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The study investigated the levels of awareness of leadership and grassroots members of Disabled People s Organisations (DPOs) on the African Decade of Disabled People (ADDP). Qualitative and descriptive research methodological approaches were used to explore and explain the factors that facilitate the levels of awareness and participation in the activities of the Decade, targeting specifically members of the National Council of the Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe (NCDPZ) in Bulawayo, the second largest city in Zimbabwe. The results revealed that grassroots members were not aware of the existence of the ADDP, its purpose as well as activities hence they were not engaged in any of its programmes whilst leadership participated in all national and international activities. It emerged from the study that the success of national and national programmes depend on the commitment of critical stakeholders that include leaders of DPOs, governments, regional and global partners such as the Secretariat in propagating and disseminating appropriate information to grassroots that are the intended beneficiaries.
About the author
Joshua T. Malinga holds an MPhil Degree in Disability Studies. He conducts training and consultancy in development and disability issues. He is former President of DPI, Mayor of Bulawayo and member of the senate. He is currently Politburo member of ZANU PF. He has received awards for promoting disability and civil rights, nationally and globally.
