Advocate Calls for Urgent Reform in Zimbabwe’s Social Welfare System to Better Serve People with Disabilities
An advocate for people living with disabilities has raised concern over the negligence and lack of professionalism displayed by social welfare officers in addressing the pressing issues faced by people living with disabilities in Zimbabwe.
Mandlenkosi Siwela, a passionate advocate in Matabeleland North believes that individuals in these positions should be fully equipped and committed to helping those in need, but many fall short, leaving a myriad of unanswered questions and challenges for the disability community.
Barely some days ago Kontuthu News published two stories about people living with disabilities. The other story an elderly man was appealing for financial support to buy a wheelchair and the other one a mother to a son living with disabilities is appealing for social welfare services help citing that she had approached social welfare but didn’t get any assistance.
Siwela emphasised the importance of social workers possessing the necessary knowledge and skills to support and protect the rights of disabled individuals, calling for professionalism and dedication.
“It’s a question of negligence which is not permitted. I think these officials must be taken into law because they are found wanting,” Siwela asserts.
To address this issue, Siwela calls for a thorough evaluation and reassessment of the positions within social welfare offices. He believes that only professionally trained individuals with a genuine passion for helping others should be employed in these vital roles. Siwela emphasises the importance of awareness programs and the involvement of ethnic organisations registered to assist persons with disabilities.
However, Siwela points out that there is a lack of coordination among these organisations, resulting in parents being unaware of available resources and solutions. He stresses the need for better communication and urges ethnic organisations, such as the Council for the Blind and NASCO, to conduct awareness campaigns to ensure that their services are widely known and accessible.
Furthermore, Siwela calls for the employment of individuals with disabilities in social welfare offices. He believes that if the child in question had someone with a similar experience working in that office, they would have received assistance much sooner. Siwela lobbies for the implementation of the disability bill, which aims to protect the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
In addition to policy changes, Siwela believes that government agencies should prioritise advocating for persons with disabilities.
He himself has written a number of books which he believes could promote inclusivity and educate future generations about the challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
The lack of resources and devices to assist individuals with disabilities is another pressing concern raised by Siwela. He highlights the high cost of these devices, making them inaccessible to many schools in Zimbabwe. Siwela suggests that parliamentarians should lobby for free duty when ordering such devices, advocating for local universities to train scientists in manufacturing these gadgets. By doing so, Siwela believes these necessary devices can be produced more affordably, while also providing opportunities for persons with disabilities to excel in the industry.
Finally, Siwela urges Zimbabweans to research and understand the needs and experiences of persons with disabilities. He states that society must challenge negative beliefs and replace them with a positive mindset that fully embraces inclusivity. Siwela envisions a Zimbabwe where every individual is recognized as part of the human race, promoting a more compassionate and inclusive society.
Siwela’s voice serves as an important reminder of the urgent need for action and awareness regarding disabilities in Zimbabwe. His passion and dedication to advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities are paving the way for a more inclusive future. As Siwela’s book awaits publication and he continues to rally support for the disability bill, the hope for positive change in Zimbabwe grows stronger.
