Philanthropist Mhishi boosts self-reliance through disability empowerment
Staff Reporter
People living with disabilities in Mashonaland Central received mobility wheelchairs and sewing machines from philanthropist Dr Justice Mhishi, a donation that highlighted community empowerment and social inclusion in Shamva North.
The official handover ceremony held at Nyamaropa Primary School was honoured by Shamva North legislator Hon Isaac Chinodakufa, local community members, traditional leaders, and beneficiaries, underscoring how practical assistive tools can restore dignity, reduce caregiving burdens on families, and open sustainable pathways to self-reliance.
This initiative follows previous charitable donations by Dr Mhishi to enhance physical mobility for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and create income-generating opportunities through practical vocational skills training.
Under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), disability inclusion is prioritized as a core cross-cutting pillar aiming to transition Zimbabwe to an upper-middle-income economy, actively empowering persons with disabilities to participate fully in national economic and social development.
Speaking on the sidelines on Friday, Dr Mhishi emphasised that the wheelchairs and sewing equipment were not just physical items, but vital instruments of hope, dignity, and economic independence.
“Wheelchairs restore mobility, sewing machines create opportunity for self-reliance," said Dr Mhishi. “I have come to support the vision and the mantra of the President, who reminds us to leave no one and no place behind."
He reminded the gathering that physical disability is not a choice and that social exclusion directly undermines national growth.
“No one chooses disability and no one should be excluded because of disability. Every person deserves respect, equal opportunity, and a chance to fulfill their God-given purpose,” he said.
These community developments support the country's socio-economic goals and the visionary mantra of His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who continues to remind the nation to leave no person and no place behind.
In his sentiments, Shamva North legislator Hon Isaac Chinodakufa highlighted the broader socio-economic impact of the donation towards his constituency. He said that local empowerment initiatives strengthen rural communities and align directly with national development targets.
“This gesture shows that inclusion is not just a slogan, but a lived reality," said Hon Chinodakufa. "When persons with disabilities are empowered, the whole community benefits."
Expressing profound gratitude, one of the beneficiaries noted how the wheelchairs would ease physical burdens on caregivers and allow PWDs to participate more fully in daily community life.
"These wheelchairs bring us immense happiness and relieve mothers of the heavy burden of carrying older children and disabled adults," the beneficiary shared. “Now we can move around freely and do things for ourselves.”
Dr Justice Mhishi disability empowerment Shamva North
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