Online Reporter
Herald Correspondent
THERE is need to shift from outdated models of disability support towards a more inclusive, participatory, and rights-based approach, the Special Advisor on National Disability Issues in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Ms Rose Mpofu, has said.
Speaking at the official launch of the “UNited 4 Youth Inclusion” Programme on Wednesday at the United Nations (UN) offices in Harare, Ms Mpofu called for a transformation in how society views and engages people with disabilities.
“There is need for social transformation and complete change of mindset from the charity model and personal tragedy model towards embracing the participatory and people-centred social model and human rights model of disability, which are emancipatory and address all fundamental freedoms of empowerment,” she said.
The “United 4 Youth Inclusion” programme aims to empower young people, particularly those with disabilities, to shape inclusive narratives, promote intercultural dialogue, advance gender equality, and foster mutual understanding and trust.
Ms Mpofu said youths with disabilities must be able to fully enjoy their rights as outlined in Sections 6, 22, and 83 of the Constitution.
These rights include the use of their chosen languages, access to opportunities, and equal participation in national development.
“Youth with disabilities must also be in all development structures and community structures from cell, village, area, ward, district, provincial and national levels,” she added.
“May youth living with disabilities fully participate in all these structures for their own empowerment. They must also be part of the devolution structures.”
She also underscored that the programme aligns with the values of Ubuntu – a people-centred philosophy rooted in dignity, unity of purpose, and mutual respect.
“It is also an affirmation of the self-reliance principles which are always echoed by His Excellency, President ED Mnangagwa in his mantra ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo; Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo’.
”UN Resident Coordinator in Zimbabwe, Mr Edward Kallon, echoed the call for inclusivity, noting that the UN Charter envisions a world where every individual, regardless of ability, age, or background, can thrive with dignity and opportunity.
“In the spirit and letter of this Charter, we focus on the empowerment of young people and ensuring that in our quest to create employment, no one is left behind, particularly those with disabilities.
“As the Universal Declaration of Human Rights asserts, ‘Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person’ and ‘Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment. These words echo our shared responsibility to secure a future where young Zimbabweans can access their social, economic, cultural and political rights fully and freely.”
