daniel chigunwe
Joseph Madzimure
Senior Reporter
PEOPLE with disabilities have described the appointment of Cde Rose Mpofu as Secretary for People with Disabilities in the Politburo post as living testimony of President Mnangagwa’s mantra of living no one and no place behind.
Cde Mpofu, who is visually-impaired, replaced the late national hero, Cde Joshua Malinga, who was Special Advisor to the President on Disability Issues, and is expected, in her position in the Politburo, to be the voice of a large constituency in the country.
Senator Anna Shiri from Midlands province commended the President for being gender sensitive by appointing Cde Mpofu to replace Cde Malinga in the Politburo.
“We want to thank President Mnangagwa for recognising women to represent the disability community at the highest level, it shows that the President is gender sensitive. Women need to be represented at all platforms.
“We want a number of disabled persons to be appointed to influential positions, be it in politics, Government, parastatals and even in the private sector because disability does not mean inability. People should not treat people with disabilities as charity cases, we can also do it,” said Senator Shiri.
Radio personality Mr Mkhululi Luphahla weighed in saying the President was spot on in ensuring all constituencies are well represented. He said the appointment of Cde Mpofu is a move in the right direction as it ensures that the physically impaired community is included at the highest level.
“Previously it was Cde Malinga and now the President has appointed a lady, it shows he is gender sensitive.
“As people who are physically-impaired we are happy with her appointment. We expect her to represent us with great honour to make sure our interests are well articulated and represented in the Politburo,” said Mr Luphahla.
The founder of Muduvuri Rehabilitation and Empowerment Foundation (MREF), a charity foundation that works and focuses on helping and empowering disabled members of society, Cde Jimayi Muduvuri, described President Mnangagwa as a man of action.
Cde Muduvuri, who is also the patron for People living with Disabilities for Economic Development, said being disabled does not mean one is a charity case.
“We are able to work on our own, but we need our voices to be heard at the highest level, and having one of our own in the Politburo is a source of pride. We hope and trust Cde Mpofu will take a leaf from the late national hero Cde Malinga and continue to be our voice.
“We are able people, we are into various income generating projects, right now we have 50 000 chickens ready for market that we have produced in a project that is meant to sustain the livelihoods of people with disabilities,” he said.
Human Rights activist Ms Tshepang Nare said the constituency is convinced that Cde Mpofu would deliver in her new mandate.
“We are happy that the party is pushing for inclusiveness in all spheres. It’s a move in the right direction to appoint a woman to such a position.
“We are grateful to the President,” said Ms Nare.
The President has recognised one of the party stalwarts who has been serving the party loyally for a very long time.
Cde Mpofu lost her sight seven years ago, but that did not deter her from carrying out party duties.
President Mnangagwa announced the appointment of Cde Mpofu during the party’s 20th Annual National People’s Conference in Gweru last week.
He gave her a very critical assignment to advise the party, through the Politburo, on issues to do with disability.
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