Zimpapers Logo

Emily Mbewe Chronicle Reporter
The Office of the President and Cabinet in conjunction with various disabled people’s organisations yesterday opened a disability exposition in Bulawayo aimed at raising awareness on disability issues.

The expo attracted more than 40 organisations that are exhibiting at the Bulawayo City Hall until Friday.

The show is running under the theme: “Empower through self-representation, nothing for us without us for successful livelihoods for persons with disability.”

The national advisor on disability issues to the President and Cabinet, Retired Brigadier General Felix Muchemwa yesterday told The Chronicle that the Bulawayo expo was the third edition aimed at empowering disabled people in Zimbabwe.

He said they have run two other expos in Manicaland and the Midlands provinces.

He said the two previous ones were successful because disabled people now know that President Mugabe cares for them and knows the problems they are facing.

“We’ve run two expos in Manicaland and Midlands and people living with disabilities have told us what they really need. Parliamentarians should make laws that support people living with disabilities, we’ve not put any of the UN conventions into local laws. We need to integrate those laws into our local laws,” said Rtd Gen Muchemwa.

He said the main aim of the expo was to empower people and work towards meeting their needs.

“The important issue is to empower the people, they ask to be given land and housing. I think they’re justified,” he said.

Among the 40 exhibitors are the University of Zimbabwe and Bulawayo Polytechnic. On display are various wares that include information on disability issues, traditional wear, hearing aids among others.