By Staff Reporter
Beitbridge – Nkomwa Foundation Trust (NFT), in partnership with the Centre for Applied Legal Research (CALR) and the Alliance for Community-Based Organisations (ACBO), conducted radio programming and community dialogues on 22 and 23 October 2026, raising awareness of administrative justice and advancing disability inclusion across Beitbridge District.
Funded by the European Union (EU), the initiative combines radio discussions with community-based engagements to empower citizens to understand their rights, promote accountability and advocate for fair, accessible and inclusive public services.
The programme brings together government departments, persons with disabilities, community leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to identify barriers to essential services and promote the meaningful participation of marginalised communities in decision-making.
On 23 October 2026, residents of Tshinavhazwini Village, Ward 6, Beitbridge Rural District, participated in a community dialogue focusing on administrative justice and disability inclusion.
Theatre and arts performances were used to communicate key messages in an engaging and accessible manner, encouraging discussions on discrimination, accessibility challenges and the responsibility of public institutions to serve all citizens fairly.
Administrative justice requires public institutions to make decisions and deliver services in ways that are lawful, fair, transparent and accountable.
For persons with disabilities, this includes access to information in appropriate formats, reasonable accommodation, accessible public facilities and meaningful participation in decisions affecting their lives.
The radio programme complemented the community dialogue by extending these important conversations to wider audiences, sharing information on citizens’ rights, disability inclusion and accountable public service delivery.
Speaking on the progress made so far, NFT Director Dr. Pick Nkomwa expressed satisfaction with the impact of the two approaches while emphasizing the importance of sustained community engagement.
“I am humbled by the progress and success of the two programmes. Radio has enabled us to reach wider audiences, while community dialogues have provided an opportunity to challenge misconceptions about disability and promote a better understanding of inclusion.
“This initiative will continue into 2027. So far, we have conducted activities in Ward 6, with our next engagements set to extend to Ward 1. My sincere gratitude goes to our partners and the European Union for making it possible for us to reach marginalised communities.
“However, there is still much work to be done across Beitbridge District to advance disability inclusion.
We must continue breaking down barriers, challenging negative attitudes and ensuring that persons with disabilities can access public services and participate meaningfully in community development,” said Dr. Nkomwa.
The initiative reinforces the principle that persons with disabilities are rights-holders and active agents of development, governance and decision-making, rather than passive recipients of assistance.
It also highlights the importance of collaboration between civil society organisations, government institutions, community leaders and local communities in addressing systemic barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from enjoying their rights and accessing essential services.
As activities continue towards 2027, the partnership aims to expand community outreach, deepen public understanding of administrative justice and strengthen advocacy for disability-inclusive service delivery across Beitbridge District.
Through radio and community engagement, NFT, CALR and ACBO are contributing to a more informed and inclusive society in which every citizen can understand their rights, seek accountability and participate in development without discrimination.
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