By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities (PWDs) during a high-level meeting at State House on March 5, 2025.
The gathering brought together PWDs, government officials, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for advancing disability rights and ensuring full participation in national development.
In his address, President Mnangagwa highlighted the progress made since the launch of the National Disability Policy in June 2021, aligning it with international conventions, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
He stressed the significance of ensuring that no one is left behind in Zimbabwe’s path to realizing Vision 2030, which serves as a roadmap for socio-economic transformation.
“Guided by our mantra of leaving no one and no place behind, be assured that your voices will always be heard in the formulation of national development policies and programmes,” said the President.
He commended initiatives promoting inclusivity, such as recognizing Sign Language as one of Zimbabwe’s 16 official languages and adopting braille and other accessible communication formats.
The President also outlined government initiatives to support PWDs, including the establishment of Departments for Gender Mainstreaming, Inclusivity, and Wellness across ministries, and urged innovative development models in sectors like agriculture, mining, and business to empower PWDs economically.
President Mnangagwa called for the expedited enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Bill and encouraged stakeholders to develop a credible database for effective programming and monitoring of disability-related initiatives.
“Together, in unity, let us rally our collective skills and willpower to build, modernise, and industrialise our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe. Brick by brick and stone upon stone, we are realising Vision 2030.”