Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure
People with disabilities are actively rallying behind the proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill, which seeks to align election cycles with the country’s developmental aspirations and trajectory.
The Bill proposes extending the Presidential term from five to seven years to ensure continuity in policy formulation and national development.
Speaking during an outreach programme for people with disabilities to unpack the details of the amendment in Harare yesterday, Zanu PF Secretary for the Disabled, Cde Rose Mpofu, said the constitutional amendment focuses on ensuring continuity towards national development.
“Constitutional Amendment No. 3 will lead to more comprehensive policies that address the needs of marginalised communities, including people with disabilities,” Cde Mpofu said.
She said in 2021, President Mnangagwa launched the National Disability Policy to address the long-standing marginalisation, discrimination and exclusion of people with disabilities (PWDs).
“The policy aims to shift the perception of PWDs from being ‘charity cases’ to active, equal participants in the economy. So it is important for us to make sure we participate in the Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill to ensure it sails through,” Cde Mpofu said.
If the Bill is passed, she said, people living with disabilities will continue to benefit from empowerment programmes.
She added that more funding will be channelled towards their upliftment through initiatives such as the revolving fund for income‑generating projects.
“Our constituency will benefit from empowerment programmes such as the revolving fund to start our own projects. We want President Mnangagwa to remain in office to realise Vision 2030,” Cde Mpofu said.
Speaking at the same gathering, Zanu PF Political Commissar, Cde Munyaradzi Machacha, said Zimbabwe has more than three million people with disabilities.
“Out of the total number of people with disabilities, 1.4 million are eligible to vote. Hence, Zanu PF wants to include everyone to participate in the development of the country under the mantra ‘leaving no one and no place behind’,” Cde Machacha said.
He emphasised that all party positions designated for people with disabilities should be allocated to those rightful individuals.
“We expect that all people with disabilities actively participate in party programmes. Zanu PF is committed to uplifting the livelihoods of everyone, and we encourage all members to be part of this important journey. As a party, we understand that our success relies on your active participation.
