Disability at the crossroads:the culture of exclusion and the 2013 constitution for Zimbabwe

Abstract

In many societies, Persons with disabilities are treated as weak, inferior and in need of charity as well as institutional care and protection. Zimbabwe is no exception to such a perception. This paper seeks to examine the place of disability within the 2013 constitution for Zimbabwe. In doing so, the paper observes that disability is better
handled under the 2013 constitution than in the Lancaster house constitution that came into force in 1980. The paper however contends that the persistence of a charity orientation can best be explained by the cultural traditions of Zimbabweans whose perception of disability is charitable. The definitions of disability remain ambiguous in the 2013 constitution. As such, only disability is empowered subject to the availability of resources. Unlike other social groups such as women, youths and the veterans of the liberation struggle, the political participation of persons with disabilities remains tokenistic. The paper finally cites best practices from Kenya and Uganda.