Calls for govt to establish ministry for the disabled

Organisations representing disabled people have called upon the government to establish a ministry that looks into their affairs to ensure they are included in key national programmes.

Representatives of disabled persons who spoke at a meeting convened by the Zanu PF Secretary for the Disabled in the Politburo, Joshua Malinga and  attended by Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko in Bulawayo said the government is prioritising other people like women, youth and war veterans and creating ministries for them yet they are being ignored.

They argued that being under the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare has seen them being left out of important programmes as the ministry has a lot to deal with.

Malinga said disabled people have been marginalised for a long time and it is now time for the government to uplift them.

Vice President Mphoko said the setting up of a ministry or department for the disabled is a noble idea as it will help tackle all challenges faced by people living with disabilities.

Some of the challenges they raised included discrimination at work places in terms of employment, inaccessible education facilities, exclusion from land reform and unfair treatment at hospitals and police stations, particularly for those who converse in sign language.

The Minister of State for Bulawayo, Eunice Sandi Moyo challenged disabled persons to submit their names for hand over to the relevant ministries for them to get employment.

Moyo added that it is vital to work together with people with disabilities for development.