Over 4 000 People With Disabilities to Benefit From Free Funeral Cover

More than 4,000 people living with disabilities are set to receive free funeral cover through a partnership between the Jimayi Muduvuri Foundation and two local funeral service providers.

The initiative, rolled out under the banner People With Disabilities for ED, is being implemented in collaboration with Fidelity Life Assurance and Doves Funeral Services.

The programme’s impact was recently demonstrated following the death of wheelchair-bound Kadoma resident Tawuya Gundani, who became the first beneficiary of the new scheme.

“I am the late Tawuya’s brother, and both of us were born with disabilities. Life has never been easy, but this support gave us dignity in our time of loss. We couldn’t afford a proper funeral, yet this partnership made it possible,” said a family member.

Another relative commended the initiative, saying, “It’s comforting to know that people with disabilities are being recognised. This is true empowerment, and we appreciate the Second Republic for promoting inclusive development through such gestures.”

The free funeral cover is expected to bring relief and dignity to members of People With Disabilities for ED and the Zimbabwe Amalgamated Council of Churches (ZACC) across the country.

“This goes beyond funeral assistance, it shows that we are part of national development,” said one member. “Many of us face financial struggles, so this arrangement gives us peace of mind,” added another.

National chairperson of People With Disabilities for ED, Cde Jimayi Muduvuri, said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to inclusivity under the Second Republic.

“At least 4,000 members are benefitting from this arrangement at no cost,” he said. “We are guided by the national philosophy that ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’. Our mission is to respond to the needs of our people, particularly the vulnerable. The Foundation also continues to offer free medical services nationwide.”

The development complements the government’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusive growth, which include the drafting of the Persons with Disability Bill, a key step in protecting and empowering people with disabilities across Zimbabwe.