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Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
PEOPLE With Disabilities for Economic Development have called for the removal of sanctions that continue to delay and hinder progress and development in Zimbabwe.
The sanctions were illegally imposed on Zimbabwe by the West over two decades ago as retaliation to the land reform introduced by Zanu PF to correct socio-economic imbalances created during colonial period.
While Zimbabwe has embraced inward-looking development to counter domestic challenges, including raising internal funds to improve infrastructure like roads, dams and bridges, sanctions have been blamed for reduced lines of credit from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.
The illegal embargoes have taken a toll on people with disabilities whose survival need special attention.
Speaking in Kadoma on Tuesday during the national meeting of People With Disabilities for Economic Development, provincial and national leaders of the ruling party affiliate said sanctions had affected accessibility of what is needed by the constituency for survival.
“Our President is working round the clock to ensure that the country is developed, but his efforts are affected by the illegally imposed sanctions,” said Manicaland provincial chair Cde Emily Muchaembera.
Midlands’ chair Cde Champion Mangwiro said many from their constituency had been facing challenges as the Government was getting limited funds from international financial institutions like the World Bank.
“This is as a result of imposed sanctions. It has become expensive for people with all sorts of disabilities to access what they use,” he said.
People With Disabilities for Economic Development national member Cde Tonderai Chibanda weighed in, saying sanctions had affected people with disabilities for long as it has been difficult and expensive to acquire wheelchairs.
“We call for unconditional removal of illegal economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the West. These are slowing the nation and affecting us in a huge way. Whoever continues to beg for extension of these sanctions is a terrorist,” he said.
The continuous calls by people with disabilities come as SADC prepares to observe the Zimbabwe Anti-Sanctions Day today.
People With Disabilities for Economic Development have lined up provincial activities, including marches and food distribution to the disabled. The food, including rice and maize, has been sourced by the affiliate’s patron, Cde Jimayi Muduvuri.
Already, the constituency is benefiting the same food items at local level, a move aimed at cushioning them from the harsh and negative effects of El-Nino induced drought that left millions in the Southern African region in dire need of food.
Addressing the provincial and national leadership, Cde Muduvuri called for the immediate removal of the illegal sanctions as they were undermining economic development being spearheaded by the Second Republic.
“As the People With Disabilities for ED, we have converged to amplify our voices by joining the rest of the people in country and the region in denouncing the illegal sanctions imposed on the country,” he said.
Cde Muduvuri, who is also the co-founder of the Coalition Against Sanctions Zimbabwe Chapter, said Zimbabweans needed to unite against the sanctions and participate in today’s activities.
He also said people with disabilities continue to throw their weight behind President Mnangagwa’s leadership.
“We are happy that President Mnangagwa honours us. His leadership has seen us become financially stable as many of us are engaging in income generating projects courtesy of His Excellency,” he said.
People With Disabilities for Economic Development is among the affiliates who are attending the ongoing Zanu PF conference in Bulawayo.
This SADC Anti-Sanctions Day is held under the theme: “Embracing innovation towards Vision 2030:The relentless fight against illegal sanctions.”
An all-night musical gala is also going to be held in Bulawayo.
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