Neglected child with disability lived a hell life on earth
Neglected child with disability lived a hell life on earth
December 29, 2022
Gwanda – Ifit was a textbook, it was definitely going to be titled Life of a person with disability never kill, written by none other than Pick Nkomwa, a practical Disability Champion who is hands on. Writes Chrispen Tabvura.
Describing Pick Nkomwa, will need a life long time, because what this guy is doing, does not take one day but several years and months, because he is doing a job that most of the government institutions have failed with very little funding from his personal earnings.
The latest scenario is when he was doing his errands, in Matabeleland South Province, when he came across a neglected 14-year-old boy, whose mother left him in the care of the grandfather, who also passed on, leaving the minor in the hands of caring strangers.
Mlungisi Ndlovu now aged 14, was born with a disability in Gwanda district of Matabeleland South, but was also unfortunate that the mother, had to leave the child in the care of her father, going to South Africa in search of greener pastures.
The unfortunate fate that fell on this minor, is that age caught up with grandpa, who passed on and left him lonely, in the hands of strangers.
The Zindere community in Ward 22 of Gwanda rural, spread the information in search of assistance, making frantic efforts to ensure the neglected child with disability is protected by the State, but alas, God was on the minor’s side, as the real Disability transformation Ambassador, Nkomwa Foundation founder was sent to the rescue.
Mlungisi lost his father and remained in the custody of the mother (Gladys Mukwena). As a child with disability among other siblings, parental love tends to be compromised. In most cases, parents tend to love children without disabilities.
Mlungisi was first left in the custody of an employee/caregiver before the grandfather died, whilst other children were left in custody of other relatives.
According to the Constitution of Zimbabwe (No.20) ACT 2013, every child a boy or girl under the age of eighteen years must be protected and taken care of by the state.
The Zimbabwean Constitution agrees with the Convention on the Rights of the Children (CRC), an international treaty /agreement on children’s rights with the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC), a regional treaty on the rights of the child which defines a child as any person under the age of eighteen.
All children are innocent, trusting and have full of hope in their guardians or parents. The childhood of all minors, should be happy, loving and their lives should mature gradual as they gain new experiences.
However, many children are not benefiting the reality of childhood, as they are abused by either parents or guardians. The situation of marrying off of minors is another sorry situation in Zimbabwe and most of African countries collectively.
The mother went to South Africa and unconcerned about her child welfare, the concerned late grandpa looked after the minor, who was neglected and never experienced the motherly love.
Children with disability suffer from hunger, homelessness, die as infants and face no or limited healthcare, because parents keep them in hiding. This also add to the narration of the life of Mlungisi Ndlovu born with disability.
Society always point fingers at males as main culprits in abandoning of children which is not always the case. According to Convention of Rights of Children (CRC), children have a right to grow up in an environment conducive to their wellbeing and development.
Whenever Mlungisi was hungry or thirst he would crawl to the community paths crying for help. The community has been taking turns to provide for him till they could not take it up anymore.
The case of Mlungisi was reported to the Department of Social Development, after the encounter with Nkomwa Foundation Trust, as Children’s Act makes provision for child in danger or in need of care to be taken to a place of safety, usually a children’s home, or even a police station in the first instance as a way of protecting the child from further abuse.
Safety place request was made to the Gwanda Hospital authorities and agreement made, through Nkomwa Foundation Trust in collaboration with Social Welfare for transparency.
The child was picked from Zindere community and upon arrival at hospital late afternoon, the hospital authorities could not accept the child. The child protection team led by Social Welfare Acting District Head, Mrs Nodumo Hove was left dumfounded as the hospital authorities denied acceptance, until the intervention of the Acting District Development Coordinator, Mr Thulani Moyo.
Child protection and safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Children have a right to protection from any form of physical or mental violence, exploitation, negligence or abuse. In this regard, children with disabilities have the right to live decent lives, in conditions that ensure dignity, promote self-reliance and participation in the activities of the community.
Thumps up to the Gwanda Child Protection Committee and Nkomwa Foundation Trust, for swift reaction to children with disability welfare. Mlungisi is now accommodated at Gwanda hospital whilst other procedures and progressions are being done including family tracing.
He needs a wheelchair, clothing and basic requirements, those willing to assist can visit the Department of Social welfare or Nkomwa Foundation Trust in Gwanda.