Zimbabwe’s celebrated disability advocate Nyasha Nhau continues to rise on the international stage following his appointment to the Commonwealth Disability Inclusion Action Plan Steering Committee, a move widely welcomed by disability rights organisations and citizens across the country.
Nhau, a distinguished disability inclusion consultant and two-time national journalism award winner, has built a reputation for shaping key disability frameworks in Zimbabwe.
He played a central role in the development of disability policies for both the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the City of Harare, working closely with noted researcher Christine Peta.
Raised in St Mary’s, Chitungwiza Nhau’s leadership journey began under difficult circumstances after developing a permanent physical disability as a child.
Now 39, he has transformed a personal struggle into regional impact.
Reflecting on his latest appointment, he credited his mother and the wider disability community for shaping his values and commitment.
“I was born a leader, and my mother always advised me to remember my less fortunate relations whenever I succeed,” Nhau said.
“I strive to create opportunities for others. Due to my mother’s support, I am not one to seek pity.
Today, I am a two-time Disability Journalist of the Year Award winner, with numerous accolades in the disability sector.
“Among my recognitions is one from Amnesty International, in partnership with Alive Albinism Initiative, Higher Life Foundation, and Shamwari yeMwanasikana, awarded to 12 individuals, including Econet’s Strive Masiyiwa.”
Nhau said his achievements reflect collective effort rather than individual success.
“I attribute my achievements to my fellow brothers and sisters with disabilities. The journey to success is about ‘we’, not ‘me’,” he said.
Nhau’s expertise is also increasingly sought beyond Zimbabwe.
He and his partner organisations have been approached by FONA-PVH, a body overseen by a board appointed by the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The consultancy request aims to help the institution develop stronger support systems for persons with disabilities — whose numbers have surged due to the ongoing conflict.
The engagement positions Nhau as a key regional advisor on humanitarian disability inclusion, extending his influence to one of Africa’s most complex humanitarian environments.
Nhau is also the founder of the Emancipate Disability Constituency Trust, which empowers young people with disabilities through mentorship, capacity building and international scholarship links.
He praised Zimbabwe’s policy direction under the Second Republic, noting that structural reform has accelerated progress on disability inclusion.
“The National Disability Policy is a game changer,” he said.
“I want to thank President Mnangagwa for truly and genuinely catering for the welfare of people with disabilities.
“We have seen that across all the ministries, there is a director for Gender and Disability which is specifically tasked with managing disability affairs.
“We continue to plead for additional funding to our mother ministry so that they reach every corner, fulfilling the mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.”
His mentor and prominent philanthropist Jimayi Muduvuri, recently honoured with a continental disability leadership award, said Nhau’s achievements mirror the opportunities being unlocked locally.
“This is our moment. The Second Republic has created an environment where people with disabilities can thrive,” Muduvuri said.
“Our President says Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, so we should all play our part in helping the vulnerable.
“The Second Republic is creating opportunities, and we must use them, discover our talents and support one another.
“Nyasha’s story shows what is possible when we step forward with confidence.”
From shaping national policies to influencing regional disability agendas — from Harare to the Commonwealth and now the Congo — Nhau’s expanding footprint underscores a powerful truth: disability is not inability, and leadership knows no boundaries.