By Beatific Gumbwanda
CHIREDZI – The Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) recently reported significant improvements in the inclusion and accessibility of public institutions for People with Disabilities (PWDs).
These findings were shared during a feedback meeting held at the Methodist Church’s John Wesley Society.
ZHOCD is an umbrella organization that unites various Christian denominations in Zimbabwe, including the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC), Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ), Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC), Anglican Church in Zimbabwe, Methodist Church in Zimbabwe, Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) in Zimbabwe, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe. The organization has been running capacity-building workshops for PWDs to strengthen their engagement with public institutions and improve their welfare.
Speaking at the meeting, Chiredzi District Social Worker Tichaona Chivave highlighted notable progress in the government and public institutions’ efforts to support PWDs. He cited the establishment of disability desks in various government offices, new building plans that include accessibility features such as ramps, and tax exemptions for private companies employing PWDs as positive steps forward.
“There is significant improvement in the inclusion of PWDs across institutions. Every school is being encouraged to equip itself to educate children with various conditions, though the process is still ongoing. The government is also offering tax exemptions to private companies employing people with disabilities, and local authorities are approving plans for public facilities to include ramps, which is a major improvement,” said Chivave.
Chivave also encouraged PWDs to remain organized and informed to ensure equal access to available benefits.
Another participant, Asual Chikandiwa, noted advancements in employment opportunities, stand allocations, and the establishment of disability desks.
“We have seen progress as companies are now employing PWDs, like myself, who is employed at Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe. We are also receiving stands like everyone else, and disability desks have been introduced in various public institutions,” said Chikandiwa.
Susan Machingura also acknowledged the changes and shared her experience regarding stand allocations. She revealed that consultations with the Chiredzi Town Council resulted in assurances that PWDs would receive their fair share of stands.
“We consulted the Chiredzi Town Council about stands, and we were assured we will get our quota. However, we are required to pay for their value,” said Machingura.
Tapiwa Shumba from the United Chiredzi Residents and Ratepayers Association (UCHIRRA), who coordinated the meeting, shared plans to assist PWDs in acquiring stands.
“We engaged Chiredzi Town Council to use plough-back funds to subsidize the cost of stands for PWDs so they would only need to pay 50% of the total value,” said Shumba.
The feedback meeting demonstrated collective efforts and progress in ensuring that PWDs are included in the development of public services and infrastructure, while also highlighting areas requiring further action.
