Nkomwa Foundation Trust(NFT) 5th Anniversary Event Reveals Many Successes, Gears up for the Future
Staff Reporter
NFT highlights progress, achievements, and ways forward at 5th anniversary celebration.
GWANDA, Zimbabwe (Nkomwa Foundation Trust) — A recent gathering of more than 300 people, including government and local government officials, civic and traditional leaders, representatives of non-governmental organisations, private companies, parastatals, and the local community, with a notable 50 per cent female participation led to critical highlights on Nkomwa Foundation Trust(NFT)’s work during the last five years and strategic future focus.
On 31 October 2025, the participants gathered at the Nkomwa–Nkemeletje Disability Centre in Ward 16, Mapate area in Gwanda South, for the belated fifth NFT anniversary celebration to commemorate the organisation’s progress and achievements, share lessons learnt over the past five years, and deliberate over potential future improvements.
“First, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to NFT for the exceptional work you do to uplift the lives of people with disabilities(PWDs). Your programmes align with the Government of Zimbabwe’s vision of “leaving no one and no place behind,” said guest of honour and Gwanda South Member of Parliament, Dr Omphile Marupi. Dr Marupi is also the Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services. “We celebrate not just five years of existence, but five years of impactful transformation and empowerment for persons with disabilities in our communities, ‘’ he said.
Dr Marupi, who planted a tree and broke the ground to officially launch work at the centre, also said: “. I commend the establishment of the Nkomwa–Nkemeletje Disability Centre. This centre will serve as a skills hub and a model for inclusive rural development, proving that progress is achievable even in remote areas.”
The 2025 celebration was held outside Gwanda town for the first time and at the disability centre to reflect NFT’s commitment to inclusive development that leaves no one and no place behind.
Nkomwa–Nkemeletje Disability Centre is a project born through a partnership between Gwanda Rural District Council, NFT, and the local community. The centre will focus on early childhood education for persons with disabilities, goat rearing initiatives and vocational skills training, among others.
Speaking at the same event NFT Board Chairperson, Selinah Chirisa said since its establishment in 2020, the organisation has been driven by a simple yet powerful vision to promote the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of persons with disabilities in socio-economic lives. “In the past five years, we have built bridges between communities, institutions, and policy makers. We have challenged barriers, created opportunities, and raised the voices of persons with disabilities across Matabeleland South and beyond.”
Chronicling some of the organisation’s many achievements, NFT Director, Pick Nkomwa said: “In just five years, we have made strides that speak volumes about community partnership and determination.’’ Specifically, he said NFT has become a model to many local and national collaborating institutions that address disability and inclusivity issues. In 2025 alone, NFT signed memoranda of understanding with Beitbridge, Bubi, Gwanda rural district councils as well as with the Municipality of Gwanda, cementing its collaboration in promoting inclusive infrastructure and development, 25 learners with disabilities received tuition, groceries, and transport assistance- ensuring that disability is not a barrier to education.
Additionally, NFT supported 85 persons with albinism with sunscreen lotions and lip balms, 38 with protective gear, and 128 persons with disabilities with clothing necessities while 50 girls with disabilities received sanitary pads, ensuring dignity and health for young women.
Also, 20 people received assistive devices such as crutches, wheelchairs and white cans while 96 persons with disabilities received blankets to improve on comfort and well-being. During humanitarian emergencies, 196 people were supported with food hampers, cushioning families against hunger and hardship.
In skills development, NFT facilitated digital skills training for 18 persons with disabilities, beadwork training for 21 participants, and disability mainstreaming and sign language training for 65 nursing students at Gwanda multidisciplinary nursing school.
The government has taken significant steps to promote disability rights and social inclusion. The launch of the National Disability Policy in 2021, marked a key milestone. This policy aims to end discrimination and marginalisation, ensuring PWDs fully participate in all aspects of life.It is anticipated the government will enact the Persons with Disabilities Act to support this policy. The government has also established a Disability Affairs Department under the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Development to coordinate disability-related programmes.
Nkomwa told the participants, “Showcasing our programme of work remains a significant challenge. This can be overcome through programmes that demonstrate the values of inclusivity, and help us share lessons learnt, and experiences gained.”
He stressed that “While taking stock and celebrating our many successes, we are aware that there are still major challenges to be overcome. These include limited resources, such as vehicles, difficult access to hard to reach areas and stigma. We will achieve our targets if relevant stakeholders work together for a common goal.”
