Zimpapers Logo

Farirai Machivenyika and Victor Maphosa
Government is committed to the rights of people living with disabilities and has promulgated laws and policies aimed at mainstreaming disability in everyday life, Acting President Kembo Mohadi has said.

Acting President Mohadi was speaking at the belated celebrations of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities held at Best Ebenezer School in Caledonia, Goromonzi District, which he officiated.

“Constitution of Zimbabwe Section 22 and 83 provides for comprehensive provision for this inclusivity, which allows for equal opportunities and mainstreaming disability in all spheres of life,” he said.

“The Government of Zimbabwe has to date undertaken several programmes and progressive policies aimed at mainstreaming disability. These include equalisation of opportunities, initiation of development efforts on the right, well being and livelihood of people with disabilities.”

The Acting President said the enactment of the Disabled Persons Act of 1992 was an example of Government’s commitment to promoting capabilities of people with disabilities.

“The country’s economic blueprint calls on all of us to ensure that as we implement our cluster of Social Services and Poverty Eradication, we mainstream disability, pursue the inclusive approach and avoid discrimination,” he said.

He said under the cluster, Government had provided resources for people with disabilities, especially for buying assistive technologies, administration and per capita grants, implementation of harmonised cash transfers and food mitigation to vulnerable groups and provision of education assistance through the Basic Education Assistance Module.

Acting President Mohadi said there was need for team work between persons living with disabilities, the private sector and Government to create an inclusive society.

“As both beneficiaries and agents for change, persons with disabilities can fast track the process towards inclusive and sustainable development, while simultaneously promoting a more resilient society for all,” he said.

“Government, persons with disabilities and their representative organisations, academic institutions and the private sector need to work as a team to achieve sustainable development goals.

“One major advantage of team work is the strength derived from complementary effort and ability.”

The Acting President commended Mushawedu Housing Cooperative, made up of 250 households comprising of people with disabilities, for constructing their own houses and installing solar powered boreholes that bring tap water into their homes.

Labour and Social Welfare Minister Priscilla Kagonye said the commemorations were meant to promote the rights and well-being of people with disabilities.

“Today, the nation is commemorating belatedly the International Day for Persons with Disabilities,” she said. “The aim is to promote the rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities in community life and development efforts and to provide awareness education on the status of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.”

Minister Kagonye urged Zimbabweans not to discriminate against persons with disabilities and consider them as equals in society.

“The Constitution of Zimbabwe in its founding values and principles recognises the rights of persons with disabilities,” she said.

“In addition, the Constitution guarantees the removal of obstacles to full participation of persons with disabilities in daily life, which include the right to self reliance, family life, protection from abuse, access to functional treatment and special facilities, where need arises.”