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The Herald, 18 June 1984

THE Deputy Prime Minister, Cde Simon Muzenda, yesterday called on all Zimbabweans to be more responsive to the needs of the disabled.

Speaking at a ceremony to unveil the tombstone of the late Jairos Jiri at his home in Bikita, Cde Muzenda said the nation should work together to further Cde Jiri’s work of restoring dignity and human worth to the handicapped.

Cde Jiri died on November 12, 1982 after collapsing at Harmony House, Harare.

He was the founder and life president of the Jairos Jiri Association, which caters for the physically and mentally handicapped.

“The late Jairos Jiri will go down in history as a striking example of national service and unity, a selfless dedication to the family of less fortunate, commendable foresight and unyielding determination to serve the cause for justice for all and promote the welfare of the needy in society in the face of great odds,” said the Deputy Premier.

Although he came from humble beginnings and little education, Cde Jiri was concerned with the care of the disabled and with few resources took it upon himself to provide for, organise and regularly help the needy.

“He gave the disabled hope and useful role to play as equals, contributing as productive members of society”, Cde Muzenda said.

Cde Jiri’s principles and compassion should spur people to greater efforts to sacrifice for others and to feel that national concern were of greater importance and significance than individualistic and parochial ones.

Shortly before unveiling the tombstone Cde Muzenda called for donations to the association and $542 was raised. Since the death of Cde Jiri, the association has been without a president and Cde Cleto Zharare, who is the executive officer for the association has been acting in that capacity.

Cde Jiri’s adviser, Dr Edmund Ashton, was present as was the national council for the association.

LESSONS FOR TODAY

Philanthropist Jairos Jiri (1921-1982), is a household name in Zimbabwe and internationally.

According to his daughter Pamela, people from all walks of life were expected to converge at Ziumbwa Village in Bikita district on November 14, for the 38th memorial service of this larger than life hero. Bikita is Jiri’s place of birth.

Founder of the Jairos Jiri Association, Jairos Jiri was the first philanthropist to take care of black disabled people. He set up centres where they not only got a home and food, but were rehabilitated and empowered to be self-reliant, despite the harsh realities of the environment they lived. His legacy has withstood Zimbabwe’s socio-economic challenges.

In 1950, the Jairos Jiri Association was registered.

Jiri’s work for the disabled, earned him numerous awards nationally and internationally.

The rights of the disabled are now respected in various areas sectors following efforts by the likes of Jairos Jiri who sought to restore their dignity and self-worth.

Was Jairos Jiri declared a national hero, who was supposed to be buried at the National Heroes Acre? Historians and family members need to answer this question, but he remains the people’s hero, whose burial was graced by then Prime Minister Robert Mugabe and his deputy Simon Muzenda.

The Jairos Jiri Association has a major place in Zimbabwe’s narrative, that requires institutional support from Government, the private sector and other well-wishers so that Jiri’s legacy lives forever.