Centre News Hub
Masvingo, — In a swift, unified show of concern, disability rights advocates have condemned controversial socialite and pastor, Passion Java over comments they say dehumanized a disabled colleague and musician, Greatman Gwaze.
The allegations come after a series of videos circulating on social media in which Java appears to suggest that healing a disability of Gwaze’s nature is unlikely, framing disabled people as mere charity cases in need of handouts rather than individuals with dignity.
From the outset, disability rights groups said that the remarks strike at the core of human dignity and reinforce harmful stereotypes about disabled people.
“To suggest that someone’s disability means they should just wait to die is not only inaccurate, it is deeply dehumanizing,”
“Disability is a natural part of human diversity, and people with disabilities deserve respect, access, and equal opportunity.” said a disability rights defender.
Greatman Gwaze, a prominent musician whose career has inspired many, has not publicly commented on the incident, but his supporters and disability rights defenders are rallying by his side.
Human rights advocates emphasize that all people—regardless of physical condition—have the right to participate fully in society, including access to healthcare, education, and meaningful work
The videos have ignited a backlash about accountability for public figures who wield influence online and in real life. Disability rights groups are calling for a formal apology from Java and for clearer guidelines around respectful discourse, particularly when remarks touch on vulnerabilities such as health and mobility.
In the meantime, disability advocates urge platforms hosting the content to consider takedown actions where material promotes hate or dehumanization.
An unapologetic Java in another video did not show remorse and maintained that what he was reality and added salt on the injury by claiming that disabled persons like Greatman cannot get any help to transform them as their parents sperms were already deformed and allegedly cursed.
The remarks did not get along well within the constituency of persons living with disability who quickly raised their voice against the remarks they labelled disrespectful and undermining.
Masvingo Disability Forum President, Purazeni Jakata said they remarks perpetrates emotional and psychological violence against PWDs and enhances discrimination and exclusion in a country were leaders advocate for inclusivity through the President Emerson Mnangagwa’s mantra, leaving no one no place behind.
“Honestly and sincerely he did not mock Greatman in isolation but the entire disability constituency. He is attacking us all and emphasizes on the inspection of the pregnancy concluding that one of the two parents had faulty sperms or ovaries. It brings the blame game between the father and mother to say because you were promiscuous now your sperms are a result of the child’s disability. Passion Java’s tongue is full of venom if not check will be a loose cannon that destroys us mentally, spiritually and physically. He further detailise that disability is all about charity,”
He added that Java’s sentiments showed that PWDs must rely on hands out.
“He insisted that we are for mbambaira and nzungu which is very irresponsible and unfortunate. He enjoys calling us zvirema in this day and current space where we’re fighting for disability rights which also human rights”
Disability Amalgamation Community Trust (DACT), Executive Director, Henry Chivhanga said Java was offside.
“The mocking of Greatman by Pastor Java is disgusting and exposes Java as a heartless FAKE prophet. To objectify a person with a disability as a charity case and one whose fate is in the wisdom of Java is highest form of pride and arrogance that is unAfrican.
What Java did is a reflection of what his circle believes regarding persons with disabilities. They regard themselves as the “Alpha and Omega” and the authors of human fate. Java, Seka urema wafa. Persons with disabilities are not a charity case, they have RIGHTS just like you” Said Chivhanga.
Other rights defenders said the remarks perpetrates emotional and psychological violence on PWDs and enhances discrimination and exclusion against government efforts of an inclusive society as stipulated in the Persons with Disability Act and the national disability policy.
Efforts to get a comment from Java were fruitless.
