Mako Jerera
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has promised to avail funds to support small businesses being run by people with disabilities.
The fund, whose structure is yet to be shared, will solve one of the biggest obstacles faced by small businesses in the country; funding.
Officiating at the 9th edition of the National Disability Expo in Gweru, President Mnangagwa said his administration is serious about ensuring that the upper middle income country we are walking towards accommodates everyone equitably.
“There are barriers which must be removed so that we walk together. Today I can tell you that last week I appointed a blind Judge of the High Court…
But the issue is that my administration and I are committed to do everything in our power to help,” said President Mnangagwa.
The Expo was running under the theme: Disability Mainstreaming and Inclusion for a Prosperous and Empowered Society.
People with disabilities have been providing goods and services that are competing even with large corporations, the expo was testament of their business acumen and work ethic.
“As I went around the exhibitions, I made up my mind that we should establish a fund that assists people with disabilities. Also, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of your products,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa advised the leaders of the people with disabilities to strengthen relationships with similar groups around the world, if they are to grow the national expo into an international event.
“The Second Republic has Vision 2030 which stipulates where the country must be in the areas of development, electricity, agriculture, safe drinking water, boreholes. We have the strategy and plan to reach 2030 with uplifted livelihoods that are characteristic of a middle-income economy.
President Mnangagwa said the Disability Bill is before Parliament and will enable government to meet the needs of people with disabilities and encouraged us to love our country and trust each other.
“Work for your country and love it. Be patriotic and be remembered for having worked for the prosperity of your country. Do not be sellouts like others who have called for sanctions to be imposed on Zimbabwe,” added President Mnangagwa.
The 9th National Disability Expo is historic; it is the first edition to be officiated by the Head of State.
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