People living with disabilities have been side-lined from the public hearings on the National Peace and Reconciliation commission set to commence on the 10th of April , Chairperson of the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Portfolio Committee has said.
Addressing a press briefing on the public hearing schedule, Chairman of the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Portfolio Committee, Jessie Majome said no provisions have been made for those living with disabilities to participate during the hearings which are scheduled to start on the 10th of this month.
“Those who use sign language are encouraged to write their submissions and deliver them to parliament or send them via email.”
Committee member Senator Nyambuya cited shortage of resources as the main reason for the sideling of people living with disabilities.
“Unfortunately we have shortcomings in providing for the physically challenged and visually impaired, our biggest challenge is the shortage of resources,” he said.
The public hearings which will be held in every province are open to members of the public regardless of political affiliation.
Members of the public are encouraged to engage their MP’s on the National Peace and Reconciliation commission (NPRC) bill concerning recommendations and the effectiveness of the bill.
The NPRC bill of 2015 seeks to give effect to sections of the Constitution which provide for the establishment and composition of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission ; To confer additional jurisdiction on the commission, including the investigative powers ; to develop and implement programmes to promote national healing, unity and cohesion in Zimbabwe and the peaceful resolution of disputes ; (c) to bring about national reconciliation by encouraging people to tell the truth about the past and facilitating the making of amends and the provision of justice amongst other provisions .
Public hearings on this bill will be held by the Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Thematic Committee on Human Rights and the Thematic Committee on Peace and Security. The Committees will be divided into two groups covering various areas starting from the 10th to the 17th of April 2016.
Group A schedule is as follows
| 11 April 2016 | Kwekwe | Kwekwe Theatre | 1100hrs |
| 12 April 2016 | Gweru | Gweru Theatre | 1000hrs |
| 14 April 2016 | Victoria Falls | Chinotimba Hall | 0900hrs |
| 14 April 2016 | Hwange | ZPC Social Club | 1500hrs |
| 15 April 2016 | Plumtree | TMB Hall i.e. Plumtree Town Council Hall | 1400hrs |
| 16 April 2016 | Lupane | Lupane Local Board Community Hall | 1030hrs |
| 16 April 2016 | Bulawayo | Bulawayo Holiday Inn | 1500hrs |
| 20 April 2016 | Harare | Senate Chamber | 1000hrs |
Group B
| 11 April 2016 | Gutu | Gutu Council Boardroom | 1200hrs |
| 12 April 2016 | Masvingo | Masvingo Civic Centre Hall | 1000hrs |
| 13 April 2016 | Mutare | Mutare Civic Centre Hall | 1000hrs |
| 14 April 2016 | Marondera | Marondera- Mbuya Nehanda Hall Dombotombo | 1400hrs |
| 15 April 2016 | Bindura | Tendai Hall | 1300hrs |
| 16 April 2016 | Chinhoyi | Cooksey Memorial Hall | 1400hrs |
| 20 April 2016 | Harare | Senate Chamber | 1000hrs |
