RUTENDO CHIRUME
MASVINGO-President Mnangagwa has fulfilled his 2021 pledge to People With Disabilities (PWDs) at Disability Expo held in Gweru where he promised them wheelchairs for all the country’s 10 provinces.
The 10 wheelchairs were handed over by Director of National Disability Issues in the Office of President, Macnon Chirinzepi at Masvingo Civic Center on February 31 last week.
“Disability movement is slow. There is need to remove all barriers based on age, class, tribe and nature of disability that hinder our progressive unity. People with disability are devided but I urge you all to unite and stand up for your rights and to be organised so that you easily articulate your issues.
“This is your time and opportunity to stand up and demand your position because our President has a special agenda to empower people with disability as he is walking the talk in his Vision 2030 and National Development Startegy One (NDS1) where no place and no one should be left behind as we become a prosperous and middle income society.
“ Also the NDS1 has 14 pillars which make sure that up to 15 % of persons with disabilities participate and be included in every aspect of development. However it is important that you stand and speak for yourselves without feeling inferior and it is up to you to walk and work and demand what belongs to you,” said Chirinzepi.
Chirinzepi encouraged all Ministries and Government departments to allow participation for the PWD.
Also at the event was Senator for PWD Ishamel Zhou (pictured) who lobbied for accessibility of services for PWD in all different departments since they will be able to live a normal life like any able bodied.
The wheelchairs were donated to; Charles Mugwamba of Nyamandi in Gutu, Kupakwashe Friday a seven year old girl from Tshovano Chiredzi, Maria Bhinya from Mushandike, Carlos Maphosa from Mwenezi , Gwara Fana , Mpondi Vitalis , Ashley Mtomba of Zaka, Charity Gapari and Bruce Mukotori.
