WEDDING DEDICATED TO THE DEAF
THERE was a unique wedding on May 13, when a couple dedicated their wedding to people with hearing impairment.
The wedding was dominated by sign language interpretation.
University of Zimbabwe sign language lecturer, Tawanda Matende, wedded his wife Gamuchirayi Melissa Mtuma.
Matende believes in inclusivity to enhance development. He said the inclusion of those with hearing impairment demonstrated true love.
“It takes people who are kind and considerate to understand that disability is not a barometer to measure ability.
“We need to include people who are deaf and the idea was to include people who are deaf for representation since they are not considered in many sectors.
“The wedding was dominated by sign language interpretation, the majority were most of my students, who I teach.”
Matende added:
“The speeches, wedding vows, even the music was done to the satisfaction of the hearing impaired.
“Weddings bring people together, hence everyone should, despite their physical appearance or inability, be invited.
“We certainly remember the wedding at Cana in the Bible, the son of man’s first ever miracle, the turning of water into wine, the myriad gathering which witnessed the event, a singular demonstration of how weddings unify people.
“The coordinating national overseer of Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor John Amoni, preached a powerful message.”
He said no one is called disabled or has a disability.
Martin Rinoona, the director of Royal Sign Language Trust, gave a speech in Sign Language and appreciated the efforts being done by Matende in fighting for deaf rights in Zimbabwe
“This was a red letter day, a coup d’etat to coin a normal phrase.
“It was a revolution or the stepping stone towards one.
“Revolutions are not made in the constitution or the laws of land, or the physical destruction of property, but in the small positive steps by ordinary people which have life changing consequences.
“The hearing impaired should be accommodated in big ceremonial events and this should be the norm in schools, clinics, churches and everywhere else.
“This only begins with one small positive step.” The wedding was held at Chegutu’s picturesque Dodhill Gardens