Source: HE headlines national disability expo in Masvingo – herald

President Mnangagwa

Mukudzei Chingwere

Senior Reporter

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa is scheduled to lead the Zimbabwe National Disability Expo 2026 slated for Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo from tomorrow to Friday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda has said.

Addressing yesterday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, Minister Soda said the expo will be held under the theme: “Embracing Disability Inclusion in all Sectors: A Master Stroke for National Prosperity and Economic Development.”

Zimbabwe National Disability Expos, he said, are the Government’s initiatives aimed at empowering persons with disabilities.

“His Excellency the President, Cde Dr E.D Mnangagwa, will be the Guest of Honour and officiate at the Expo on 26 June, 2026. Preparations for the event are well on course,” said Minister Soda.

“The expos provide a forum for persons with disabilities, ministries, departments and agencies, civil society organisations, communities and organisations of persons with disabilities to showcase the inherent abilities of persons with disabilities.

“The expo recognises the participation of persons with disabilities by supporting them to spearhead the decision-making process and organisation of the shows.

“The hosting of the Expos rotates in the country’s 10 provinces, thereby permitting disability inclusion and empowerment initiatives to be taken to lower levels and allowing communities to be the drivers and owners of inclusivity in their respective areas.

“In the spirit of inclusivity and empowerment, 70 per cent of the entertainment at the expos is provided by persons with disabilities,” said Minister Soda.

He said that at Mucheke Stadium, a disability inclusion ablution block was constructed and volleyball, tennis and basketball courts refurbished, in line with the principle of universal design to enhance accessibility for everyone.

Minister Soda said 500 exhibitors are expected to attend, with 438 already having paid exhibition fees.

“The Expo will be segmented, with exhibitions running concurrently with planned side events during planned side events during the three days,” said Minister Soda.

Minister Soda said 500 exhibitors are expected to attend, with 438 already having paid exhibition fees.

“The Expo will be segmented, with exhibitions running concurrently with planned side events during the three days,” said Minister Soda.

“The Expo will carry an international flavour, with a total of 24 exhibitors from eight countries, namely India, Eswatini, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Rwanda and Zambia having confirmed attendance.

“The international exhibitors will showcase their abilities and best practices while they benchmark the progress milestones for Zimbabwe, and vice versa.

“The Guest of Honour, as per tradition, will empower persons with disabilities through donations.

“This year, the donations comprise pigs and goats; residential stands to be allocated to persons with disabilities drawn from all local authorities in Masvingo Province; a commercial stand in Masvingo City; hammer mills for small-scale miners with disabilities; water pumps for household and mining use; and solar panels, among others,” said Minister Soda.

He said the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development has already established Village Business Units at Jairos Jiri Centre, Copota School of the Blind, Henry Murray School and Mukume School in Mwenezi.

The minister said the nation was enjoined to note that Masvingo Province has been a trailblazer in disability rehabilitation and empowerment.

“The late Jairos Jiri, who originated from Masvingo, was a towering figure in supporting rehabilitation of persons with disabilities across the country, and left a legacy in Masvingo and the country at large which needs to be remembered and sustained,” said Minister Soda.

“It is also important to note that Masvingo has had several institutions for the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities since the colonial era.

“These include Ngomahuru Psychiatric Hospital, Henry Murray School for the Deaf, Copota School for the Blind, Jairos Jiri Training Centre in Mucheke, and Mukume Primary School in Mwenezi.”

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