Pick Nkomwa defied all the odds of disability

November 12, 2022

 By Choice Magazine

…. Rising and shining in the midst of discrimination and exclusion ….

Choice News Africa Features Correspondent

When a baby is born, in a traditional setup of Zimbabwe and Africa collectively, the community say, “Amhlope, Makorokoto” meaning to deliver a congratulatory message, that is regarded as a blessing for the newly born baby.

This is what happens to all newly born babies, and this is what was said when Pick Nkomwa was brought on this world, on the first of June 1985 at Mvurwi Hospital in Mashonaland Central Province- Zimbabwe.

Pick is the first born in the family of five, and is one person who was born to transform lives, but did not know that when he started his educational career in 1993 at the age of 8.

 “I started my grade 1 on second term after going through some test and examination at Jairos Jiri- Harare in 1993. The assessor’s recommendations were for me to join the mainstream society and school.

I did my grade 1 and 2 at Mushongahande Primary school- Kachuta, Guruve, before I transferred to Mash west Province- in 1994.

I then commenced my Grade 3 to Grade 7 at Chrome Mine Primary school in Mutorashanga and procced to Chrome Cine secondary school in Mutorashanga for my secondary education. I completed my form 4 in 2003 and proceeded to Advanced level.

I did my advanced level at Chipindura High school in Bindura in Mashonaland Central- 2004-2005.

After completing with passes in advanced level, I found myself seated at home for two years, after failing to get funding for scholarship to college or university. I then decided to establish a vending business with my friend in 2006-2007.

In 2008, I was offered a place at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic to study for a Diploma in Human Resources Management, from 2008-2011.

In 2012 I enrolled at Midlands State University and attained my Undergraduate degree in HRM in 2014.

Six years after I enrolled at Lupane State University for Masters Degree in HRM, I graduated with, Master of Science degree in Human Resources Management in 2022.

 During the period 2010-2021 while working as a Human Resources practitioner I also attained various accolades which include,

 Bsc Honours Degree in Human Resources Management (MSU-2014)

Certificate in Labour Law, Conciliation and Arbitration (IPMZ, 2019)

Certificate in Payroll Administration (Belina, 2019)

Certificate in Procurement (PRAZ, 2018)

Certificate In Human Resources Information Systems (Touchstone- 2014)

National Diploma in Human Resources Management (J.M Nkomo Polytechnic-2011)

 National Certificate in Human Resources Management ((J.M Nkomo Polytechnic-2008)

Certificate In Computers (DC Africa Internet-2005)

Clean class 4 Drivers licence-2017

Certificate in Human Rights (2021)

 The journey was not an easy road. Challenges encountered include long distance to school, un user-friendly facilities in learning institutions. Stigmatisation and discrimination. Lack of family support from the beginning. Many well-wishers and individuals assisted me to accomplish my first diploma. From there I did self-supporting to achieve my dream.

In 2020, I established Nkomwa Foundation Trust. As long as I have the ability, I will continue adding more academic papers. My dream now is to pursue a Doctorate in HRM and a Law degree, as well as Diploma in disability studies

To my fellow people with disabilities, I say don’t give up. The road is not easy, just have faith in yourself and focus. Nothing is impossible.

Families and the society at large, let’s embrace inclusivity. Everyone has the potential as long as he or she is afforded the opportunity.

People with disabilities in communities experience the following discrimination types, direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, discrimination by association, multiple discrimination, intersectional discrimination, unequal burden discrimination, denial to reasonable accommodation discrimination.

Perceptions about CWDs Discrimination, labelling, negative beliefs and perceptions about children with impairments in communities. CWDs appear to be a nuisance in societies. This is as a result of Disability being linked to be as a result from the social ills like witchcraft, theft and curse from the gods. Such practices create a source of the handicap for the impaired children. Negative perceptions also generated feelings of shame among families who hide their CWDs from the public sphere. Such perceptions generate long term effects on CWDs and development of the marginalised communities.”

The most prevalent issue in African governments, is lack of respect and recognition for people with disabilities, they like misrepresenting them, instead of including them in government portfolios, for true and real representation.

In Zimbabwe, there is no Minister with disability, and yet there are thousands of educated persons, with disabilities, who can turn the economy around.

Most of qualified persons with disabilities, are shunned and discriminated, politically, in several efforts to exclude them in mainstream political activities, that shape the country.

Nkomwa who is the founder of Nkomwa Foundation Trust, is also Vice Chairperson for the FODPZ, Federation of Organisations of Disabled People in Zimbabwe, the umbrella body for persons with disabilities.