Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
NKOMWA Foundation Trust (NFT), in partnership with POTRAZ, has trained nearly 100 persons with disabilities in Matabeleland South in digital skills under an ongoing empowerment programme.
Speaking during the organisation’s five-year anniversary celebrations, NFT board chairperson Ms Selinah Chirisa said the trust has made significant progress in promoting inclusion, though more still needs to be done.
“Since its inception in 2020, NFT has been driven by a simple yet powerful vision: to promote the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of persons with disabilities in socio-economic life. In the past five years, we have built bridges between communities, institutions, and policymakers. We have challenged barriers, created opportunities, and amplified the voices of persons with disabilities across Matabeleland South and beyond,” she said.
Ms Chirisa said, with POTRAZ’s support, NFT has trained 95 persons with disabilities from Gwanda, Beitbridge, Mangwe and Bulilima districts in digital skills — an initiative that is helping bridge the digital divide and improving access to information, employment and entrepreneurship.
She said community sensitisation and leadership training programmes have yielded positive outcomes, with notable improvements in the inclusion of persons with disabilities in community development committees — a key step towards participatory governance.
However, she said discrimination and stigma remain major obstacles to full participation.
“Inadequate resources also limit our ability to reach all intended beneficiaries. Persons with albinism, in particular, continue to face deep-seated myths, harmful beliefs and limited access to essential protective lotions,” she added.
Ms Chirisa said despite the challenges, the trust remains committed to advancing disability rights.
“Our progress has been possible through strong collaboration with Government ministries, local authorities, development partners and communities. Together, we are shaping a society that values diversity and upholds equality,” she said.
— @DubeMatutu
derick.khumalo