Chronicle Editor
Leonard Ncube in Binga
PEOPLE with disabilities have been called upon to fully participate in national transformation programmes so that they play a key role in bettering their lives and the economy.
People with disabilities have over the years complained about exclusion from service delivery and socio-economic programmes.
Officiating at the belated provincial commemoration of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities (IDD) at Siachilaba Secondary School in Binga on Friday, Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs Cde Richard Moyo challenged people with disability to position themselves and take part in education and employment.
“Persons with disabilities have been excluded for a long time and the time to reverse this trend is now. Government has undertaken several programmes and policies aimed at mainstreaming disability and these include equalisation of opportunities, initiation of development efforts on rights, well being and livelihoods of people with disability. Persons with disabilities are called upon to be part of vision 2030 which aims at achieving a prosperous upper middle-class economy through its strategic cluster of social development,” said Cde Moyo.
He challenged citizens to work with Government towards achieving social development saying the task of empowering vulnerable groups cannot be left to Government alone. Special Advisor to the President on disability Cde Joshua Malinga bemoaned ill-treatment by the society.
He said disability is from God as he encouraged those with disabilities to come together and advocate for betterment of their lives.
“Everyone is different. While others enjoy their lives, we are not allowed to marry or take any position in society hence we are not involved in politics, economy and business because we are abused by culture. Our problem is not our condition but the treatment we get from mainstream society,” said Cde Malinga.
He implored Government to plan with those living with disability in mind.
“People with disability need to go to school and be leaders. Our problem is not disability but the system that doesn’t recognise us. That’s why we are now trying to fight for our rights. We thank President Mnangagwa and Zanu-PF for a resolution to include people with disability in the Central Committee, councils and in Parliament so that we represent ourselves. I urge those living with disabilities to form associations in districts, provinces and communities so that we advocate for our rights collectively because no one will do that for us,” he added.
Vice chairperson of National Disability Board Mr Edward Mundanga said people with disabilities fail to access service delivery in their daily lives.
“We want a society which is disability friendly and accessible to public utilities hence we urge Government, development partners and communities to design income generating projects friendly to us because we make society together,” he said.
The IDD was set aside by United Nations in 1992 to mainstream issues of people living with disabilities.
The day is commemorated annually on 3 December. This year’s theme was: “Empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality.”
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