BY FARAI MATIASHE
South African ambassador to Zimbabwe Mphakama Mbete has called on the country to be supportive of people living with disabilities as it was not by choice that they are in that condition.
Speaking during a handover ceremony of wheelchairs, groceries, toiletries and other goods to Jairosi Jiri Association Centre in Southerton yesterday to mark the 10th anniversary of Nelson Mandela International Day, Mbete said even people living with disabilities should be considered as future leaders.
“Some of them might be living with disabilities, but it does not deter them from leading. We might not be in that situation (as theirs), but we do not know what the future holds for us, we might be living with disabilities some other day,” he said.
“When you do something to another human being it also changes you yourself as an individual. We are aware the needs in Zimbabwe and SA are many and cannot be provided in a single day. It is a long journey, but the world has to be changed for the better. That is the message we are sending to the world.”
Mbete added that the humble contribution from the South African embassy in Zimbabwe would enrich the lives of the children at the centre.
Old Mutual head of innovation Lilian Mubayiwa said the donation resonated well with their ideas of creating opportunities and sustainable solutions to Zimbabwe.
The South African embassy, in partnership with Truworths, Old Mutual and Anglo-American donated 10 wheelchairs, toiletries and grocery to the centre.
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Jairosi Jiri Association president Alva Senderayi said the donation would go a long way in supporting those living with disabilities at the centre.
Nelson Mandela International Day is celebrated each year on July 18 in honour of the late former South Africa President Mandela on his birthday and it was officially declared by the United Nations in 2009.
