SOCIETAL norms have often downgraded the impact of Persons with Disability
(PWDs) in the contemporary society, who despite their lucrative products, are still
judged by their appearance.
The majority of PWDs are into practical-oriented projects producing top-notch crafts,
culinary arts, paintings and music among others.
Despite their crucial impact in the society, some still view them as liabilities; they
endure stigma and name-shaming.
This has seen some of those living with disabilities losing confidence in their
important work.
But this is not so for Nompilo Nkomo, who uses her feet to draw, defying odds,
societal and disability norms.
Her great determination in sketching saw her being part of the exhibitors at the just-
ended National Disability Expo in Gwanda.
Difficult to understand her lifestyle, Nkomo said her life is the easiest, assigning all
the credit to God's work.
I use feet to bring food to the table; alI my chores are smoothly done by use of my
feet. My life is a testimony that God can perform miracles in our lives. I grew up in
Esigodini and moved to do my professional paintings in the resort town of Victoria
Falls, where the market is good. I buy sanitary wear, food, clothes among other
valuables from this gift (sketching)," she said.
At Manama High School, another person living with visual disability, Nqobizitha
Ngwenya, has undertaken academics and is managing smoothly, defying the odds.
Like every child I am exercising my right to education, currently am in Lower Sixth. I
do partake in sporting, practical lessons like other students. It is my wish to be
enrolled at university and roar from this region," he said.
Elsewhere in his wheelchair, Anywhere Moyo of Lorewo Company is a decorated
mechanic, who fixes crutches, walking sticks, wheelchairs among others PWD's
assertives.
We have managed to create jobs, we construct and assemble all the assertive
devices. The mechanics team is made up of PWDs. The main aim is to uplift one
another, he said.
These three heroes and ambassadors of PWDs are among some of the amazing
stories that featured at the three day Expo for people living with disabilities held in
the mining town of Gwanda, 123 kilometres south east of Bulawayo.
The town sitting on the highway to Beitbridge hosted the 11th such expo for the first
time in line with Government's policy of not living anyone and any place behind.
Naturally we are excited by these activities, as we grew up we heard about Jairos
Jiri missions but we had not seen activities dedicated to people who live with
disabilities like us. It is encouraging that we are given space, roles and opportunities
like this, said Nkomo.
In June 2021 President Emmerson Mnangagwa launched the National Disability
Policy that ensures that PWDs are employed, exercise all the human rights across
the country.
The policy emphasises that communities should embrace holistic and inclusive
environment for PWDs and youths as the country journey towards the attainment of
prosperous upper-middle income economy by 2030.
Speaking during the expo, The Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Youth, Sports,
Arts and Recreation, Dr Thokozile Chitepo, affirmed that the Government is
diversifying programmes for PWDs.
"The Ministry has vocational training centres, sporting activities, empowerment
programmes that seek to strengthen the inclusive drive. PWDs and youths are now
resource person because of knowledge they acquire in these centres. In arts NAMA
is tabling awards for artists with disabilities, this is a chance for you (PWDs) to shine
I now challenge all the PWDs to spread the mantra of inclusivity with practical
products, said Dr Chitepo.
This years National Disability Expo is themed 'Holistic Empowerment of Youth and
Children with Disabilities Towards the attainment of vision 2030. A better and
brighter future for everyone.
