BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE (INTERN)
MBABANE– A new wave of disability inclusion is taking shape in Eswatini following the launch of the Persons with Disabilities Trolley Dash Competition, an initiative led by the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office aimed at transforming how society views participation of persons with disabilities in everyday economic life.
The programme, hosted at Pick n Pay stores across the country, places persons with disabilities at the centre of a real retail experience where they will independently navigate shopping spaces while competing for grocery prizes. Beyond competition, the initiative is designed to highlight ability, independence, and confidence among participants.
Government officials have described the initiative as a practical expression of the National Disability Plan of Action, which calls for greater awareness, accessibility, and inclusion across all sectors. The programme directly challenges long-standing barriers in retail environments, including mobility limitations, communication gaps, and social exclusion.
Stakeholders from government, Parliament, and the private sector have all expressed support, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in advancing disability rights. The initiative is widely seen as a platform that moves inclusion from theory into real life participation.
Organisers emphasize that the Trolley Dash is not simply an event, but a national advocacy tool aimed at reshaping perceptions of disability. It seeks to shift focus from limitations to capabilities, while encouraging businesses to adopt more inclusive customer service practices.
As momentum builds, the initiative continues to draw attention as a model for inclusive engagement, demonstrating that economic participation is not defined by physical ability but by opportunity and access.
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