-as DPC Bill hearing gather momentum
FAITH NDOU
MASVINGO-Persons with disabilities in Masvingo Province have urged Parliament to strengthen the Deposit Protection Corporation Amendment Bill (H.B. 2, 2026) by incorporating disability inclusion measures that guarantee equal access to financial services and protection during banking institution failures.
The proposals were presented today Wednesday July 22 by the Disability Amalgamation Community Trust (DACT) director Henry Chivhanga during a public hearing on the Deposit Protection Corporation Amendment Bill convened by the Parliament of Zimbabwe Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance and Investment Promotion at the Masvingo Civic Centre Hall.
The proceedings were led by Committee Chairperson Lincoln Dhliwayo, Zaka South Member of Parliament and former Deputy Minister of Finance, Clemence Chiduwa and Masvingo South Member of Parliament Tanatswa Mukomberi, alongside other members of the portfolio committee.
Presenting the organisation’s submission, Chivhanga said the proposed amendments were necessary to ensure that persons with disabilities are fully protected under Zimbabwe’s financial laws.
“Disability rights are human rights, and our financial laws must reflect that principle. The Deposit Protection Corporation Amendment Bill should not only protect deposits but also protect the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities by ensuring accessibility, reasonable accommodation and inclusive governance,” said Chivhanga.
He said persons with disabilities often save money for essential needs such as medical treatment, assistive devices, disability-related support services and other daily living expenses, making it critical for them to access their funds quickly if a banking institution fails.
“Most persons with disabilities save money for medical-related expenses, assistive devices and other essential needs. If a bank defaults, delaying compensation places them at even greater risk. We are therefore proposing that vulnerable depositors, including persons with disabilities, receive their compensation within 72 hours instead of waiting for up to 14 days as provided for in the Bill,” said Chivhanga.
He said while the Bill seeks to strengthen financial stability, it does not adequately address the rights and needs of persons with disabilities, leaving gaps in accessibility, communication, governance and compensation processes.
“A financial protection system that does not consider accessibility and reasonable accommodation risks excluding the very people who need protection the most. Persons with disabilities must be part of the financial inclusion agenda,” Chivhanga said.
In its submission, DACT argued that the proposed law should be aligned with Sections 22 and 83 of the Constitution, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the National Disability Policy (2021) and the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act.
The organisation noted that the Bill does not require the Deposit Protection Corporation (DPC) or financial institutions to provide information and services in accessible formats such as Braille, sign language, audio, easy-read and large print, making it difficult for many persons with disabilities to access essential information during banking crises.
“Accessibility should not be treated as an option but as a legal obligation. Notices, compensation processes and all communication from the Deposit Protection Corporation must be available in formats that everyone can understand and access,” said Chivhanga.
DACT proposed that one of the objectives of the amended law should be to ensure accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities in all deposit protection, compensation, insolvency and supervisory processes.
The organisation further recommended that the functions of the Deposit Protection Corporation be expanded to include providing notices, compensation information and other communications in accessible formats, establishing disability-inclusive complaint mechanisms and ensuring digital platforms comply with universal design standards.
On governance, DACT proposed that at least one member of the DPC Board should be a person with a disability or a representative nominated by organisations of persons with disabilities while a Disability Inclusion Committee should be established to advise the board on accessibility and inclusive governance.
The submission also called for procedural safeguards during inspections and investigations, including accessible communication and support for persons with psychosocial or intellectual disabilities.
In addition, the organisation further proposed the introduction of disability-inclusive emergency response protocols during bank failures, accessible public education campaigns on deposit protection and annual reporting on accessibility compliance, disability-inclusive compensation statistics and complaints from persons with disabilities.
“These amendments are about ensuring that financial protection reaches everyone including persons with disabilities who face additional barriers during times of crisis. Inclusive laws create a stronger and fairer financial system for all Zimbabweans,” said Chivhanga.
The Deposit Protection Corporation Amendment Bill (H.B. 2, 2026) seeks to strengthen depositor protection, establish a dedicated insolvency framework for banking institutions and enhance financial stability. It introduces, for the first time, a specialised insolvency regime for banking institutions, recognising that the collapse of a bank carries systemic risks that cannot be adequately addressed through ordinary insolvency laws. It seeks to transform the way banking institution failures are managed in Zimbabwe while safeguarding depositors and maintaining confidence in the financial sector.
