By Sukuoluhle Ndlovu
Masvingo – Today the Parliament portfolio Committee for Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Department held a public hearing on recently gazzetted Manpower Planning and Development Bill.
The hearing was held at the Masvingo Civic Centre hall.
In submissions made, the Ambassador for people with disabilities, Vimbai Chese said that the bill should make sure that people with disabilities are well catered for in higher and tertiary education.
“People living with disabilities seem to be sidelined, the bills seem to be ignoring this part; it seems like people with disabilities are not recognised and are not part of the people who make up the population. Higher and tertiary institutions do not have ramps that those with disabilities can use for easy movement.
“There should be recognition that not everyone is able bodied so it is high time people who are not able bodied be recognised and open up opportunities for them. Everyone is equal and even the programs being done, should be inclusive for all; we campaign for equality. More should be done for those with disabilities and this bill should cater for this and should be the first priority,” said Chese.
The Chairman of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee, Daniel Molokele said he is impressed with the participation of Masvingo residents but then expressed concern of less participation of women and the youths.
“Meetings we had gender was well balanced but for Masvingo it did not go well because women were not giving their opinions so l want to encourage women in Masvingo to stand up and air out their issues and fight for their rights especially issues of gender balance. Youths must also stand up to push their agendas. The women and youths views are most important so we need them. So Masvingo should be free to air out because l even noticed that the youths did not come in numbers,” he said.
