ELLEN MLAMBO
MIRROR REPORTER

MASVINGO- Masvingo’s first headman with a disability has urged People with Disabilities (PWDs) to closely safeguard their new bill gazetted on February 9, against those who seek financial gain.
Headman Chimbani (Magudu) born Cover Mugwadi who is under Chief Nyajena has urged the PWDs during a meeting convened by two senators representing PWDs Anna Shiri and Ishmael Zhou at the Masvingo Civic Centre last Monday.

The meeting held at the Civic Centre to gather concerns from PWDs and encourage them to attend the Parliamentary hearing consultations on the Persons with Disabilities bill to repel the disabled persons act chapter 17:01 of 1992 as amended in 1996 to be held from 13-17 May.
“There are people who are drawing closer to the process who have been working for the disabled and enjoyed the benefits. These people want to incorporate their own definition of disability which speaks of the invisible disability. The issue of disability affairs, from the position of the chief Director to the staff, we want 95 percent to constitute people with disabilities,” he said.
Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Alliance (MURRA) spokesperson, Godfrey Mutimba said PWDs need full representation in all arms of the Government.
The Joint Portfolio Committee on Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, and; Thematic Committee on Gender Development will hold public hearings on 2 Bills; The Persons with Disabilities Bill (H.B.2, 2023) and; The Private Voluntary Organizations Amendment Bill (H.B. 2, 2024), from 13 to 17 May, 2024.