EVEN though the 2022 National Budget that was recently announced by Finance and Economic Development Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube showed some improvement in the allocation to the health sector, it is silent on some of concerns that have been affecting Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) over the years.
By Patricia Mashiri
Zimbabwe has a sizable number of person with disabilities with indications that 9.3% of the country’s population are are persons with disabilities, according to a recent survey that was conducted by Zimstats,
Speaking during a press conference on disability-inclusive budgeting, Mr Leonard Marange, Director Federation of Organizations for Disabled People in Zimbabwe (FODPZ), said, “We are happy with the budget announced by the Minster but not very happy because there are some provisions that we felt were supposed to be in that budget but they are not there for example the issue of financial window for PWDs is not there despite that the President said it should be there. It also does not speak to how the National Disability policy going to be funded. These are the things the media should also be lobbying for answers.”
He added that PWDs organizations should involve media in their activities so as to ensure their concerns reach the relevant stakeholders.
We were creating awareness to the media for the need for disability-inclusive budgeting. We were taking it through how we want to be involved in budget consultations and also looking at the 2022 budgeting that was pronounced by the Minister and checking on whether it is disability inclusive. It was also creating awareness among disability- budget inclusiveness which we feel it is very important.
“We feel that persons with disabilities are left out in budgeting. The moment they are left out then they are excluded from all-inclusive development interventions. So, we feel that Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) to be involved in inclusive development it should start with resource allocation hence the media has to know our stand point as PWDs,” said Mr Marange.
Dr Christine Peta, Director Disability Affairs in the Ministry of Public Service, Labor and Social Welfare said there was need for government and PWDs associations to work together so as to ensure they are included in national policies including the national budget.
“The government of Zimbabwe is committed in fulfilling, promoting and respecting the rights of PWDs. This is also demonstrated by the fact that His Excellency the President of Zimbabwe CDE Emmerson Mnangagwa launched the National Disability Policy. This disability policy has an implementation plan which includes proposed funding modalities.
“The government is in the process of establishing focal units on disabilities in all government ministries thus upholding the reality that there is disability in every sector. As a nation, we need to ensure that we have achieved disability inclusion and meaningful involvement. There is need for active participation and involvement and presence of PWDs in every sector,” Dr Peta said.
Meanwhile, Kudzai Shava, visually impaired disability activist said it was important for organizations for PWDs to do evidence based researches and advocacy on their needs as disabled people.
“I heard that media personnel are here with us today and I’m so happy because those are our allies please help us spread our messages. Play your role as well that information goes a long way. Information such as where are disability-inclusive budgeting consultations are taking place such that the PWDs will be able to play a part in the consultations,” he said.
