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Mr Watson Khuphe

Herald Reporter
The Federation of Organisations of Disabled People in Zimbabwe (FODPZ) says it will continue to lobby for more seats in the National Assembly to enhance the participation of people with disabilities in the country’s national affairs.

An official of the federation, Mr Watson Khupe said they wanted more representation in the national assembly and other national governance bodies to promote their rights and improve their living standards.

“We are happy that we have two members that were elected to Senate in line with the new constitution, but as many as we are, we cannot have only two people to represent us,” he said.

“We also want more seats and increase our representation in decision making bodies.”

Despite this, Mr Khupe was upbeat that the senators representing disabled people will do their best to fight and safeguard the interest of the disabled community.

“We are confident that Ms Annah Shiri and Mr Nyamayabo Mashavakure will drive the agenda to improve and secure the rights of people living with disabilities,” he said.

“At least we have a voice for the disabled people and we hope they will work hard to address our interest.”

Currently there are two people who represent people with disabilities in Senate in line with the new Constitution.

Organisations representing people with disabilities elected Mr Mashavakure and Ms Shiri to represent them in Senate in line with the new Constitution.

Disabled people face numerous challenges that include social, political, economic and cultural exclusion despite the existence of disability laws that prohibit this in the country.