Ubuntu: Our moral imperative to support people with disabilities

The Zimbabwean philosophy of Unhu/Ubuntu - our shared humanity and humanness - forms the bedrock of our moral compass, demanding that we accord respect and provide necessary support to people with disabilities. This principle is not just a theoretical concept; it is an active call to communal duty and responsibility.

I began my teaching career specializing in Accounting after completing my Post Graduate Diploma in Education with the Zimbabwe Open University. However, teachers are often required to broaden their scope, and I have found great personal fascination and enjoyment in teaching Heritage Studies. This subject is crucial as it instills patriotism and, vitally, teaches our Zimbabwean children the enduring values of Unhu/Ubuntu.

​Our national ethos is clear: it teaches us that we ought to respect people with disabilities and treat them nicely. Furthermore, our Unhu/Ubuntu strictly prohibits us from criticizing, looking down upon, or making jestful comments targeted at a person's disability. This profound sentiment is captured perfectly in the Shona wise saying: "Sekera chirwere uchinge uri mufi." This means we should laugh at a disability or affliction only when we are dead, serving as a powerful warning not to mock the misfortunes of others, as we never know what the future holds for ourselves.

In addition to respecting their dignity, Unhu/Ubuntu compels us toward practical action. We are expected to assist people with disabilities through whatever means we can. This assistance can range from carrying loads and leading the way for the blind, to giving material support such as food, clothes, money, or any other necessary items. People with disabilities are not a burden to us; they need us, and we have a fundamental duty as a community to look after them.

This moral lesson is universal, seamlessly aligning with Christianity. The ministry of Jesus Christ was characterized by profound inclusion and healing; he was a friend to all, healing the blind, the maimed, and the deaf, and never discriminating. Though he was not a governor or a Member of Parliament, but an ordinary citizen, he felt it was his duty to assist all people with disabilities he came in contact with.  

Today, this spirit of action is championed by individuals like Mr. Greatman. While I have never met him, I am aware of his commendable ministry, Makumbo Kuvanhu (Legs for the People), which he has recently started. I have seen the happy faces of those he has assisted through the donation of wheelchairs, and I commend him wholeheartedly for this work.

Mr ​Greatman's ministry must be supported by all sectors of society. Churches, political parties, charities, individuals, and the government must rally behind Makumbo Kuvanhu and contribute to the benefit of the Zimbabwean disabled community.

I found no fault or offense in Mr. Greatman asking for wheelchairs from Fadzayi Mahere. Likewise, I found no substance in the arguments of Hopewell Chin'ono for censuring Greatman  for asking for a donation from a political figure. While we agree that in a well-performing economy, people with disabilities must receive adequate allowances and essential equipment like wheelchairs from the government, this truth does not absolve private individuals and organizations from assisting wherever they can.

Hopewell Chin'ono has rightly accused government leaders of corruption saying that impedes the care for the disabled and the elderly. However, we cannot be a society of critics and naysayers only. We need journalists and politicians who offer tangible and practical solutions to our modern societal problems. If today, Hopewell Chin'ono, with his significant influence in the media, and Fadzayi Mahere, with her influence in politics and the legal fraternity, were to unite behind one cause like Makumbo Kuvanhu, imagine the impact and how much money could be raised for the purchase of wheelchairs.

Zimbabweans deserve better than just armchair critics. When a leader, such as the President, donates cars and wheelchairs to people with disabilities, we wholeheartedly we say, "Pamberi navo!" (Forward with them!). We must reject the empty criticism (Pasi ne tsvuura miromo). Action and compassion, guided by Unhu/Ubuntu, are what define our true humanity.

​Etiwel Mutero is a teacher, archivist, librarian, and a political analyst. For Grade 7, O and A level online learning, you can contact him on +263773614293 or etiwelm02@gmail.com