By Tendai Guvamombe.
Harare, Zimbabwe. (News of The South)- The Chimurenga war was fought about 39 years ago yet the plight of a forgotten comrade has not found attention while Zimbabwean televisions, radio and newspaper publications are all awash in telling untold stories of liberation war calamities.
A pertinent issue though crucial revolves around the warfare of the cde who at times realizes little in what he or she suffered for in trying to bring the mighty nation at liberty.
When Dexta Nduna uses his hands and posters in full strength to shout one another with Temba Mliswa in the parliament with large voice the forgotten Comrade will be seated in silent enduring troublesome pains sustained during struggle for independence in 1980.
It is against the backdrop of this background that Zimbabwe War Victims Association (ZWVA) was found with a thrust to bring light the to the myriad challenges currently tormenting disabled cadres whose condition was brought about by the unfortunate way of the war struggle which brought about the National Independence in 1980.
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In a statement Founder of ZWVA Cde Vongai Mutokoto who sustained an amputated leg due to a landmine blast reiterated that war victims are currently in the same boat with other disabilities by way of societal decriminalization and in areas of discrimination such as access to public transport, education expectations and housing and accommodation.
“ It is very unfortunate to us particularly in our country Zimbabwe we haven’t get there yet. Disabled people are discriminated and stigmatized. They are under employed often live jn poverty, have low education expectations, struggle to use public transport and find accessible housing and accommodation.”
Despite all these the unified sections of disabilities vows to continue engaging the government and the corporate world in general to pave way for the empowerment of the disabled communities whose plight have been left since time immemorial.
“We challenge the non disabled communities, religious groups, financial institutions, government and othe organizations to have this question in consideration, how am I including disabled people in my community socially, religiously and work even politically what am I doing to empower the disabled people. Am looking for opportunities to level the playing field so that the disabled can succed and be a part of the community.”
The war Victims Association is on record in emphasizing thier motto in public gatherings and conferences, which is ‘Disability does not mean inability’.
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