Mat-South colourful disability expo closed on a high note
Mat-South colourful disability expo closed on a high note
July 4, 2023
Pick Nkomwa
Choice News Africa
Gwanda – Matabeleland South Province’s recently held colourful 11th Disability Expo closed on a high note with a lot of entertainment and business deals that will see the opening of new businesses run by persons with disability.
The disability expo procession in process. Choice News Africa
The expo which was held under the theme, “Holistic Empowerment of Youth and Children with Disabilities towards the Attainment of Vision 2030, was a welcome event hat recognised the existence of persons with disability and shaded a better and brighter future for everyone.
The closing ceremony started with a procession from Glow Petroleum garage to Phelandaba stadium. The marching which was mainly composed of persons with disabilities brought the Gwanda town business to a halt.
Persons with various impairments were enjoying their day and demonstrating what they know best. They took turns to provide entertainment to the overwhelming crowd that thronged the capital of Matabeleland South.
Guest of Honour Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare accompanied by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Honourable Ncube and Director in the Department of Disability Affairs Dr Christine Peta toured the exhibition stands.
The team was impressed by tremendous work being conducted by organisations for Persons with disabilities and other Ministries departments that dedicated their efforts to the success of the event.
In his address, Honourable Minister Paul Mavhima applauded the organisers of the event. He acknowledged all organisations and individuals who took their time to attend the expo and exhibit.
“This is an inclusive, holistic approach that the government is doing. The Second Republic launched the National Disability Policy in 2021 which is in line with mantra of leaving no one behind.
In the Policy, our government is committed to empower and transform the lives of persons with disabilities,” said Honourable Mavhima
The expo was indeed an eye opener to the Gwanda community, persons with disabilities, caregivers and parents that had the opportunity to interact and network with other service providers from other Provinces.
Also present at the closing of the event was, Honourable Senator Nasper Manyau, Honourable Ishmael Zhou, Honourable Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Abedinigo Ncube and various officials from non-governmental organisations.