By Staff Reporter
MASVINGO – Persons with disabilities have made a bold call for a quota system in all arms of government, including local authorities, Parliament, and the Senate, saying their voices and representation remain marginalised in decision-making structures.
The demand was made during the official opening of the Zimbabwe National Disability Expo held at Mucheke Open Grounds on Friday, June 26, 2026.
The event was presided over by Vice President Kembo Mohadi, who stood in for President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Speaking at the event, the Special Advisor on Disability Issues in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Rossy Mpofu, called on the President to take advantage of the Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3 (CAB3), which, among other things, seeks to allow the President to nominate 10 senators of his choice, and ensure that 50 percent of those appointees come from the disabled constituency.
“Our President, people with disabilities are appealing for a quota in the House of Assembly, a quota for youth, women. In the Senate, the 10 that would be appointed by the President, we need 50 percent,” said Mpofu.
She also appealed to the President for 10 vehicles to be allocated to the 10 provincial chairpersons for the disabled in the 10 provinces. She said that because of their disability, it was difficult for them to mobilise their people for meetings and for those with disabilities to travel and meet their leaders.
The vehicles, she said, would allow the chairpersons to travel to rural areas and other corners of the province to engage their members.
Senator Anna Shiri, who represents persons with disabilities, echoed the same sentiments, saying they wanted a person with disability in the youth quota and more representation in the Senate through the CAB3.
“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 the Senate to add more expertise to develop our country,” said Shiri.
She also urged persons with disabilities to pursue education, own homes, marry, and live full lives like any other citizen.
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira said Masvingo was honoured to host the expo and stressed that inclusion of persons with disabilities was no longer an issue of charity but a crucial pillar for development.
“We are honoured to host this important national event in Masvingo Province, a province that remains committed to inclusive and people-centred development. This principle compels us to ensure that persons with disabilities are fully included in development processes and are afforded equal opportunities to participate in and benefit from socio-economic transformation. This year’s theme, ‘Embracing Disability Inclusion in all Sectors,’ is a masterstroke for national prosperity and economic development, which calls us to shift our collective mindset. Disability inclusion is no longer just a matter of charity or social welfare; it is a fundamental pillar of robust national economies and social growth,” said Chadzamira.
In his address, Vice President Kembo Mohadi said people with disabilities were supposed to be included in decision-making processes, saying nothing meaningful about them could be achieved without their full participation.
“Most importantly, persons with disabilities must be active participants and leaders in decisions that affect their lives. Their voices, experiences, and aspirations must inform policy design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Nothing about persons with disabilities should be decided without their meaningful participation,” said Mohadi.
He said the Second Republic remained unwavering in its commitment to building an inclusive, prosperous, and resilient Zimbabwe.
“Through Vision 2030, we seek to create a nation where every citizen has opportunities for self-actualisation, economic empowerment, and social advancement. Through NDS2, we are laying the foundations for inclusive growth and sustainable development. Through our alignment with Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals, we are contributing to the broader aspirations of Africa and the global community,” said Mohadi.
