Zimbabwe Visually Impaired Economic Empowerment Organisation Marks Second Anniversary with Growth and Ambitious Plans

The Zimbabwe Visually Impaired Economic Empowerment Organisation (ZVIEEO) marked its second anniversary with a gathering at the Dorothy Duncan Braille Library in Harare. The event brought together members, their families, and new recruits.

Founded in July 2023, ZVIEEO is made up of graduates from the Dorothy Duncan Centre for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. The group has grown from a social support network to a key player in economic empowerment and disability rights advocacy.

ZVIEEO’s main goal is to move beyond dependence on charity. The organisation aims to become a donor body that supports others and adds value to Zimbabwe’s economy. It plans to expand regionally and internationally by partnering with other disability-focused groups.

The leadership team includes Chairperson Isaac Mabhutsu, Vice-Chairperson Nyarai Nkwaira, Treasurer Venencia Taona, Secretary Bruce Munakamwe, Vice-Secretary Justice Ibvisai, and Media and Public Relations Manager Owen Mungofa.

At the anniversary event, Nyarai Nkwaira, leader of the Business Development Unit (BDU), shared updates on income-generating projects. With land donated by Chairperson Mabhutsu, the BDU has planted 10,000 cabbages and 5,000 tomato plants. The cabbage project is funded by member subscriptions, making participants shareholders, while 10 members finance the tomato project.

The BDU plans to start summer maize farming, mushroom cultivation, cattle rearing, piggery, goat farming, and mining. A six-hectare land lease in Mashonaland West for summer crops is pending approval. Mabhutsu said the group hopes to begin fisheries, poultry, and mushroom farming before the end of the year.

Catherine Kapuya spoke on behalf of the Welfare and Psycho-Social Support committee (WPSS), created in the organisation’s first year. WPSS supports vulnerable groups such as senior citizens and students connected to ZVIEEO and the Dorothy Duncan Centre. During the event, WPSS donated clothing and groceries to six members. The committee is seeking corporate partnerships to raise funds. Kapuya said they hope to expand support beyond Harare and Zimbabwe to help anyone in need.

Chairperson Mabhutsu highlighted the legal right for people with disabilities in Zimbabwe to fill at least 10% of places in empowerment programmes. He urged the community to actively pursue these opportunities.

Owen Mungofa announced that ZVIEEO has registered the website domain zvieeo.co.zw and plans to launch the site soon.

On advocacy, Mabhutsu reported ongoing talks with government ministries. The Ministry of Agriculture has offered training for members, while the Ministry of Women Affairs plans to provide financial literacy and entrepreneurship courses. He welcomed plans for a National Commission for People with Disabilities, which could replace the current board system.

ZVIEEO plans to form committees focused on fundraising, research, training, and development. The organisation aims to open district and provincial offices to serve more communities across Zimbabwe.

ZVIEEO’s growth demonstrates how visually impaired Zimbabweans can gain economic independence and influence disability rights through targeted projects and partnerships.