Online Reporter
The Zimbabwe Disability Expo 2025 kicked off on Wednesday at Chinotimba Stadium in Victoria Falls, with Vice President Kembo Mohadi set to officiate at the opening ceremony today.
The three-day event promises to be a landmark occasion in advancing disability inclusion, celebrating talent, and reinforcing the Second Republic’s commitment to ensuring that no one and no place is left behind.
It serves as a platform to celebrate achievements, address challenges and foster partnerships towards a more inclusive Zimbabwe.
This year’s expo is being held under the theme “Accelerating Disability Inclusion Now: A Collective Responsibility”, underscoring the importance of nationwide collaboration in integrating persons with disabilities into all aspects of life.
The official launch is expected to attract thousands of attendees, including Government officials, disability rights advocates, private sector representatives and international partners.
Our Victoria Falls Reporter, Rutendo Nyeve, and Photographer Edward Zvemisha, will provide live coverage of the event.
‘Second Republic championing the rights of persons with disabilities’
In an interview with Zimpapers, Mr Sandars Munsaka, chairperson of the National Disability Expo highlighted the Second Republic’s significant progress in championing the rights of persons with disabilities, including the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
“President Mnangagwa signed the National Disability Policy and appointed persons with disabilities to key positions, such as a Commissioner in the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) with a visual impairment, a High Court Judge with a disability, and a Special Advisor in the Office of the President and Cabinet. These appointments show that the Second Republic values and prioritises persons with disabilities,” said Mr Munsaka.
Exhibitions add flair to expo
Some of the scenes at the ongoing 2025 Disability Expo where VP Mohadi is expected to arrive soon for the official opening.
Service providers had set up exhibition stands.
VP Mohadi arrives for official opening
Vice President Colonel (Retired) Kembo Mohadi has arrived at Chinotimba Stadium in Victoria Falls to preside over the official opening of the Zimbabwe National Disability Expo 2025.
The event is running under the theme: “Accelerating disability inclusion now. A collective responsibility.”
It marks a significant step in promoting the rights and participation of persons with disabilities in national development.
VP Mohadi was warmly welcomed by Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Richard Moyo and Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo, alongside other senior Government officials.
The Vice President’s presence underscores the Government’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and addressing the needs of persons with disabilities.
The expo, which began on 25 June, features exhibitions, solidarity speeches and performances by persons with disabilities, culminating in today’s main event.
Vice President Mohadi is expected to give the keynote address before handing over donations to persons with disabilities.
Government reaffirms commitment to promoting the rights of people with disabilities
The Ministry of Public Service and Social Welfare has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the rights and welfare of people with disabilities through a range of programmes aimed at fostering inclusivity, independence and equal opportunities.
In an interview with Zimpapers on the sidelines of the ongoing National Disability Expo in Victoria Falls, Mrs Laizah Chourombo, Acting Director of Disability Affairs in the Ministry of Public Service and Social Welfare outlined the Government’s multifaceted approach to ensuring that persons with disabilities are fully integrated into society.
“The Ministry of Public Service and Social Welfare demands the care and protection of persons with disabilities to ensure that rights-based services are provided to them,” said Mrs Chourombo.
She said since the establishment of the Department of Disability Affairs in 2018, the Ministry has rolled out several initiatives to uplift persons with disabilities.
These include educational support, employment opportunities, assistive technologies, and social protection programmes.
One of the key focus areas is education.
“We offer free education for persons with disabilities through the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM). After ‘A’ Level, if a person with disabilities wants to proceed to a vocational training school, they can do so with fees paid by the ministry,” she said.
Mrs Chourombo said some beneficiaries pursue degrees up to Master’s level.
Upon graduation, those who wish to start income-generating projects are supported through the Disability Works and Learn Grant, which provides funding for sustainable businesses.
To enhance mobility and independence, the ministry also provides assistive devices such as wheelchairs, prosthetics, hearing aids, and software for visually impaired individuals.
“For those employed, we ensure they have access to all the necessary software on their laptops so they can work independently,” she said.
She said the ministry also oversees the Injury on Duty Desk, which compensates civil servants who sustain disabilities while on duty.
Mrs Chourombo said the National Employment and Promotion Department ensures job seekers with disabilities have access to opportunities across all sectors.
Meanwhile, the Social Development Department administers monthly grants and health assistance for vulnerable individuals.
She said a major milestone was the launch of the National Disability Policy in 2021, which outlines 33 rights-based standards covering education, employment, healthcare, sports, and marriage equality.
Impressive innovations at National Disability Expo 2025
VICE President Colonel (Rtd) Kembo Mohadi has expressed admiration for the groundbreaking innovations on display at the ongoing National Disability Expo 2025 in Victoria Falls, describing them as key to fostering inclusivity and reducing dependency on imports.
Speaking after a tour of the exhibitions, VP Mohadi commended the creativity of various exhibitors, stating that their innovations are closing the gap for people with disabilities.
“It is impressive to see such innovations that promote inclusivity and self-reliance. These advancements will enable us to substitute imports of some assistive devices, saving the country valuable foreign currency,” he said.
The Vice President began his tour at the City of Victoria Falls stand before visiting exhibits by the Zimbabwe Federation of the Disabled (Zimfep) and the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), among others.
He praised the collaborative efforts between the Government, the private sector, and disability organisations in driving transformative solutions.
VP Mohadi urged stakeholders to scale up the production of locally made aids to enhance accessibility nationwide.
Expansion of expo hailed
The expansion of the National Disability Expo to include Government entities, private sector players, civil society, and organisations representing persons with disabilities has been commended.
This was highlighted by the Member of the National Assembly representing people with disabilities, Mr Ishmael Zhou, during the official opening of the National Disability Expo in Victoria Falls today.
“I have noted that the event has been evolving to embrace the whole society,” said Mr Zhou.
The expo has previously been held in Midlands, Matabeleland South, and Mashonaland Central, demonstrating nationwide commitment to disability inclusion.
Mr Zhou also emphasised the need for collective responsibility in accelerating disability inclusion.
Meanwhile, Senator Annah Shiri called for the speedy implementation of the National Disability Policy and the establishment of a disability levy to enhance support for persons with disabilities.
She said such measures will ensure sustainable funding for programmes aimed at improving livelihoods and accessibility for services required by persons with disabilities.
Second Republic accelerates disability inclusion
THE Government is ramping up efforts to ensure the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in education, employment, and economic opportunities, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo has said.
Speaking at the expo, Minister Moyo reiterated the Government’s commitment to upholding the rights of persons with disabilities as enshrined in the Constitution.
“The Government’s efforts are anchored in Sections 6, 22, and 83 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, as well as the National Disability Policy and its Costed Action Plan. These frameworks ensure that persons with disabilities receive rights-based services and equal opportunities in all sectors,” said Minister Moyo.
He said these legal instruments provide a roadmap for accelerating disability inclusion, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Minister Moyo also said the Government is pushing for inclusive employment opportunities.
“We are committed to promoting inclusive job placements across all sectors, advocating for policy changes, and training employers on the benefits of diversity in the workplace,” he said.
He noted that the public sector is leading by example through employing persons with disabilities.
Economic empowerment remains a key pillar, with the Government offering financial support to entrepreneurs with disabilities.
“Inclusion in economic empowerment is facilitated through the Disability Revolving Loan and grants, which provide access to loans without the need for a guarantor,” he said.
Minister Moyo said his ministry, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care and development partners, is providing free assistive technologies.
The Government is also investing in the local production of assistive devices.
“The Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education is researching and developing locally produced assistive technologies to ensure they are readily available and suitable for our environment,” he said.
