Disability Expo kicks off in Gwanda
Disability Expo kicks off in Gwanda
June 29, 2023
Pick Nkomwa
Gwanda – The 11th Zimbabwe National Disability Expo kicks in Gwanda on a high note, with several exhibitors from across the country, flooding the Matabeleland capital for the first time since independence.
Guests at the Disability Expo. Choice News Africa
The event is held under the theme “Holistic Empowerment of Youth and Children with Disabilities, towards the Attainment of Vision 2030, a better and brighter future for everyone.
Disability Expo is a perennial event where persons with disabilities converge to showcase their abilities as well as create networking platforms.
This week in Gwanda, more than 200 exhibitors are showcasing their services and products, with exhibitors included government ministries departments, business community, organisations for persons with disabilities, schools, universities as well as individuals.
Participants at the Disability Expo following the proceedings. Choice News Africa
The Minister of State and Provincial Affairs, Honourable Abednego Ncube welcomed the guests and participants to the rainbow province, where Nkomwa Foundation Trust in extensively operating and raising awareness workshops around the province, in an effort to end abuse to persons with disability.
“It is a milestone opportunity for our rainbow province of Matabeleland South to host this expo. As a province we feel honoured to host this 11th edition of the disability expo. The three busy days resonate our inclusive nature as a province. This expo will give in trade links and empowerment to persons with disability,” said resident Minister Ncube.
The Special Advisor to the President on disability Honourable Dr. Joshua Malinga, echoed the resident Minister’s sentiments.
“This expo is a reflection of a prosperous economy that will be achieved in 2030. This also dovetails the government’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind. We are a cornerstone of socio economic development. Disability is not disability, we are privileged about that.” Said Dr Malinga.
Among dignitaries at the disability expo, are Matabeleland South Permanent Secretary of provincial affairs, Mrs Latiso Dlamini Maseko, PWDs Provincial Chairperson Ms Andile Ngwenya, and several government officials.
The expo will also hold practical sensitisation awareness campaigns on rights of persons with disabilities, Disability and the Law in Zimbabwe and National Disability Policy. The awareness will be done by various experts from the Government ministries. There will also be music entertainment and sporting activities for persons with disabilities, consisting of several artists with disabilities who will be entertaining guests and exhibitors.