A New Dawn for Inclusion: Zimbabwe’s Landmark Disabilities Act Hailed as a Transformative Leap
By Chiyedzo Josiah Dimbo Ambassador of Hope
A wave of optimism is sweeping through Zimbabwe’s disability community following the historic signing of the Persons with Disabilities Act by His Excellency, President Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa. Hailed as a cornerstone for equality, the legislation is being celebrated not just as a legal framework, but as the key to unlocking a more inclusive and accessible future for all.
For Jimayi Muduvuri, a leading voice for disability rights and founder of both the Muduvuri Rehabilitation and Empowerment Foundation and People With Disabilities 4 ED, the moment is the culmination of years of advocacy. “This is more than a law; it is a giant leap for human dignity,” Muduvuri declared, his voice filled with emotion. “His Excellency has truly embodied the mantra of leaving no one and no place behind. This Act is a powerful testament to his commitment to walking the talk, ensuring that persons with disabilities are active participants in the fabric of our nation.”
The new Act represents a significant modernization of Zimbabwe’s approach to disability. It brings national law into full alignment with the country’s Constitution and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), moving away from a charity-based model to one firmly rooted in human rights.
Key transformative provisions include:
The Right to Education guarantee of free primary and secondary education for persons with disabilities, breaking down a major financial barrier and opening doors to lifelong opportunity.
The establishment of a National Disability Affairs Board, which will provide strategic oversight and ensure the Act’s provisions are effectively implemented across government departments.
A broadened and modern definition of disability that explicitly includes individuals with long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments, ensuring no one is excluded from protection.
The introduction of training and capacity-building initiatives specifically designed for families of children with disabilities, recognizing them as crucial partners in fostering inclusion and well-being.
Muduvuri emphasized that the Act’s impact will resonate far beyond the statute books, touching the most intimate aspects of daily life. “The training for families is a game-changer,” he explained. “When a family understands how to support their child with a disability, it lessens the burden, dispels stigma, and builds a foundation of love and capability within the home. This creates a ripple effect that strengthens our entire community.”
The Act is also expected to drive tangible changes in infrastructure and public awareness, mandating greater accessibility in public buildings, transportation, and digital services, thereby fostering a society where everyone can contribute and thrive.
The Muduvuri Rehabilitation and Empowerment Foundation and People With Disabilities 4 ED have extended their deepest gratitude to President Mnangagwa for his unwavering leadership. This landmark legislation marks a definitive step away from exclusion and toward a national culture of acceptance and empowerment.
“This Act is a beacon of hope,” Muduvuri concluded. “It signals that Zimbabwe is serious about building a nation where a person’s potential is never limited by their physical or mental condition. The work begins now, but for the first time, we have the comprehensive legal tool we need to build a truly equitable society for all.”
According to the 2022 Population and Housing Census,people with disabilities constitute about 9,5 percent of Zimbabwe’s population.
