastructure.
“It represents a deliberate shift from a charity-based approach to a rights-based model of empowerment. This centre is envisioned as a beacon of dignity, ensuring that persons with disabilities are fully included in national development efforts. We, therefore, appeal to well-wishers, development partners, and the corporate sector to support us in completing our first block, particularly with roofing materials,” he added.
Mr Nkomwa said additional structures will follow as the centre becomes operational. He said the plan is to roll out livelihood projects such as goat rearing.
Member of Parliament for Gwanda South, Dr Omphile Marupi, said having the centre buttresses Government’s vision of empowering PWDs.
He said the centre will serve as a skills hub and a model for inclusive rural development, proving that progress is achievable even in remote areas
Dr Marupi said under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, the Second Republic has taken significant steps to promote disability rights and social inclusion.
“Government has launched several initiatives to empower PWDs, such as establishment of a Disability Affairs Department under the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to coordinate disability-related programmes, appointment of PWDs to key public offices and roll out of inclusive education programmes to ensure children with disabilities learn in adapted environments,” he said.
Dr Marupi said the Government has also collaborated with organisations like NFT, Jairos Jiri Association, and Leonard Cheshire Zimbabwe on community rehabilitation and skills development programmes.
