PRODUCER of the Proudly Able programme which is aired on local television, Emmanuel Katsamudengu has challenged stakeholders in the disability sector to push for improved standards for persons living with disabilities (PWDs).
Speaking to NewsDay Life & Style, Katsamudengu stated that every living being has a hidden untapped ability. Such is the situation with differently-abled persons and the underprivileged in general.
Citing the congregation at Terry Gee’s funeral as an example, he said Zimbabwe now has abundant talent of celebrated differently-abled artists. Among the people who attended the funeral were Greatman Gwaze, Yolanda Munyengwa, Chipo Muchegwa and Bright Kadengu who are now celebrities living with disability.
“We hope one day they will follow the footsteps of the late Dr Love Paul Matavire who had a highly decorated awards cabinet including Honorary Degrees from local Universities. Drawing inspiration from Dr Love Paul Matavire, it seems local promoters have not really found it compelling to endorse differently-abled persons for live shows and other promotionals,” said Katsamudengu.
Katsamudengu also takes note of the likes of Oscar Award Winner Prudence Mabhena whose band Liana, consisting of seven other persons with disabilities, is overcoming stereotypes and inspiring the same people who once saw them as a curse. Her life story was later turned into the film: Music by Prudence, which went on to win the Academy Award for Best Documentary (Short Subject) at the 82nd Academy Awards. From there on it has been accolades after accolades. The Music by Prudence film also won the Audience Award for Best Documentary Short at the Florida Film Festival, Best Short at the Africa World Documentary Film Festival and the Best Short at the DocuWest Film Festival Awards. This alone is good motivation for continuity for Katsamudengu’s widely viewed programme Proudly Able.
Disability Affairs Department spokesperson Christine Peta, who gave a testimony at the Terry Gee’s gravesite, said Zimbabwe had lost a young talented artist. Terry Gee and Chipo Muchegwa defied odds and stood their ground against big giants at the recently held Tourism Gala at Birchnough Bridge in Manicaland. They also stole the limelight at the disability expo in Gwanda. Peta said Terry was a role model who had charmed many government departments.
Another speaker representing PWDs said plans were at an advanced stage to provide belated government funeral assistance to Terrence Green’s family.
In a testimony Chipo Muchegwa braved to sing the popular hook in the song Makafanana and brought to light the gap that Terry has left.
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“I received numerous comments that our voices blended very well and our stage combination was adorable,” she said. “Terry was talented and wrote all the three songs we sang together.
“We kept the relationship professional and to be honest I will not be able to get a replacement in an easy way. Rest in Peace Terry.”
Through inspiration derived from the Proudly Able programme, Katsamudengu envisions a future whereby society levels the field for every living being in all aspects of life be it sport, education, housing, economic empowerment and so forth.
“Within the next five years I see an improvement in the acceptance and respect for persons with disabilities as perceptions are slowly changing,” he said.
