Online Reporter
Mkhululi Ncube, Zimpapers Reporter
PEOPLE with disability have renewed calls for full inclusion across all sectors of the economy, saying meaningful participation is the only way they can overcome the daily challenges they face at a time the Government is making strides to advance their welfare.
The world commemorates the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3 each year.
Yesterday, Bulawayo hosted its provincial celebrations under the theme: “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Progress.”
Speaking during the event, Bulawayo Disability Board chairperson, Mr Nkosilathi Dube, said the community made history by successfully organising the commemorations using their own resources.
He said the majority of people living with disabilities in the province are self-employed and running various income-generating projects.
“We have a business that we are running as people living with disability and we want financial support to boost our operations. We are also appealing for land to build our own houses because some landlords continue to shun us,” said Mr Dube.
“Able-bodied people were allocated farming land, but many are not using it. We need that land, and we will prove many people wrong by supplying the city with food. We can even employ able-bodied people because our minds are not disabled.”
Mr Dube said people with disabilities also want allocations in the mining sector and called for the revival of the Paralympic Games, which previously offered them both physical exercise and vital social networks.
Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, represented by the deputy director for environmental planning and management in her office, Ms Norah Mupaza, said the day plays an important role in promoting awareness, understanding and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
She said the commemorations align with Zimbabwe’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of people with disabilities and building a society where they can meaningfully participate and contribute.
In her keynote address, the Special Advisor to the President on Disability Issues, Senator Rossy Mpofu, represented by her personal assistant Ms Maljan Fazilahmed, commended the Bulawayo disability community for organising the event independently.
Sen Mpofu said Zimbabwe was witnessing a historic era of disability inclusion under the Second Republic.
“Under the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe has entered a historic era of disability inclusion. We moved from decades of silence to tangible progress and meaningful visibility,” she said.
“Some of the key milestones include the first ever National Disability Policy, just two weeks ago a strong legal framework, the Persons with Disability Act has officially been gazetted.”
Other gains include the appointment of a High Court judge with a disability, senators living with disabilities and the employment of persons with disabilities within the civil service and independent commissions.
Sen Mpofu said all Government ministries and departments now have gender, wellness and inclusivity desks to ensure disability issues are considered during planning, budgeting and implementation.
She also praised First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, through the Angel of Hope Foundation, for her ongoing support of people living with disabilities, noting her role in promoting culture, dignity, health and family welfare.
Sen Mpofu urged communities to send children with disabilities to school, emphasising that they now have opportunities for future employment. She highlighted the need to improve digital accessibility to ensure people with disabilities can access affordable online tools and platforms. —@themkhust
