Giving a Voice to the Voiceless

Globally persons with disabilties often have spokespersons who speak on their behalf and present their issues to policy makers or certain stakeholders. It’s very rare to find a person who gives others the opportunity to speak on their own behalf and present their own issues themselves. Mr Langton Mugova is a rare breed of disability activist who’s main focus is giving a voice to the voiceless.

Mr Langton Mugova relaxing at home
Mr Langton Mugova relaxing at home

Mr Mugova or Mukoma Mugo as he is affectionately known in the disability fraternity is an astute Zimbabwean man with a disability. Born and raised in rural Chirumhanzu. Mr Mugova acquired disability at the tender age of 9 months. He therefore has no living recollection of how life was before he acquired disability. None the less, he has managed to master his ability and make significant progress in his life.

Mr Mugova in Tokyo Japan in 2019
Mr Mugova in Tokyo Japan in 2019

Professionally he holds an Honours Degree in Music and Musicology which he obtained through studying at the Midlands State University in Gweru. While still a student Langton joined the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (Z.B.C) as a student intern. It was during his internship that Langton quickly realised that there is very little coverage of disability on the national broadcaster. This led him to negotiate with the ‘powers that be’ at ZBC and ultimately lead to the creation of the first disability related program in a local language which was simply titled, ‘Zvevakaremara’, loosely translated to Disability Discussion.

From the inception of this programme Langton has never looked back. He has done so many radio programmes that he has literally lost count. Thisability Hub Technical Director, Mr T.K Tsikai has been a guest on Langton’s programme on numerous occasions over the years where several issues have been explored.

Off-air, Mr Langton Mugova is a member of the National Disability Board where he chairs the subcommittee on Research and Awareness Campaigns. The National Disability Board is an organisation that advises government of Zimbabwe about how best to uphold disability rights and empower persons with disability in Zimbabwe. Through his involvement with the board Langton has had the opportunity to travel to several countries to learn about disability inclusion. For instance in 2018 he went to Sweden for a professional training program in Human rights and humanitarian law for Emerging Leaders in Zimbabwe. In 2019 he represented Zimbabwe in the training course of independent living for persons with disabilites which was conducted in Japan and Thailand.

Despite all the achievements, Mr Mugova remains a humble grounded man who has persons with disabilties at heart.

Currently he is the producer and presenter of Zvevakaremara radio show which airs on National FM on Sunday evenings 1820-1900hrs. Make time to tune in and listen to his show, it’s very educational and informative.

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