CHIEDZA Nkomazana (25), who was crowned Miss Disability Harare first princess in 2011, has lived up to the adage that disability is not inability.
Report by Munesu Nyakudya
Since being crowned, Nkomazana has gone places and made a mark on the local modelling scene. She cannot walk and uses a wheelchair. Nkomazana is part of an advocacy and campaign programme that is run by Leonard Cheshire Zimbabwe Trust called “Young Voices”.
Young Voices is made up of youths with disabilities between the ages of 16 and 25 who have a mandate to campaign for their rights as enshrined in the United Nations Convention of the Rights of Persons Living with Disabilities.
“I consider myself as the bridge between the able-bodied and disabled. I mainly represent those that are hard of hearing because I have a passion for assisting them, especially in interpreting for them (materials) at sexual reproduction and health seminars. I go out of my way to help them in any way I can,” she said.
Recently Nkomazana was given an opportunity to address an international audience at the United Nations in New York on disability issues. This has given her the experience and confidence to motivate and inspire other people living with disabilities,” she said.
“Most of people whom I have met in my life consider me as an activist. I use every opportunity I get to spread awareness on the rights of people living with disabilities.
Nkomazana encourages them never to let disability stop them from achieving what they want.
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She added: “Reach for the moon and if you fall down you will land among the stars.”
Nkomazana has proved this in her personal life. She has a diploma in Diamond Cutting and Polishing and is currently furthering her studies in Information Technology.
She also plays wheelchair basketball for the best team in Zimbabwe, Wolves, which has won six consecutive championships for the past six years.
