By Bigboy Madzivanzira
We commend the Ministry of Local Government led by Permanent Secretary Engineer Tafadzwa Muguti and the City of Harare for Operation Chenesa Harare aimed at restoring order in our CBD.Order is needed. But inclusion must be part of order.
The image circulating of a person with a disability who is an airtime vendor being apprehended during enforcement has raised concern in the disability sector. He was not resisting order – he was trying to survive within it. While other vendors without disabilities could flee, his disability limited his mobility.
This is an opportunity for Government to show leadership in inclusive urban governance.
As a Community Based Rehabilitation Practitioner, we understand the challenges:
– The phase-out of physical recharge cards left many vendors with disabilities without a digital alternative.
– Designated vending sites are still being made accessible for persons with disabilities who use wheelchairs.
– Enforcement officers are under pressure to deliver results quickly.
We propose a win-win way forward before the court appearance on Monday:
1. Consider non-custodial and supportive measures for this person with a disability – counseling and linkage to social protection rather than a heavy fine he cannot afford.
2. Inclusive stakeholder engagement: Include Organizations of Persons with Disabilities in the 60-day formalization drive announced by Minister Garwe.
3. Pilot accessible vending bays in high-traffic areas for persons with disabilities with accessible ablution.
4. Care for assistive devices: Ensure his mobility cycle, his only source of movement, was handled with care.
Persons with disabilities do not vend out because of stubboness. They vend because the opportunity gap is real. With support, they can be part of the clean city we all want.
We stand ready to work with Engineer Muguti’s office and City of Harare to make Chenesa Harare a model of inclusive clean-up in Africa.
Let us clean the city without leaving anyone behind.
About the Author: Bigboy Madzivanzira is the Founder and Director of Health Promotion Clinic Trust, CAN (CBR) Africa Network Zimbabwe Representative, Community Based Rehabilitation Practitioner, Medical Rehabilitation Practitioner registered with the Medical Rehabilitation Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe, Health Promotion Practitioner with the Allied Health Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe, Family Therapist and Freelance Journalist accredited by the Zimbabwe Media Commission. Contact: 0773 367 913 / healthpromotionclinic@gmail.com