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Molline Gagare Chronicle Reporter
VICE President Phelekezela Mphoko today meets people with disabilities in Bulawayo to discuss challenges they face in securing jobs in the formal sector and access to healthcare. The meeting will be held at Freedom House. Cde Joshua Malinga, the secretary for the disabled in the Zanu-PF Politburo, yesterday said the meeting is scheduled to start at 10AM.

He said the indaba would be the first of its kind since his appointment by President Robert Mugabe last year.

Cde Malinga told The Chronicle that critical issues ranging from the people with disabilities being discriminated in the work place, job opportunities and not taking part in key economic sectors, would be raised.

“The meeting is very important and we’re expecting a huge turnout. It’s the first of its kind since my appointment by President Mugabe. The President and party as a whole have the aspirations of people with disabilities at heart hence the post in the Politburo.

“It’s crucial that all stakeholders attend so that the disabled in our society can present to the Vice President the challenges that they face on a daily basis,” he said.

Cde Malinga said organisations representing people with disabilities that include the National Council of Disabled Persons in Zimbabwe, Disabled Women’s Association and Zimbabwe Women with Disabilities in Development had been invited.

VP Mphoko has since his appointment hit the ground running, holding various meetings focused on development.

Recently, the VP held a meeting with former Bulawayo Mayors, their deputies and Town Clerks to discuss strategies towards the revival of the city that has been hit by de-industrialisation.

He has also donated books to various schools and assisted families of 12 Zimbabweans who died in Botswana recently on their way to South Africa.