THE Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe (SecZim) on Tuesday unveiled a Braille handbook for the visually impaired so that they can understand capital markets.
The SecZim is a regulatory board which oversees and regulates capital markets and provides investor protection.
Government hailed the launch of the Braille Capital Market Handbook in Harare as necessary to boost capital markets literacy for the visually impaired.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare disability affairs department director Christine Peta said the launch of the Braille handbook was historic.
“The truth is that while the spotlight has been shone on the needs of the disabled and the inclusion agenda, there remains slow progress to closing the inclusion gap,” she said.
“Therefore, this invitation is a most welcome and historic development to launch a capital market guide for the blind in Braille.”
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Braille is a writing system used by people who are visually impaired, including people who are blind, deafblind or who have low vision.
Peta said government was ready to collaborate with players that sought to empower people living with disabilities.
Finance ministry representative Judith Rusike said the Braille handbook supported government’s efforts towards inclusive growth.
“We wish to see more of this so that we not only preserve financial resources which could have been used for outsourcing, but also allow us to build our institutional capabilities,” Rusike said.
“Let’s learn from this experience and go on to develop even more sophisticated systems that can enhance the regulator’s oversight mandate.
“Inclusive growth is one of the underpinnings of the National Development Strategy and the launch of the Braille handbook seeks to bring the capital market information to a sector which is largely excluded at the moment, our citizens who have various disabilities, including the blind.”
SecZim chief executive officer Anymore Taruvinga hailed the licensing portal and the Braille investor handbook.
“The commission’s mandate is to ensure a safe and sound investment environment prevails in the securities and capital market of Zimbabwe through promoting market integrity and investor confidence, ensuring transparency and promoting investor education,” Taruvinga said.
World Braille Day is celebrated every year on January 4.
Human rights lawyers and organisations representing the visually impaired have repeatedly called for the inclusion of Braille as a language of instruction in schools.