Story by Noleen Chavunduka
PEOPLE living with disabilities have expressed support for Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill, saying it will help sustain disability inclusion programmes and policy implementation under the Second Republic.
The constituency says the National Disability Policy, launched by President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa in June 2021, has already improved access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Disability Ambassador for the African Union Disability Council, Mr Nyasha Nhau, said the proposed extension of the Presidential term would ensure continuity in programmes benefiting persons with disabilities.
“We are in full support of this Bill because extension of the Presidential term means a lot to people with disabilities who have benefited a lot since the launch of the National Disability Policy by His Excellency President Mnangagwa,” Mr Nhau said.
“We have seen many people benefiting, myself included, so we are saying that two-year extension for the President is a good move,” Founder of the Muduvuri Pan African Referral Hospital, Cde Jimayi Muduvuri said.
Senators representing persons with disabilities in parliament also added their voices, saying the extension of the electoral cycle will allow for continuity in policies that directly impact their livelihoods.
“We are in support of the bill because it will go a long way in promoting and protecting the rights of vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, and, will also support the operationalisation of the new Disability Act of 2025 as we go towards vision 2030,” Senator Ishmael Zhou, said.
“The Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill is important for us as persons with disabilities because it guarantees continuity in the implementation of programmes that empower our community. We have seen positive strides since the launch of the National Disability Policy, and we believe more can be achieved with consistent leadership,” Senator Anna Shiri, said.
As persons with disabilities continue to advocate for inclusive development, their support for the Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill reflects confidence in ongoing efforts by Government to improve their welfare.
