By Dumisani Ndlovu
Scores of people with disabilities (PWDs) who had gathered for Gweru Mayor’s Cheer Fund food handout yesterday have expressed grave concern over what they call ‘insulting and provocative’ terms used by the Deputy Mayor, Edson. M Kurebgaseka and the Fund’s treasurer only identified as Ms Sibanda.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event which saw over one hundred vulnerable and mainly people with disabilities benefiting some groceries, National Council for the Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe (NCDPZ), Midlands Chapter’s treasurer, Timothy Mpofu could not hide his disappointment.
“I am far more disappointed by the derogatory terminology used by the deputy mayor. The words he spoke when addressing us wasn’t only reckless but insulting too. We do not expect such high office to use insensitive words, like “Imwi vanhu vanotambura (you poor people) and Zvirema (disabled people),”on behalf of my fellow comrades we are deeply hurt and crushed in spirit by such derogatory words.
Disability Activist, Nigel Tahwa who equally expressed the same sentiments said the Deputy Mayor and the Cheer fund board member, Sibanda should know that there are appropriate terminology to use for differently abled individuals.
“Abuse is more prevalent against disabled persons. That is why they are more isolated, less able to defend themselves, more likely to spend considerable periods of time in the home, and have low status. All of these render them more vulnerable,” he said, he said adding that When referring to persons with disabilities, it is best to use language that emphasises their skills rather than their impairments.
Hodzeko Arts and Culture Association Disability Inclusive Officer, Moses Magazene said officials in the private and public sectors must be schooled or provided with guidelines on appropriate disability language and terminology for use in publications, presentations and other outputs so that they adhere to the national and international thinking and discourse on disability.
Disability is a complex concept and its terminology has evolved substantially over recent years, in particular following the adoption of the 2006 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and advent of Zimbabwe Disability Policy.
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