Story by Tamuka Charakupa
ZIMBABWEAN disability advocate, Nyasha Nhau, has been appointed to the Commonwealth Disability Inclusion Action Plan Steering Committee, a development that has been widely welcomed by organisations and citizens championing disability rights.
Nhau, 39, is an internationally recognised consultant on disability inclusion and a two-time winner of the Disability Journalist of the Year Award. His rise in advocacy is rooted in a challenging personal journey that began in St Mary’s, Chitungwiza where he was raised by his mother.
Although he was not born with a disability, Nhau’s life changed dramatically when, as a primary school pupil, one of his legs began to shorten. By the time he reached Form One, doctors confirmed his condition would be permanent. Despite the emotional and physical obstacles that followed, he remained resolute that his disability would not limit his ambitions.
Speaking on his latest appointment, Nhau said he owes his success to the disability community that continues to inspire his work.
“I was born a leader, and my mother always advised me to remember my less fortunate relations whenever I succeed. I strive to create opportunities for others. Due to my mother’s support, I am not one to seek pity. Today, I am a two-time Disability Journalist of the Year Award Winner, with numerous accolades in the disability sector. Among my recognitions is one from Amnesty International, in partnership with Alive Albinism Initiative, Higher Life Foundation, and Shamwari yeMwanasikana, awarded to 12 individuals, including Econet’s Dr Strive Masiyiwa.
“I attribute my achievements to my fellow brothers and sisters with disabilities. The journey to success is about ‘we’, not ‘me’,” he said.
Beyond his new Commonwealth role where he will help oversee the Commonwealth Disability Policy and engage African member states, Nhau holds several regional and international accolades including recognition from Amnesty International and partners such as the Alive Albinism Initiative and Higher Life Foundation.
He is also founder of the Emancipate Disability Constituency Trust, a platform that empowers young people with disabilities through mentorship, capacity-building and international scholarship partnerships.
Nhau commended the Second Republic for advancing disability inclusion through the National Disability Policy, describing it as transformative.
“The National Disability Policy is a game changer. I want to thank President Mnangagwa for truly and genuinely catering for the welfare of people with disabilities. We have seen that across all the ministries, there is a director for Gender and Disability which are specifically tasked with managing disability affairs. We continue to plead for additional funding to our mother ministry so that they reach every corner, fulfilling the mantra of leaving no one and no place behind,” Nhau said.
His mentor, philanthropist and National Chairperson for People with Disabilities for ED, Cde Jimayi Muduvuri who was recently honoured with a top continental award for disability advocacy said the current policy environment is enabling greater participation of persons with disabilities.
“This is our moment. The Second Republic has created an environment where people with disabilities can thrive. Our President says Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, so we should all play our part in helping the vulnerable. The Second Republic is creating opportunities, and we must use them, discover our talents and support one another. Nyasha’s story shows what is possible when we step forward with confidence,” he said.
From his early days in St Mary’s to his new seat at a key Commonwealth table, Nhau’s journey reflects the transformative power of resilience and reaffirms the principle that disability is not inability.
