Society still in denial about disability
Society still in denial about disability
July 10, 2023
Saul Utete
Choice News Africa
Bulawayo – Many people in Zimbabweincluding the politicians and churches are yet to get accustomed to live and appreciate persons with disability.
The recent encounter and subsequent interview carried by Choice News Africa with Jack Matshazi of Pelandaba in Bulawayo, brought the light to the worst living conditions of persons with disability.
Matshazi 62 years old is a qualified class 2 boiler maker, a father of 8 who is taking care of 7 opharns,4 boys and 3 girls from the pitiable earnings he gets after repairing generators, compressors, sliding gates manufacturing as per an order defying his physical challenges and discrimination by society.
“I am Jack Matshazi born in Filabusi with a condition that caused my bones to be weak. The three of us were born with that condition, sadly one died young.” Said Matshazi.
The neglected Jack Matshazi. Saul Utete
Weak bones is a condition called osteoporosis, caused by lack of estrogen and decrease in testosterone.
“I used to play football with other children but started suffering from weak bones during grade 5 forcing me to be in and out of hospital.
At one time I stopped working, got hospitalised for two years,upon discharge the condition forced me to work whilst in poor condition for my family to survive because nobody could help them. It is so sad that two of my sons were born suffering from the same condition as well.” He added.
Matshazi managed to stand some of challenges that catch many physically challenged persons wallowing in poverty and discrimination, through his wife before she became visually impaired.
“My wife before she got blind was a pillar of my strength during and after those trying times. I would weld whilst lying on the bed. She would carry me outside to do the jobs. Without that it meant no food on the table. There was no Social Welfare to turn to hence I had to sacrifice the little strength within me.” Said Matshazi
He bemoan the society’s discrimination of persons with disability.
“Persons with disability are still facing a number of challenges, even if are qualified for a job as long as they are on a wheel chair, most people think we cannot do any work, what a pity.
You only get jobs from neighbors who besides knowing you once offered you a job. Many still doubt our capabilities.
In 2019 I escaped a hailstorm by a whisker after being chased away from seeking shelter at a certain house in Nkulumane only to be rescued by one Good Samaritan.” He said.
“Politicians are also taking us for a ride. One prominent Member of Parliament came and promised to take my issue up to the President. I called him several times but he ignored my calls. This shows how cruel society is maybe the new generation shall appreciate persons with disability.” Said Matshazi
Matshazi is appealing from the government for a piece of land to run a chicken project and expand his industrial welding initiative.