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Prominent activist and NCA founder member laid to rest
National Constitutional Assembly (NCA)
May 16, 2011

Prominent disabled activist and one of NCA founder members Alexander Mwanza Phiri who died in Bulawayo last Wednesday 11 May 2011 was laid to rest at Lady Stanley Cemetery in Bulawayo on Saturday the 14th of May 2011.

Phiri, who died at the age of 57 after suffering from high sugar levels, was one of the founder members of the NCA in 1997, being the first Chairperson representing the committee of those with disabilities. During his time in the NCA Task Force he was instrumental in the crafting of Section 42 of the proposed NCA Draft constitution for Zimbabwe which deals with the rights of persons with disabilities.

Several speakers who spoke at the burial narrated the good works done by the late Phiri describing him as a revolutionary who led by example.

NCA National Chairperson Lovemore Madhuku who spoke at the burial said that the nation had lost a dedicated cadre who fought immensely for the rights of the physically disadvantaged members of our society.

He saluted Phiri for his commitment in the fight for a new constitution for Zimbabwe.

''We in the NCA will continue advocating for a new people driven constitution that respects the rights of the physically challenged members of our society and this was Phiri's dream ,'' said Madhuku.

The NCA leader also called upon the government to respect the rights of the disabled noting that little has been done so far in terms of caring and improving the livelihoods of those living with disabilities. The NCA Chairperson was accompanied by Alois Dzvairo National Youth Chairperson, Information Officer Blessing Vava and the NCA Bulawayo Provincial Executive members. The burial was attended by several prominent civil society and community leaders in Bulawayo.

At the time of his death Phiri was the director-general of the Southern Africa Federation of the Disabled (Safod) Zimbabwe chapter, and held several position in many organisations locally and internationally.

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