May 12, 2011
Prominent disabled activist Phiri dies in Bulawayo-Zimbabwe
The following information was downloaded from the mailing list of "Disability and Development" with a cooperation of the publisher, Mr. Soya Mori.
WEDNESDAY, 11 MAY 2011 16:52 EDITOR NEWS
From Our Correspondent
Prominent Zimbabwean disabled activist and chairman of the Zimbabwe Federation of the Disabled Alexander Phiri has died. He was 57.
According to Southern Africa Federation of the Disabled (SAFOD) administrative assistant Jairos Patana, Phiri died due to diabetes attack Tuesday morning. At the time of his death Phiri was SAFOD director general.
Patana said the disabled activist died at Bulawayo's Mater Dei Hospital hwhere he was being treated following rising sugar levels at the weekend.
“Phiri was stable at the weekend but was later taken to the intensive care unit where he died. Phiri is said to have succumbed to renal failure,” he said.
Burial arrangements are yet to be released.
SAFOD represents disabled people in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia.
Patana added that when Phiri died, he was busy organizing the African Network for Evidence to Action in Disability symposium that was due in November.
“Phiri’s death is a great loss to the SAFOD and he left many projects uncompleted,” he said.
Phiri was born in Malawi on May 4 1954 but his parents relocated to Zimbabwe in search of work. He attended the Jairos Jiri Primary school before proceeding to the Anglican Boys School outside Bulawayo and Cyrene High School.
In 1974 Phiri completed Ordinary Level and proceeded to do Advanced Level at Mzilikazi High School after which he went to Bulawayo Polytechnic where he joined the School of Art and Building. After three years he graduated with a Diploma in Art and Design.
Phiri once worked for the Ministry of Social Amenities and Housing as a trainee draughtsman and later moved to the private sector. When the Council for the Welfare for the Disabled (GWD) became the National Council of the Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe (NCDPZ), Phiri became its chair from 1985 to 2000.
Phiri remained vocal in disabled issues and he was on the indigenisation sub-group for the disabled. He was also a repertoire during the constitution making process outreach programme.
Bulawayo historian Pathisa Nyathi said: “His departure will have serious ramifications in the region and beyond as he was an international campaigner of rare qualities. The disability activism will never be the same again. “
Mourners are gathered at 16 Winsor Road Khumalo North.
Posted by jicafriends at 11:25 AM | Comments (0)
September 29, 2009
Condolence for Mr. Hideo Kobayashi, Izumizaki Village Mayor
Mr. Hideo Kobayashi, Mayor of Izumizaki Village, Fukushima Prefecture, passed away on September 17, 2009, while at his home, of an acute ischemic cardiac disease. He was 63 years old.
It is too early for him to say good-bye to everyone...
We still vividly remember his smiling face at the welcome party for JICA participants of Decent Work Course 2009 which was held at Cocoron, a life support center for persons with mental disability on July 8, 2009.
Mr. Hideo Kobayashi's death is a great loss not only to Izumizaki village but also the entire world since JICA participants from all over the world visit Izumizaki village every year to learn how persons with mental disabilities work and live happily in the community through Cocoron activities.
http://jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2009/training/v0708pm.html
A vigil organized by village is going to be held on October 4.
We would like to convey our sincerest condolence to his family.
Mr. Kobayashi worte an artilce about the participants' visit to Izumizaki on blog page for Izumizaki Village site. Sorry it was written in Japanese, but you can find a participant photo.
http://blog.livedoor.jp/izumizaki/archives/51583501.html
Posted by jicafriends at 02:54 PM | Comments (1)
January 26, 2007
Greeting from Maputo - Mozambique
Thank for cpndollence, the moviment with desability foet the big lider.
so is very dificalt for as bus is the real.
Now we take a power to continue the job who Sr. justino was startd. he was dinámic, full idea end
flexibility.
Best regards
Executive Secretary
Cantol Alexandre Pondja
http://www.jicafriends.jp/projects/project/africa/mozambique/index.html
Posted by jicafriends at 05:19 PM | Comments (0)
January 12, 2007
Condolence
It is such a great shock for me to learn the death of our JICA friends member, Justin.
I still cannot believe it really and I don't want to believe it.
I miss Justin very much.
Takako Wayama
http://www.jicafriends.jp/projects/project/africa/mozambique/index.html
Posted by jicafriends at 10:14 AM | Comments (0)
January 10, 2007
Condolence
We would like to send our deepest condolence for Mr.Justino Joao Januario
who past away on 30th December.
I'm praying for his peaceful rest in heaven. May he live in our memory as a
great leader forever.
Michiko Hatakenaka
Program Officer
Human Development Team, JICA Tokyo
Japan International Cooperation Agency
http://www.jicafriends.jp/projects/project/africa/mozambique/index.html
Posted by jicafriends at 04:41 PM | Comments (0)
Condolence
"Justin, as a forever leader"
In this beginning of new year we had an unexpected news from Mozambique.
It was hard to believe because we had received an email from you just a
little bit ago telling that you have been contributing not only for your
country
but also a region of Africa. Your message was so bright and hopeful.
I am remembering the days when you came Japan in 2004.
We spent wonderful times with love, smile, discussion, sharing, etc.
And you were always on the center of the members.
We had deep sorrow to lose a young and big leader to lead more advancement
in the life of people with disabilities not only in Africa but all over the
world.
Justin, please sleep peacefully and we are going to succeed your strong wish
in every place of the world.
Hiroshi Ueno
(Chairperson of JICA Group Training Couse in Leadership Development of
Persons with Disabilities 2006)
http://www.jicafriends.jp/projects/project/africa/mozambique/index.html
Posted by jicafriends at 03:17 PM | Comments (0)
Condolence
We have to infrom you with deep sorrow that our friend from Mozambique,
Mr. Justino Joao Januario passed away on 30th of December 2006, in his 33rd
year.
It is a really big loss for all JICA friends.
We still vividly remember the days when he attended Leaders'Training Course
of Persons with Disablities in 2004.
And we will never forget his favorite phrase "As a leader of Mozambique."
We would like to present our condolence with deepest sympathy to his family.
Shuzo Kataishi
Secretary General
Japanese Society for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities
http://www.jicafriends.jp/projects/project/africa/mozambique/index.html
Posted by jicafriends at 02:22 PM | Comments (2)