Tinotenda Hove – The ruling Zanu PF party has launched yet another affiliate group — this time targeting people with disabilities — under the banner People With Disabilities for ED, amid growing criticism that such initiatives are being used for political loyalty rather than genuine empowerment.

The programme, fronted by Jimayi Muduvuri Foundation in partnership with Fidelity Life Assurance and Doves Funeral Services, promises free funeral cover to over 4,000 members nationwide. However, critics have described the move as a cosmetic gesture meant to mask the government’s failure to address the daily struggles of people living with disabilities.

The first reported beneficiary of the scheme was Tawuya Gundani, a wheelchair-bound Kadoma resident whose family received funeral assistance following his death. “We are deeply thankful to the foundation and its partners. They have restored our dignity in difficult times,” a family member said — though others questioned why help only came after death, rather than through sustainable support in life.

“This is more than just funeral cover, it is a sign that we are part of national development,” one member of the affiliate group said. But disability advocates argue the scheme is tokenistic, highlighting that funeral benefits do little to solve real issues such as unemployment, lack of accessibility, and chronic poverty.

People With Disabilities for ED national chairperson Jimayi Muduvuri defended the initiative, saying, “At least 4,000 members are benefitting from this arrangement free of charge. We must always respond to the needs of our people, especially the vulnerable.”

Despite such assurances, many observers believe the initiative serves as a political tool ahead of future elections, designed to rally support under Zanu PF’s expanding network of “for ED” affiliates.

While the government touts the project as part of the Second Republic’s “inclusive development agenda,” disability rights groups say true empowerment requires policies that guarantee accessibility, education, and employment — not funeral promises.