ZAPD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Lusaka, 21st March 2025 – The Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) commends the Teaching Service Commission and the Ministry of Education for their inclusive recruitment of 4,200 teachers for the 2024 intake. Notably, 202 individuals with disabilities from our database of 285 have been successfully recruited, a significant milestone toward equitable employment. We congratulate these 202 recruits as they join the civil service and urge them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct in their roles. This recruitment underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive employment and social security for graduates with disabilities. We applaud this effort and encourage its continuation. However, we stress the urgent need for higher learning institutions to provide reasonable accommodations, including Sign Language interpreters, note-takers, Braille equipment, and accessible physical environments. These resources are crucial for students with disabilities pursuing STEM, Business Studies, and Expressive Arts courses. With the 2023 revised education curriculum prioritizing these fields, equal access is essential for independent living and job placement. Students with disabilities must not be confined to social sciences—they deserve equal opportunities to excel in all disciplines. By ensuring individualized accommodations, institutions can empower them to compete fairly in future recruitment processes. Additionally, we call on the Civil Service Commission and the Local Government Service Commission to adopt the Teaching Service Commission’s inclusive recruitment approach. We urge them to uphold the government’s commitment to reserving job opportunities for persons with disabilities in upcoming recruitments. Furthermore, we emphasize the need for future teacher recruitment processes to be disaggregated by disability type. This will enhance transparency, integrity and credibility of recruitment process devoid of mistrust among applicants with Disabilities. Data will also help government to put in place intervention that aims at removing barriers in recruitment process for persons with disabilities. Issued by: Frankson Musukwa Director General Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD)

IMMEDIATE RELEASE Lusaka, 19th March 2025 – The Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities acknowledges and appreciates the government’s support through the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC). The investment of over K16 million in 170 cooperatives and individuals with disabilities has significantly improved their socio-economic well-being. This initiative aligns with the Persons with Disabilities Act No. 6 of 2012, which mandates the promotion of economic empowerment for persons with disabilities to ensure their full participation in national development. We commend the individuals and cooperatives that have honored their loan obligations, demonstrating commitment to the sustainability of this revolving empowerment fund. Timely repayment is essential in enabling CEEC to extend financial support to more persons with disabilities and their enterprises. However, we urge those with outstanding balances, totaling K9 million, to fulfill their repayment commitments promptly. This will ensure continued access to funding for other deserving beneficiaries and reinforce the government’s commitment to economic inclusion. ISSUED BY: Mr. Frankson Musukwa Director General Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities

Lusaka 26th February, 2025- The Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) strongly condemns the heinous murder of Micheal Simuntala, a 25-year-old man with albinism in Nakonde district. This brutal killing, suspected to be a ritual murder, highlights the persistent violence faced by persons with disabilities, particularly those with albinism. We are deeply disturbed by the gruesome mutilations inflicted upon Micheal’s body. The removal of his upper front teeth is a particularly cruel act that highlights the depravity of the perpetrators. The ZAPD urges the Police to take immediate and decisive action to apprehend the suspects, Willard Sinkala, Chimwemwe Ng’andu, and Misheck Simukonda, and bring them to justice. We demand that the police exhaust all avenues in investigating this heinous crime and ensuring those responsible are held accountable. ZAPD also calls upon stakeholders to address the systemic and deeply ingrained discrimination faced by persons with disabilities, particularly those with albinism. This includes providing adequate protection and support services, raising awareness about the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. The Agency will work tirelessly with law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is served and those responsible for such heinous crimes are held accountable. To the perpetrators, we say: you will face the full force of the law, and you will be brought to justice. Issued By; Frankson Musukwa Director General ZAMBIA AGENCY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

For immediate release Lusaka, 14th February,2025-The Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities is excited to announce that the Cabinet has officially approved the National Disability Policy on February 11, 2025. This milestone represents a major advancement in the fight for the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in Zambia. The approval underscores President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration’s strong commitment to advancing the disability agenda through a comprehensive National Disability Policy. The newly approved policy focuses on addressing the specific needs of persons with disabilities, ensuring their equal participation in key areas such as education, employment, healthcare, and social services. It also aims to eliminate discrimination and enhance accessibility in all aspects of life. The Agency remains dedicated to coordinating and regulating services for persons with disabilities. We believe this policy will play a crucial role in promoting inclusive development and social justice for all persons with disabilities in Zambia. We express our sincere gratitude to Mr. President for his unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities. The Agency looks forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of this important policy. Issued by; Frankson Musukwa Director General-ZAPD