Bulawayo, (New Ziana) – Government has been commended for making progress in mainstreaming disability rights by ensuring persons with disabilities are increasingly visible, protected and included in national development.
Speaking during commemorations of the International Day of Persons With Disabilities on Wednesday, Special Advisor on Disability Issues in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Senator Rossy Mpofu said the government has transformed disability inclusion from decades of silence to measurable action.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is a UN-promoted observance held annually on December 3, aiming to promote disability rights, dignity, and well-being, and raise awareness about integrating persons with disabilities into all aspects of life – political, social, economic, cultural.
This year`s commemoration ran under the theme, “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,” which emphasizes that disability inclusion is a legal and moral obligation.
“Under the Second Republic, the country has entered an historic era of disability inclusion. We moved from decades of silence to tangible progress and meaningful visibility,” she said.
Mpofu highlighted major milestones that have redefined the disability rights landscape, beginning with the 2021 National Disability Policy, which she described as a turning point.
“The National Disability Policy laid the framework for mainstreaming disability in every sector. It was launched even during the COVID-19 pandemic to show government’s unwavering commitment to empowering persons with disabilities,” she said.
Mpofu also applauded the recent passage of the Persons with Disabilities Act (Act 3 of 2025), calling it a strong legal framework that strengthens rights, protection and accountability.
She further cited high-profile appointments, including visually impaired High Court judge Justice Samuel Deme, and commissioners and legislators with disabilities as evidence that inclusion is now structural, not symbolic.
“The progress is undeniable. These are not symbolic changes, these are structural changes that show real political will,” she said.
Despite recent achievements, Mpofu noted some gaps particularly in accessibility, employment and technological inclusion.
“Yes, we have made progress, but challenges remain. Accessibility in public buildings and transport is still limited. Employment opportunities for persons with disabilities must improve,” she said.
She called for innovation in assistive technology, saying import costs were too high for most families.
“Digital accessibility must improve. Technology is very expensive, and we must innovate and produce more of these resources locally,” she added.
Mpofu highlighted that government ministries were now required to plan and budget with disability inclusion in mind through newly established gender, wellness and inclusivity desks, but stressed that society must also change its attitudes.
She urged persons with disabilities to occupy leadership and decision-making spaces.
“Do not hide or withdraw. Do not wait for others to speak for you. Your voice matters. Your contribution is nation-building,”Mpofu said.
Addressing the same gathering, Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube said the country should intensify efforts to remove barriers that continue to limit full participation of persons with disabilities.
She reaffirmed government’s commitment to aligning disability rights with national development strategies, saying the country`s policy frameworks already recognise the need for equal access across all sectors.
“In Zimbabwe, we recognise the importance of creating an inclusive society where persons with disabilities can fully participate and contribute,” she said.
New Ziana
