Speaking to this publication today, Shiri commended President Mnangagwa for his all-encompassing vision which has seen him prioritise the Disabilities Bill for the empowerment of persons with disabilities across the nation.
“The Disability Bill will help us to accentuate that persons with disabilities are very important in terms of development. It will also ensure persons with disability realize that they are also part of the human race. The Persons with Disabilities Bill will be an opportunity for Parliament to emphatically deal with the empowerment of persons with disabilities as well as ensure that they are also included in decision making and policy implementation positions in the country.
“The Bill is an opportunity for our nationals to treat people with disabilities as equals, because disability does not mean inability, they also have rights and responsibilities. This Bill will end the discrimination against people with disabilities which has seen certain non-disabled people treating persons with disabilities as second-class citizens or objects of charity,” said Senator Shiri.
Senator Shiri commended the Bill illustrating that it would come up with measures of ensuring social protection.
“The Bill will also be an opportunity for Parliament to come up with measures to ensure social protection, education and poverty alleviation for persons with disabilities. It will guarantee the restoration of dignity of persons with disabilities while ensuring that the same community is protected from all forms of abuse.
“In keeping with the mantra, nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, persons with disabilities stand ready to contribute towards the building of the country and we are happy that the Persons with Disabilities Bill will give effect to this,” she said.
Senator Shiri further applauded Zimbabwe for distinguishing itself as the most disability inclusive nation.
“The footprints of the Second Republic on the disability front remain visible for all to attest. For the first time in the history of this country, Zimbabwe has distinguished itself among the family of nations as one of the most disability inclusive nations.
“This has witnessed the Second Republic defying all odds by inclusively appointing people with disability in its administration, ensuring that they also occupy influential positions in Government and other key portfolios such as the appointment of visually impaired High Court Judge Justice Samuel Deme,” said Senator Shiri.
Meanwhile, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, investing in the vast abilities and capabilities of the once despised segment of the society, he appointed visually impaired Dr Edmos Mthethwa as Chief Director of Social Development and Disability Affairs in the in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare.
