By Dumisani Ndlovu
Angeline Zahile, a senior education official in Midlands Province, has called for the construction of disability-friendly infrastructure in homes, churches, and institutions. She emphasized the need for inclusivity, stating that “no one and no place should be left behind. Zahile noted that even her own workstation at the Midlands Province Government Complex lacks disability-friendly infrastructure, making it inaccessible to people with disabilities.
We need to be inclusive moving with the mantra, no one and no place should be left behind. Our kitchens, toilets and other rooms in our homes and other buildings should be inclusive,” she said.
Zahile highlighted the importance of inclusivity, stating that people with disabilities have been secluded for too long and denied education and association. She emphasized that disability can affect anyone due to chronic diseases or accidents and encouraged the community to support and involve people with disabilities.
“Those who built the Government Complex were inconsiderate because people with disabilities cannot access my office and many others there. Future buildings should have escalators and ramps,” she said.
Zahile emphasized that people with disabilities should never be looked down upon, as anyone can become disabled due to chronic diseases or accidents. She praised the timely sign language training series by the SDA church and Sunrise Sign Language Academy, stressing the need to include Early Childhood Development learners in the initiative.
The training program seeks to foster a deeper understanding of God and promote inclusivity by reaching out to all individuals, regardless of their abilities. Participants from diverse churches and government departments received certificates, with some earning scholarships for Diplomas in Sign Language. This initiative embodies the spirit of inclusivity and accessibility, echoing the mantra ‘no one and no place should be left behind.
