Malinganiso Slams Proposed Disability Amendment Bill

By Enia Dube 

Hon. Malinganiso Taurai Dexter of Zvimba South Constituency has expressed strong opposition to the proposed Disability Amendment Bil  there-by urging the government to go back to the drawing board and engage in meaningful consultations with stakeholders, including persons with disabilities and their organizations.

The bill aims to replace the existing Disabled Persons Act and align it with the Constitution and international obligations .However, Hon. Mangaliso and other disability campaigners argue that the bill fails to address key issues and does not provide adequate representation for persons with disabilities.

During his debate in parliament onThursday ,Malinganiso expressed disappointment with the bill, stating that it does not go far enough in promoting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities. “The bill is a missed opportunity to address the systemic barriers and discrimination faced by persons with disabilities in our country,” he said.

 “We need a comprehensive and inclusive approach that addresses the diverse needs of persons with disabilities in Zimbabwe,” he emphasized.

He went on to highlight several key concerns with the bill, including its Lack of representation.It also  does not provide for adequate representation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes and  does not allocate sufficient resources to support initiatives and programs for person forms of disabilities such as mental health and intellectual disabilities.

Local disability rights activists  have also demanded a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to disability rights and support Hon. Malinganiso’s sentiments, calling for a more robust and inclusive bill that prioritizes the empowerment and participation of persons with disabilities.

His debate was also applauded by Honourable Tshuma of Mpopoma Phelandaba constituency who then implored the minister of public service to consider the submissions by Hon Malinganiso.

Debate will resume on Tuesday the 10th of September 2024.