Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Writer
THE Second Republic, under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, has been widely praised for its significant strides in promoting disability inclusion with various stakeholders commending the Government’s commitment to empowering persons with disabilities.
These sentiments were echoed during the ongoing National Disability Expo in Victoria Falls where exhibitors, Government officials and private sector representatives have come together to celebrate, showcase and advocate for greater inclusivity.
This year’s expo is being held under the theme “Accelerating Disability Inclusion Now: A Collective Responsibility”, highlighting the need for nationwide collaboration in integrating persons with disabilities into all areas of society.
The event has seen a larger turnout compared to previous editions, with 360 exhibitors participating, signalling growing recognition of the abilities and contributions of persons with disabilities.
In an interview with Zimpapers, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Commissioner Dr Kudzai Shava, who is visually impaired, applauded President Mnangagwa’s administration for its deliberate steps towards placing persons with disabilities in key decision-making roles.
“The Government of President Mnangagwa has made considerable progress since 2018 in recognising the role of persons with disabilities in national development,” he said.
“Numerous programmes have been initiated through various ministries, particularly the Department of Disability Affairs under the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.”
Dr Shava cited his own appointment to ZEC in 2022, as well as the appointment of a High Court judge with a disability, as clear indicators of the Government’s commitment to inclusivity.
“Everyone must take a leaf out of that example, be it in the public or private sector. We all need to actively promote this kind of inclusion,” he added.
He also acknowledged the efforts of Mrs Rose Mpofu, Special Advisor on Disability Issues to the President and Cabinet, in advancing policy reforms and keeping disability rights on the national agenda.
In a separate interview, Mr Sanders Munsaka, national chairperson of the National Disability Expo and a senior officer in the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service, expressed his delight at the increased participation in this year’s expo.
“Our National Disability Expo officially opened today (Wednesday) here in Victoria Falls. As you can see, the number of exhibitors has significantly increased compared to last year,” he said.
“This proves that inclusiveness is empowerment, and empowerment is power.”
He noted that the expo offers a platform for persons with disabilities to showcase their talents, skills and entrepreneurial ventures.
“There are so many ways in which persons with disabilities are demonstrating their talents and showing how they sustain themselves.
“We also have extensive participation from the private sector, Government departments, disability organisations, and universities, most of which are showcasing efforts towards inclusion at institutional level,” he said.
Mr Munsaka also praised the involvement of special needs schools, where children with disabilities demonstrated their abilities through skills training and live performances.
While the Government has been applauded for its efforts, stakeholders at the expo called on the private sector to follow the Second Republic’s lead in promoting disability inclusion. Many exhibitors stressed the need for more employment opportunities, accessible workspaces and financial support for entrepreneurs with disabilities.
A representative from a leading Harare-based corporation, which is showcasing assistive technologies at the expo, said:
“We’ve seen the seriousness with which the Government is approaching disability inclusion. It’s now time for businesses to rise to the occasion and ensure persons with disabilities are not merely recipients of support but active participants in the economy.”
The expo is scheduled to be officially opened today by Vice-President Cde Kembo Mohadi.
The programme features panel discussions, exhibitions, skills demonstrations, and networking opportunities aimed at fostering collaboration between persons with disabilities, policymakers, and business leaders.
