The Department of Disability Affairs was established to amplify the Ministry’s focus on improving protection and access to rights-based services. It coordinates the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and other disability-related statutes and policies and oversees national disability issues in Zimbabwe.
National Social Protection Programmes for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
In an endeavor to promote the rights of persons with disabilities in accessing basic services and mitigate against all forms of vulnerabilities, the Department of Disability Affairs implements a range of strategies which were developed under the Enhanced Social Protection Programme.
How -To- Access Services
Any of the services can be accessed by applying through the Department of Social Welfare district offices spread throughout the country. The system is decentralised to facilitate ease of access for clients in their localities. Clients can apply on their own but in the case of minors, the parents or guardians of children with disabilities can make the application. Documentation includes:
Legal Framework
The Disabled Persons Act [Chapter 17:01], enacted in 1992, outlines the legal framework for disability issues in Zimbabwe. The law provides for social protection of persons with disability and enunciates the scope for the provision of relevant and appropriate services by government and the private sector in Zimbabwe.
The National Disability Board Functions:
- Issues adjustment orders to inaccissiible buildings.
- Formulate and develop measures and policies designed to improve the welfare and rehabilitation of PWDs,
- To keep measures for the welfare and rehabilitation of PWDs under constant review and to re-access and evaluate those measures in the light of experience,
- To assist the Minister in making budget estimates for the rehabilitation and welfare programs for PWDs,
- To perform any other duties related to the welfare and rehabilitation of PWDs.
National disability policy (2021)
The policy seeks to guide the state and all institutions and agencies of government, development partners and all sectors at every level in formulating and supporting the implementation of laws, policies and intervention strategies that lead to the fulfilling, promotion, protection and respect of the rights of persons with disabilities.
The Support Services that the Ministry Offer persons with disabilities
Medical Assistance
Support for Vocational Training
Direct support involves the enrolment of candidates into one of our three National Vocational Training Centres, namely:
- Ruwa National Rehabilitation Centre.
- Lowden Lodge National Rehabilitation Centre.
- Beatrice National Rehabilitation Centre.
Indirect support involves the pavment of fees for Candidates enrolled at privately owned tertiary institutions. The programme seeks to promote self-reliance and secure the livelihoods of graduates through the development of skills that prepare them for formal employment and/or Income Generating Activities.
Disability Empowerment Revolving Loan and Grant Facility
Grants to Institutions
School Fees Support
Purchase of Assistive Technologies
Applicants are required to submit quotations (preferably from three service providers) to their nearest District Social Services office when applying for this service.
State Service (Disability Benefits) Act {Chapter 16:05}
Benefits Payable Under The ACT
The Board may award compensation to a member or former member who suffers from a disablement due to an injury during their official duties or aggravated to a material extent, whether the injury occurs during or after their membership, or if their death is caused by such an injury.
State service disability benefits:
Disablement Pension
Medical Expenses Payment
Commutation
Widow's Pension
Vocational Training Allowance
Clothing Allowance
Constant Attendant Allowance
Children's Pension
Funeral Expenses
Summary of requirements when Applying for Compensation on:
Injury On Duty
1.Original copy of the Doctors report with degree of disability
2.Original copy of Injury report on form Z1149 dully completed
3.Duly completed sick leave forms (original)
4.At least (2) eye witnesses’ statements
5.Description of duties being performed at time of injury from the head
- A certified copy of National Registration Card
- Bank statement showing name and account number
8.Reasons for late submission from Head of Department where applicable
Death On Duty
1Certified copy of Death certificate
2.Certified copy of Certificates of Heir/Letter of Administration /Certificate of Guardianship
3.Certified copy of marriage certificate or completed forms Pens 50 and 51 in case of Customary law marriage
4.Certified Children long birth certificate
5.Certified copy of I.D of the applicant
6.Bank certified Account number of applicants
7.Contact Address and contact Numbers
Ministry Agencies
