… Expo turns into Zanu PF rally
By Staff Reporter
MASVINGO – What was supposed to be a national event celebrating disability inclusion was turned into a Zanu PF campaign rally on Friday, as the Zimbabwe National Disability Expo at Mucheke Open Grounds was hijacked by ruling party slogans, songs, and symbolism, with the entire programme resembling a party gathering rather than a development platform.
Although Zanu PF regalia was limited, the atmosphere was unmistakably political, with every aspect of the event resembling a party rally.
Known Zanu PF members acted as ushers, directing people where to sit and managing the crowd, while chicken slices and drinks were distributed at the entrance by party youths.
The programme was conducted amidst Zanu PF songs performed by Chief Shumba, with chants of “2030” and “CAB 3” dominating the proceedings.The expo, which was supposed to be presided over by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, was instead officiated by a frail-looking Vice President Kembo Mohadi, who delivered the President’s speech in a voice so low that many in attendance could hardly hear what he was saying.
Mnangagwa was forced to skip the event to preside over the burial of national hero Victor Matemadanda at the National Heroes Acre in Harare. Matemadanda, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Mozambique and Eswatini, was declared a national hero after his death last week.
Masvingo People with Disabilities Chairperson Charles Mugwamba led the political chants, shouting “VaMnangagwa vanenge vachingotonga” (Mnangagwa will continue to rule) and rallying support for CAB 3.
Zanu PF Provincial Chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa was given the closing remarks, a clear indication that the event had been turned into a party programme.
Despite the political overtone, Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira used the platform to highlight development milestones achieved in the province under the Second Republic.
He said through Rural District Councils, the province has integrated accessibility audits into the construction of over 200 completed devolution projects, ensuring newly built clinics, maternal wards, and primary schools feature ramps and wider access points.
He also said the province had established specialized agricultural Village Business Units directly at disability institutions, including Jairos Jiri Centre, Copota School for the Blind, Henry Murray School, and Mukume School in Mwenezi.
These solar-powered, commercially structured units enable persons with disabilities to engage in high-yield farming and value addition.
“As a nation, we are guided by Vision 2030, as envisioned by you, Your Excellency. As Masvingo Province, we are contributing towards this national vision through our aspiration of attaining a USD$8 billion provincial economy by 2030. Achieving these development milestones requires the participation of every citizen, including persons with disabilities. Inclusive development is therefore not only a social imperative but also an economic necessity,” said Chadzamira.
He said he was encouraged by the participation of exhibitors from various sectors showcasing technologies, products, services and innovations that promote accessibility, independence, productivity and inclusion.
“This Expo provides an invaluable platform for learning, networking, sharing experiences and strengthening partnerships. I encourage all participants to engage actively, exchange ideas and identify practical interventions that will accelerate disability inclusion across all sectors of government and society,” he added.
Despite the political theatrics, persons with disabilities used the platform to make their demands known. Special Advisor on Disability Issues in the Office of the President and Cabinet Rossy Mpofu called on the President to ensure that 50 percent of the 10 senators to be appointed under CAB 3 come from the disabled constituency.
Senator Anna Shiri, who represents persons with disabilities, echoed the same sentiments, expressing confidence that the President, “fulfilling his mantra of leaving no one behind,” would ensure that persons with disabilities are included in the Senate through CAB 3.
“The Senators who are going to be appointed by the President, I am confident that the President, fulfilling his mantra of leaving no one behind, all those with expertise will get into Senate to add more expertise to develop our country,” said Shiri.
In his address delivered on behalf of the President, Mohadi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to disability inclusion, describing it as “a constitutional imperative, a developmental necessity and a human rights obligation”.
He announced a Presidential Empowerment Package comprising 50 goats under the Presidential Goat Scheme, 60 pigs, residential stands, agricultural land, and farming and mining equipment to be distributed to persons with disabilities across all ten provinces.
“The mantra, ‘Disability is Not Inability,’ must transcend rhetoric and become a lived reality in every sector of our society,” read the speech. “Nothing about persons with disabilities should be decided without their meaningful participation,” said Mohadi.
The expo, which ran from June 24 to 26 under the theme “Embracing Disability Inclusion in All Sectors: A Masterstroke for National Prosperity and Economic Development,” brought together over 500 exhibitors, development partners, and delegates from across Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries.
