It is a Saturday morning and 35-year-old Shurugwi born Sandra Chimwanda from Ruchanyu Village starts her working day to knit jerseys, woolen hats, scarves and doormats.
Born with a condition medical professionals identified as symbrachydactyly where one hand is smaller than the other, Chimwanda uses her legs, mouth and tongue for knitting.
Speaking in Gweru at a recent skills audit fair conducted by the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development, Chimwanda said she went through a surgical procedure for her condition that left her using a wheelchair.
“I then asked myself should l just sit on the wheelchair and pit myself,”Chimwanda said.
“That is when l started teaching myself knitting using my legs, mouth and tongue.”
At the skills fair, Chimwanda was awarded the best craft artist in the visual arts category under the disability section.
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“When l heard about this fair l never thought l would become a winner,” Chimwanda said.
“Little did l know that l would emerge a winner especially considering that l come from a rural setting and competing with people who are well resourced.”
Chief director in the ministry, Cliff Matorera, said Chimwanda artistic work was testimony that disability does not mean inability.
“Disability is not inability and Chimwanda’s work is proof that with the right support people with disabilities can meaningfully contribute to the economy,” Matorera said.
“What she has demonstrated is extraordinary. Her talent and determination deserves support and recognition.”
Matorera added: “I have asked her to provide a list of the challenges she is facing so that we can engage the relevant ministries and stakeholders to see how best assistance can be mobilised to help her expand her projects and access wider markets.
“Surely this is a true reflection of untapped potential among persons with disabilities.”
Chimwanda appealed to well-wishers to help her expand her knitting business.
“At times local schools support me by buying my products,” she said.
“I, however, appeal to well-wishers to help me expand my business. I have confidence that with the right support there is no limit to my capabilities.”
She urged people with disabilities to have self-confidence and use their talents and skills and not just wait to be “charity cases.”