Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
The Jairos Jiri Association has been honoured with the inaugural Gunyana Prestigious Award, in honour of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s commitment to promoting the welfare, inclusion and empowerment of people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in society.
The award was presented by Cde Andrew Makahamadze, founder of the Southerton Constituency Community Development Trust and the Andrew Makahamadze Foundation, at a ceremony held in Harare last Friday.
The Gunyana Prestigious Award derives its name from Gunyana, the Shona name for September, the ninth month of the year.
The name carries deep symbolic significance, as September marks the President’s birthday month.
It also symbolises the nine months of pregnancy, representing the gift of life and the nurturing values of motherhood.
In Christian tradition, the month is also associated with the birth of the Virgin Mary, reinforcing the award’s underlying message that compassion runs in our DNA.
The award was presented through the Southerton Constituency Community Development Trust and the Andrew Makahamadze Foundation as part of efforts to recognise and celebrate initiatives that champion compassion, human dignity and the empowerment of vulnerable members of society.
One of the most touching moments of the ceremony came when children who write using their feet demonstrated their remarkable handwriting skills. Their inspiring display of determination, resilience and ability challenged perceptions about disability and underscored the importance of creating inclusive opportunities for everyone.
Cde Makahamadze said the award was taken to Jairos Jiri to show that people with disabilities deserve opportunity, support and recognition.
“When you see children writing beautifully with their feet, you realise that disability does not define a person’s potential.” he said.
“We brought this award to Jairos Jiri because the President’s compassion must be seen in how we treat those who need an enabling environment most,”he said
Cde Makahamadze said the President is the first citizen to be awarded the Gunyana award, with others to follow, because his mantra of leaving no one and no place behind is driving the nation towards Vision 2030.
“Vision 2030 will be achieved when persons with disabilities are part of the mainstream of our economy.”
Cde Makahamadze said leaving no place behind means Southerton Constituency must also benefit from the journey to Vision2030, and he delivered the wishlist the constituency needs.
Receiving the award on behalf of the association’s national president, Dr Lovemore Chipunza, national executive director Ms Grace Kamanga said Jairos Jiri remains committed to care, education, rehabilitation and inclusion for people with disabilities.
She said the association serves more than 16 900 people with disabilities every year.
“This mission challenges society to look beyond disability and recognise the abilities, potential, and humanity of every individual,” said Dr Chipunza.
“We believe that persons with disabilities deserve an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society.”
ZANU-PF DCC 6 secretary for information and publicity Cde Henry Shadaya said the gesture reflected the President’s policy of leaving no one behind.
He appealed for Birmingham Road to be renamed after the association’s founder and for his statue to be erected at intersection of the road and Lobengula Rd.
“It literally means he cares for the marginalised and we have a caring President,” he said.
“We are requesting that the nation honour Jairos Jiri through renaming Birmingham Road , Jairos Jiri Road.”
