Peter Tanyanyiwa
Herald Reporter
The ruling Zanu-PF party has reaffirmed its commitment to uplifting the lives of people with disabilities, as Government, church leaders and the community converge in Epworth to support the establishment of a disability centre under the Second Republic’s inclusive development agenda.
The initiative, spearheaded through the Yamuranai Association, was officially launched on Friday during a Day of Prayer and commissioning of land at Overspill, marking what stakeholders described as a major step towards improving livelihoods and access to essential services for persons with disabilities.
Beneficiaries welcomed the development, saying the proposed centre would address long-standing challenges, including limited access to training, assistive resources and coordinated support systems.
“This will save us a lot of money because there is currently no disability hub,” said one beneficiary. “Having a centre in our community means we can access information, skills training and income-generating opportunities more easily.”
Zanu-PF Harare Provincial Chairman, Comrade Goodwills Masimirembwa, said the project was in line with the Government’s constitutional and policy framework, which prioritises inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens.
“The Second Republic is committed to ensuring that no one and no place is left behind,” he said. “This disability centre is a practical expression of that vision and a clear demonstration of inclusive development in action.”
The event was headlined by Bishop Dr Aderino Nyabanga, founder of God’s Generals International Fraternity, an organisation known for leadership development, entrepreneurship training and community transformation programmes.
Bishop Nyabanga, who is also associated with initiatives such as Legacy Builders Global Hub and leadership training institutions, has been actively promoting economic empowerment and national development through church-led programmes.
Delivering the keynote sermon, Bishop Nyabanga said the commissioning of the land symbolised both spiritual and socio-economic transformation for Epworth.
“Today we are not just dedicating land, we are laying a foundation for generational impact,” he said. “This centre will restore dignity, empower lives and stand as a beacon that no one — especially persons with disabilities — will be left behind.”
He called on communities to actively participate in national development in line with Vision 2030.
“As God’s Generals International Fraternity, we fully support Government programmes and the national vision of transforming Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income society. The Church must not stand aside, but must lead in building, empowering and transforming communities,” said Bishop Nyabanga.
The cleric also expressed appreciation to President Mnangagwa for championing inclusive policies and economic empowerment initiatives.
“We want to thank His Excellency, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, for his leadership and commitment to inclusion. We are witnessing policies that recognise every Zimbabwean, including persons with disabilities, and we stand ready as the Church to support that vision,” he said.
Bishop Nyabanga has previously voiced support for Government economic initiatives, urging Zimbabweans to embrace national programmes aimed at stabilising and growing the economy.
He further challenged residents of Epworth to take ownership of development efforts.
“Epworth must rise from limitation to transformation. Each one of us has a role — to build, to give, to pray and to lead. When we unite, we can turn this community into a model of excellence,” he said.
The programme featured prayers, worship sessions and contributions from various stakeholders, including Disability Ambassador Nyasha Nhau.
A key highlight was the handover of a wheelchair to a child by the youth chairman, symbolising immediate intervention alongside long-term infrastructure development.
Yamuranai Association founder Ms Junet Banda said the project was anchored on restoring dignity and creating sustainable opportunities for persons with disabilities.
“This is about building a community that includes everyone. We are grateful for the support from Government, the Church and all stakeholders who have made this possible,” she said.
With similar initiatives gaining traction nationwide, the Epworth project underscores growing collaboration between Government and the Church in driving Vision 2030, as Zimbabwe moves to ensure inclusive development and improved livelihoods for all citizens.
Online Reporter