Midlands Minister Ncube Donates Wheelchair, US$500 and Bursary to Learner with Disability

Gweru - Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen “Mudha” Ncube, donated a wheelchair, US$500, detergents and a full bursary to a Form One learner with a physical disability at Mambo High School.

The beneficiary, Precious Phiri, had been struggling to attend school after her old wheelchair developed frequent mechanical problems, making it difficult for her to travel to and from school.

Addressing stakeholders at the school on Monday, February 9, Minister Ncube said his intervention was inspired by the values of ubuntu, which emphasise compassion, dignity and collective responsibility.

“The core values of ubuntu recognise the importance of assisting the needy and upholding human dignity,” said Minister Ncube.

“Today’s event is part of broader demand-driven social protection programmes being pursued and accelerated under the new dispensation,” he said.

The Minister further donated US$500 towards the learner’s school fees and uniform, before pledging to fully pay her school fees going forward through a bursary arrangement.

He also donated detergents to the school.

Minister Ncube said the initiative aligns with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) social development, gender and social protection pillar, which seeks to uplift vulnerable communities.

“This event supports the Second Republic under the leadership of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Comrade Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, whose commitment to inclusive empowerment targets differently abled communities guided by the National Disability Policy,” he said.

He said the policy provides a comprehensive framework to address the needs of persons with disabilities, including access to education, employment and social services, as Zimbabwe moves towards Vision 2030.

Minister Ncube said the gesture follows a similar intervention he extended to the late Francisca Zvapera of Senga on 25 June 2025, as part of ongoing social protection initiatives under the Second Republic.

Speaking after the donation, Precious Phiri’s 74-year-old grandmother, Ronica Phiri, expressed gratitude to the Minister, revealing that the learner is an orphan being raised by her elderly grandparents.

She said she and her 82-year-old husband have been struggling to raise Precious and keep her in school, adding that the learner’s old wheelchair had become unreliable.

“The wheelchair was very old and kept breaking down. Sometimes she would miss lessons because it was no longer working properly,” said Ronica Phiri, adding, “We are very thankful to the Honourable Minister for coming to our aid.”

In his acknowledgement remarks, Midlands Provincial Education Director, Jameson Machimbira, commended the Minister for translating government policy into tangible support.

“We are deeply grateful for your generosity and compassion in officially handing over the wheelchair and school fees to Precious Phiri.

“This noble gesture speaks volumes about your commitment to inclusivity, dignity and the empowerment of every learner in line with the vision of His Excellency the President," said Machimbira

He also thanked school authorities and teachers for identifying vulnerable learners and ensuring they receive the necessary assistance.

The donation was witnessed by education officials, school administrators, teachers and community members who described the gesture as a significant boost to inclusive education in the Midlands Province.