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Victor Maphosa Mash East Bureau
The Second Republic will continue to set the tone and take the lead in empowering and including persons with disabilities in social, economic and political development, President Mnangagwa said yesterday during the official opening of the 10th Edition of the National Disability Expo held in Rudhaka Stadium in Marondera.
He said the appointment of a special advisor on disability issues in his office, the presence of Senators representing persons with disabilities in Parliament and the appointment of persons with disabilities in senior decision making positions confirms the unwavering political commitment Government has towards persons with disabilities.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and devolution for Mashonaland East Dr Aplonia Munzverengwi, President Mnangagwa said persons with disabilities are first and foremost human beings who have to be treated with utmost dignity as they strive to realise all their rights.
Guided by Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy, the National Disability Policy and the relevant legislation, Government will always walk the talk and enhance the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities in national development.
“I have been informed that the theme for the Zimbabwe National Disability Expo 2022 is: “Building a disability inclusive and participatory society. Leaving no person and no place behind.” This is premised on a human rights and developmental approach which offers a roadmap for progressive change towards a prosperous, inclusive and empowered society.
“It calls for social inclusion, social development, social accountability and social participation by everyone,” said President Mnangagwa. “The mantra “no person and no place must be left behind,” must be a living reality not a verbal rhetoric. Persons with disabilities must be visible in all sectors of development in Zimbabwe. Their voices must be heard and listened to. Equal opportunities must be created to enhance the social participation of persons with disabilities in development.
“We must all embrace a change of mind-set towards empowerment of persons with disabilities. The mantra “Disability does not mean inability” must be a living reality in the Second Republic of Zimbabwe. Instead of the traditional charity model of giving them fish as passive objects of charity let us all give them the fishing line and emancipate them and empower them for life.
“The Zimbabwe National Disability Expo spearheaded by my office is a progressive opportunity to tap the inherent potentials in persons with disabilities and support them to be self-reliant and self-sufficient.
President Mnangagwa said Government will continue to embrace the principle of universal design, that is ensuring that those living with disabilities can get in and out of premises easily, from the family level to the national level. “Plans and designs of architecture, infrastructure, transport, communication, technology and social amenities must be accessible by persons with disabilities. Let us all make our buildings, premises, facilities and our family houses accessible to persons with disabilities,” he said.
“I therefore, urge all Government Ministries, the private sector, development partners and communities to have a shift of mind-set and progressively build a disability inclusive and participatory Zimbabwe which leaves no person and no place behind.
Persons with disabilities are part of our society hence they have to be visible and actively participate in socio-economic and political development.
“Let us all remove barriers that hinder their active participation in a Zimbabwe that we all want which is inherently progressive and includes everyone. Let us encourage and support persons with disabilities in also participating in building our country. They must have access to the means of production and enabling resources.
They must also get land, education, residential stands, business stands, mining claims, employment, own businesses, be board members, take up leadership positions and participate in all activities in our community.”
“Let me reaffirm today, my Government’s unwavering commitment to building a disability inclusive and participatory Zimbabwe which leaves no person and no place behind. Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo. Brick by brick. Stone by stone. Let us all build Zimbabwe.”
Online Reporter