Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
BEAUTICIAN and disability rights advocate Michelle Madau, who was among several champions for People With Disabilities (PWDs) honoured by President Mnangagwa on Wednesday for their work in advancing disability inclusion, has described the Mahindra vehicle she received as “not just a car, but independence, freedom and a fresh start.”
The handover ceremony, held at State House, saw beneficiaries receiving Mahindra vehicles to enhance their independence and increase their capacity to serve others within the disability community.
Each recipient also received 10 wheelchairs for distribution in their respective districts, boosting grassroots support and outreach.
Other recipients included musicians Chipo Muchegwa and Greatman (born Tongai Gwaze), entrepreneur Hazel Mandaza, and Tendai Mazuru, founder of the Tendai Mazuru Foundation, which supports persons with disabilities and their families.
This donation was facilitated by the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Tino Machakaire, whose intervention ensured that the disability champions were granted an audience with President Mnangagwa. Speaking during the presentation, President Mnangagwa reaffirmed Government’s commitment to supporting persons with disabilities across all sectors.
“We should strive to move with everyone and not leave anyone behind. As Government, we’re here to help, so everyone with disabilities or their families, should come forth so that they receive the necessary help. This assistance is not coming from me, but from the Government, and my job is to ensure that everyone who deserves it gets access to it,” President Mnangagwa said.
Mudawu expressed heartfelt gratitude to the President for the gesture.
“To His Excellency, Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and the Government of Zimbabwe, thank you for approving this initiative and making this gift a reality. This isn’t just a car; it is independence, it is freedom and it is a fresh start,” she said.
Mudawu, who also serves on the Zimbabwe Youth Council board, said being recognised by the President for her years of advocacy and philanthropy was both surreal and motivating.
“I’ve spent so many years doing work and fighting for PWDs’ rights. I believed that all the effort I’ve been putting in was overlooked. But on Wednesday, I realised that everything happens for a reason as I was among the beneficiaries honoured by President Mnangagwa with a brand-new Mahindra car.
“I was also given 10 wheelchairs to give to those in need in my area of philanthropic work. This recognition and donation will go a long way as it has motivated me to stay true to my calling and continue working hard to better the lives of PWDs,” she said.
Mudawu said she hopes the gesture will inspire families to support differently abled children in pursuing education, talent and self-reliance.
“This kind gesture by the President will be an inspiration to many people. Even parents of children who are differently abled will be inspired to take their children to school so that if they have a talent, they can realise their full potential.
“They should know that they can sustain themselves without begging anyone. We want to go out even to schools, for differently abled people and help where we can. I’m a living testimony. I feel I can inspire them to do something worthwhile with their lives as long as they put their mind to it. You have to push the door until it opens,” she said.
She also expressed gratitude to Minister Machakaire for facilitating engagements with the President.
“It’s great that the youths are well represented by Minister Machakaire, who understands his job and the responsibilities that come with serving the ministry. Also, I’d like to appreciate Ward 20 Councillor in Bulawayo, Sandra (Ndebele), as she has always been supportive of my initiatives,” said Madau.
