Siphakeme .Mnindwa
IN the spirit of hope and empowerment, around 150 people with disabilities (PWDs) from Bubi, Hwange, and Lupane experienced a brighter festive season thanks to a generous gesture by prominent businessman and founding national chairperson of PWDs4ED Jimayi Muduvuri. Muduvuri, whose passion for uplifting the disabled community runs deep, donated 100kg of rice to each of the three districts, bringing much-needed relief to the specially-abled individuals in these communities.
But Muduvuri’s gift went beyond food. After receiving a heartfelt request from his constituency, Muduvuri pledged to build a much-needed clinic in Jambezi, Hwange, to serve the PWD community. This clinic will provide accessible healthcare for those who currently struggle to reach the nearest medical facilities due to distance, transport, and financial challenges, besides the high cost of medical fees.
As if that wasn’t enough, Muduvuri, who also serves as the patron for PWDs4ED, made an even grander promise. Starting this year, six children with disabilities from each of Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces will be selected to receive a free education at a special school in Kadoma, all thanks to his commitment to creating more opportunities for PWDs.
The rice donation, a symbol of Muduvuri’s unwavering support, was distributed by local district chairpersons, along with PWDs4ED national co-ordinator Bishop Amos Mabiko and advisor Annety Sithole from Victoria Falls. In Hwange, the rice reached the villages of Siamwele and Nemananga in Jambezi, where Muduvuri has pledged to construct the clinic to alleviate the struggles of those in need of healthcare.
Valentine Nyoni, the newly appointed PWDs4ED national executive member and chairperson for Matabeleland North, and a prominent advocate for disability rights, stressed the goal of these donations. He said the donation was not just to provide immediate relief but to bring long-term empowerment to PWDs.
“We recently distributed rice to PWDs in Jambezi, Bubi, and Lupane who were each given 100kg. The rice was donated by patron Cde Jimayi Muduvuri, the patron and national chair of PWDs4ED under President Mnangagwa’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind. This initiative is part of our ongoing mission to raise awareness and advocate for disability rights, ensuring that no one is left behind. Cde Muduvuri’s leadership and dedication to PWDs4ED has created a lasting impact on the lives of people with disabilities in Zimbabwe. His legacy continues to inspire a new generation of advocates and leaders,” said Nyoni.
The beneficiaries, who include individuals with a range of disabilities such as visual impairments, speech and hearing difficulties, and those who are mentally disturbed, were deeply grateful for the timely assistance. Many of them had also appealed for life-enhancing aids such as wheelchairs, crutches, walking sticks, and eyeglasses, all of which were provided to help them live more independent lives.
Muduvuri’s generosity wasn’t limited to the rural areas. Earlier, similar donations were made in Victoria Falls, where PWDs received mealie-meal. With a focus on rural areas during the holiday season, the goal was to support the most vulnerable members of society during a time when their needs are greatest.
“Cde Muduvuri’s leadership continues to inspire change and has created a lasting legacy of hope for the disabled community in Zimbabwe,” Nyoni said.
Muduvuri’s efforts are aligned with the vision of Zimbabwe’s Second Republic, which aims to create an upper-middle-income society by 2030. Bishop Mabiko echoed this vision, praising Muduvuri for his continued dedication to improving the lives of PWDs, ensuring that they have the resources, opportunities, and rights they deserve.
“We are committed to a society where no one is left behind. With Muduvuri’s vision, the future looks brighter for Zimbabwe’s PWDs, as they continue to receive both practical support and a voice in the country’s progress,” Mabiko said.
Beneficiaries welcomed the gesture, saying it will go a long way in cushioning them.
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