The woes of Rutenga siblings

Audrey Galawu

In African tradition, giving birth to a child with disability is generally regarded as some form of misfortune.

The affected family is sometimes seen revisiting the tree-line with an aim to attribute the circumstance to a relative that has previously been born that way.

Giving birth to two children with disability is regarded as ill-luck, a course for concern for the affected family and the dynasty at large.

But when three children from the same family are born with the same type of disability, family members are oftentimes compelled to seek spiritual guidance as a way to establish the source of such a “curse”.

The story of three brothers from Rutenga - Munyaradzi, 23, Maxwell, 21, and Simbarashe Zibida, 9, who fall into the latter category, reads like a script from an African movie, albeit with all the makings of sorcery as their mother explains to anyone who cares to understand their plight.

“When we consulted (religious and spirituals) healers, we were told they had been bewitched by a close relative who, unfortunately, has since passed on,” says the boys’ mother, Judith Zibida, in an interview.

Judith, 45, who is a farmer together with her husband, says her story is really difficult for her to talk about because of the emotions it evokes. Life has not been made any better, what with words directed at her that seem to lay the blame of misfortunes on her.

She says her first born son, Munyaradzi, had difficulties since he was born. At first, he used crutches to walk but it eventually got worse and he started using a wheelchair.

Munyaradzi, who dropped out of school when he was in Form 2, is a talented musician who just needs resources to help nurture his talent.

“I love music, I can play keyboards and the mbira instrument. I just need a laptop and a studio to follow my dream. Right now, I’m using my phone to record music and some videos.

“If I get those instruments, I will start to build my life and also reach out to other young people through my music,” he says.

Maxwell, the second born, who is currently in Form 2, is described as an extremely intelligent student, who is also affected by the lack of resources.

His previous school in Maranda in Mwenezi West was very far and after moving to Rutenga last month, he thought life would get better but it has rather become nightmarish for him.

“The school I am currently attending, G and N Mission, has a lot of stairs so it is difficult for me to move around on my own and access some facilities. I also do not have a place to stay at the school. We were looking for a room for me to stay but the issue of infrastructure is the biggest challenge.

“I am appealing for and hoping to get financial assistance to get a school uniform, books and an electric wheelchair so that I can be able to move around on my own,” Maxwell says.

The last born, Simbarashe who is in Grade 2, also needs assistance for his education as well as a wheelchair.

He is enrolled at Jairos Jiri in Southerton, Harare.

Mukai Chauruka, Founder of Mother Esther Trust based in Masvingo, Chisheche was touched by the fate of the three siblings and pledged to seek assistance for the three boys.

“As a person who deals with people with disabilities myself, I was really touched by their story and I have committed to help them get the assistance they need.

“They came to Harare on Monday and we have been trying to get assistance. They are expecting to return to their home on Sunday. All three of them need electric wheelchairs because the ones they are currently using have some technical challenges. The electric wheelchairs would basically help them to lead a life of their own and be productive.

“They need to be able to move on their own, they need school fees and I was also hoping something could be done for the school to make it more accessible for people with disabilities.

“They need clothes, more blankets and they need a better school,” she said.