Greatman Tongai Gwaze, a Harare-based musician, has taken a significant step toward advancing disability rights by filing a formal complaint against the City of Harare (CoH) for allegedly neglecting the needs of people with mobility disabilities. Through his lawyer, Moses Nkomo of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), Gwaze has issued a two-week ultimatum for the city to ensure equal access to public and private amenities.
Gwaze’s complaint highlights a critical issue: many public and private spaces, including shopping malls, restaurants, and police stations, lack the necessary universal design features that facilitate accessibility for individuals with physical impairments. He expressed that the existing environment has severely hindered his ability to live independently, limiting his participation in public life and forcing him and others with disabilities to navigate hazardous conditions. This has often led to a reliance on the goodwill of others for assistance in accessing these amenities.
In his complaint, Gwaze cites sections 56(3) and 83 of the Zimbabwean Constitution, which guarantee equal rights and protection against discrimination for individuals living with disabilities. He also references the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Zimbabwe has ratified, reinforcing the urgency of his claims.
Gwaze has requested that the CoH provide him with several key documents, including its Disabled Persons Policy, current Building By-Laws, and a plan for implementing universal design in public infrastructure across the city. He is particularly interested in timelines for compliance by building owners with international best practices in accessibility, ensuring that the needs of all individuals with disabilities are prioritized in development plans. He has stipulated that this information should be made available to him within 14 days, warning that failure to comply will result in legal action against the local authority to address these pressing concerns.
Gwaze’s proactive approach underscores the ongoing struggle for disability rights in Zimbabwe, highlighting the need for inclusive policies and infrastructure that accommodate all citizens. His efforts not only aim to improve access for himself but also for the broader community of individuals with disabilities, advocating for a more equitable society. As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the City of Harare to see how it responds to this crucial call for change.
In other news – Tshinga Dube honored as National Hero
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially conferred national hero status on Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube, a respected figure in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and a pioneer freedom fighter. The announcement was made by Zanu-PF national chairperson, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, at Dube’s residence in Killarney, Bulawayo, where she conveyed the honor to his family.
Retired Colonel Dube passed away on Thursday evening after a prolonged battle with kidney failure, leaving behind a profound legacy intertwined with Zimbabwe’s fight for independence. Read More
