Ngoni Dapira

MUTARE’s disability advocate Tendai Mazuru was on Wednesday given an early Christmas present by President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the State House when he received a brand new Mahindra single cab truck for his trust.

President Mnangagwa with Min Machakaire officially opening the handover ceremony at the State House.

Mazuru runs the Tendai Mazuru Foundation of People With Disabilities and their Families which is based at Zororai Old People’s Home in Sakubva. He said the deed for his trust came out this year but he started disability advocacy work about five years ago.

The 28 year old who was born crippled is popularly known as Tendai GP in Mutare social circles because he mischeviously put a GP number plate from South Africa on his electronic wheelchair. He said his dream of owning a car has now manifested through this kind gesture by the President. Along with four others from different provinces, they each received a Mahindra truck from President Mnangagwa as well as 10 wheel chairs that will be distributed to persons with disabilities (PWD’s) through their organizations. Amongst the beneficiaries was prominent musicians Tongai ‘Greatman’ Gwaze and Chipo Muchegwa.

The disability advocates with their cars.

The initiative was spearheaded by the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Honourable Tino Machakaire through his Ministry. In a post on his Facebook page Minister Machakaire said the initiative aims to empower and enhance mobility, independence and inclusive participation for differently abled youth across Zimbabwe.

“The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to leaving no one behind in national development,” read the post.

Mazuru in his new car.

In a post on his Facebook page on Thursday Mazuru thanked President Mnangagwa and Min Machakaire in a heartfelt message.

“I hope this message finds you well. I want to thank you sincerely for appointing Hon Tino Machakaire as Minister of Youth. His leadership has already shown a genuine commitment to both able‑bodied and #disabled young people, and we are grateful for his inclusive approach.

I also wish to apologize to #HonMachakaire for my earlier reaction. While my response was strong, it opened a door for dialogue and gave me the chance to build a friendship with him and with the Ministry. I appreciate the opportunity to work together for the youth of our nation.

A special thank you goes to my best friends and Greatman Music and Chipochashe Muchegwa and DJ Ollah 7, whose constant support keeps me going. I also extend my gratitude to the Ministry of Youth, to everyone who stands with me, and even to those who criticize—you all fuel my determination to push forward and ensure no one is left behind.

Thank you again, #Mr. #President, for your vision and for empowering young people with disabilities,” read the post.

Mazuru early this year with Discovery Ambulance Services Ceo David Munowenyu (Grey T-shirt) at the launch of the ambulance service in Mutare.

Mazuru who is married with one child said the shot in the arm will definitely help him operationalize his trust. The initiative by the President follows shortly after Mazuru lobbied for inclusivity of youths with disabilities in empowerment programmes. He posted on his Facebook account an appeal to Min Machakaire.

“We appreciate your efforts in empowering youths. However, as people with disabilities, we feel left out. We’re struggling, roaming the streets, homeless and jobless. We need vocational training and skills projects to empower ourselves. By helping us, the government can enable us to become better people and contribute to society. Please be fair and inclusive in your programs. We deserve equal opportunities,” read the post on 19 November.

In an interview with Easterntimeszim Mazuru who only reached up to Form Four in his education said he hopes to get funding to initiate sustainable empowerment projects for PWD’s.

“Next year given this life changing handout by the President, I hope to get financing to start empowerment initiatives for PWD’s.  I will knock on every door to get this programme going. As PWD youths we need self-enterprising projects so that we stop moving around begging. The start-up capital is the problem and this is what my organization hopes to get then we form cooperatives or finance individual projects,” said Mazuru.

He also thanked Dr Tendai Chitowa for his Tendai Chitowa Foundation (TCF) that continues to guide him in operationalising his trust. The TCF bought him an electronic wheelchair back in 2018. This helped him become self sufficient.

The ever jovial Mazuru who is known for always taking pride in his disability instead of mopping around about how he was born deprived through his disability, on his Facebook page light heartedly joked about achieving something most able bodied people dream of, which is being invited at the State House by the President.

“Vamwe vaisondiseka hee #wakaremara haaa Mwari vavaine chinangwa shuwa ivo vasina kuremara vachatofa vasina kumbosvikawo pa #Statehouse haaa Hon Tino Machakaire and Pres Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa munogonesa,” read his post yesterday (Friday).