Zimpapers Logo

TRUE to the saying “Disability does not mean inability”, Winston Mawere, 41, has managed to establish his own welding consultancy in Bulawayo’s Kelvin North Industrial Site despite having speech development challenges.Mawere, who was born in 1973, grew up in Tshabalala high density suburb. Due to speech impairment challenges which affected most of his childhood, he went to John Slaven in Hillside at the age of 12. There, he did welding, woodwork and gardening until the age of 17.
In 1991, he went to Speciss College where he advanced his welding skills for eight months.

In 2002, he trained at the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in skills presentation, development of small medium cluster and networking approach.

“I grew up with speech problems; I couldn’t  speak properly and be heard clearly. Due to this I failed to attend normal schools. However, this  didn’t deter me or my father who challenged  me to become a better person regardless of my problem. I did welding and other practical subjects for six years.

“After finishing my training at UNIDO, I formed Prospect Consultancy Zimbabwe in the last months of 2002 where I did welding on a small-scale,” said Mawere.

The company was registered in 2005. It is located at Kelvin North Industrial Area where he got a lease from the Bulawayo City Council.

“I was given a loan from the Disabled Persons Fund under the Department of Social Services. I used the money to register the company and buy the necessary machinery,” he said.

The most notable aspect about Prospect Consultancy Zimbabwe is that people living with disabilities are also given a chance to train in welding.

“I train slow learners and physically disabled people. These people need special treatment, patience and understanding of their situation. My aim is to build a pillar for persons living with disability by promoting empowerment and creating projects  and employment for persons living with disability.

“I’ve five students that I’m training right now. They train in general engineering, welding and technical consultancy. Since the establishment of the company, I’ve trained more than 50 students. I’m certain wherever they’re now, they can fend for themselves due to the knowledge they have,” Mawere said.

The firm produces wheelbarrows, screen doors, sliding gates, school furniture, chicken runs, garden tools, garage doors and television stands.  Some of the products are produced by students.

Mawere registered with the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development

“We registered with the Ministry so that we can be recognised as a provider of skills to the handicapped. I’m also working with the Special Needs Education Department under the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education with children with special needs.

Mawere urged the disabled to stop the begging culture and fend for themselves.

“It’s high time disabled people learn to provide for themselves through acquiring skills no one can ever take away. God created us for a purpose, we’ve to fulfil that purpose and stop begging.

“The road to success isn’t an easy one even for physically abled people. I urge the disabled to work hard until they reach their goals,” he said.