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Archive for January, 2011

Employment opportunities in Zimbabwe

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Thursday, January 20th, 2011 by Bev Clark

Hello out there.  Work in and for Zimbabwe. Help grow our nation. Check out the vacancies below. If you’d like to receive this sort of information by email each week drop us a note saying “subscribe” to info [at] kubatana [dot] net

Programme Officer Expression and Engagement: Hivos

Deadline: 21 January 2011

The Regional Office for Southern Africa of the Dutch Humanist Institute for Cooperation with Developing Countries (Hivos) promotes economic and social empowerment of poor and marginalized people in Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia.

The Expression and Engagement programme aims to create space for critical voices in contribution to improved governance and accountability. It incorporates advocacy and programme development and implementation focusing on the freedom, diversity and quality of the arts, (digital) media and social media. As a member of the global E&E team and reporting to the Regional Director, the programme officer contributes constructively and positively to the overall and regional Hivos policies in this field; positions Hivos in the region in line with its’ policies; initiates and coordinates innovative and creative programmes and initiatives that contribute to Hivos E and E and accountability objectives, forges strong relationships and builds supportive networks with relevant stakeholders notably in civil society and takes responsibility for the administration and management of the Expression and Engagement partner portfolio.

The person

You are a qualified individual with strong analytic skill and an ability to translate analysis into meaningful interventions. You are passionate about freedom of and space for expression and engagement without being dogmatic. You are familiar with the impact of media and other public forums on accountability and good governance issues. You are entrepreneurial and not afraid to try something new. You have strong communication skills, both orally as in writing. You are a good networker with a proven ability to mobilize your network in support of the programme objectives. You are well respected in your community of practice, a teamplayer, flexible and open minded. You are self disciplined and do not shy away from administrative tasks as part of your responsibilities.

Qualifications

-    An academic background, with a masters degree in a relevant field.

-    Experience with the (digital) media or the arts sector in at least two of the countries in the region.

-    Experience with accountability and/or good governance issues.

-    A minimum of five years of relevant work experience.

-    Strong networking skill, ability to mobilize networks in support of the programme objectives.

-    Proven experience in project management and implementation.

-    Track record in programme development in the field of (digital) media, arts and/or development communication.

-    Affinity with developmental, political and socio-economic issues.

-    Preparedness and ability to travel.

Hivos offers a challenging position in an international environment. The regional office is based in Harare, Zimbabwe. Hivos welcomes applications from citizens from South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia but only with a valid work permit for Zimbabwe and can only offer employment on local terms and conditions. For more information on Hivos visit www.hivos.nl

If you meet the above mentioned qualifications (please look carefully), send a letter explaining your motivation and your CV to: chuma [at] hivos [dot] co [dot] zw or deliver: 20 Phillips Avenue, Belgravia

Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Programme Officer Gender and Sexual Reproductive Health Rights: Hivos

Deadline: 21 January 2011

The Regional Office for Southern Africa of the Dutch Humanist Institute for Cooperation with Developing Countries (Hivos) promotes economic and social empowerment of poor and marginalized people in Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia.

As a member of the global Rights and Citizenship team and reporting to the Regional Director, the programme officer contributes constructively and positively to the overall and regional Hivos policies on gender and SRHR; positions Hivos in the region in line with its’ policies; initiates and coordinates innovative and creative programmes and initiatives that contribute to Hivos gender and SRHR objectives, forges strong relationships and builds supportive networks with relevant stakeholders notably in civil society and takes responsibility for the administration and management of the gender and SRHR partner portfolio.

The person

You are a qualified individual with strong analytic skill and an ability to translate analysis into meaningful interventions. You are passionate about women’s rights without being dogmatic. You can tell ‘the story’ in a meaningful and convincing manner. You are entrepreneurial and not afraid to try something new. You have strong communication skills, both orally as in writing. You are a good net worker with an ability to mobilize your network in support of the programme objectives. You are well respected in your community of practice, a team player, flexible and open minded. You are self disciplined and do not shy away from administrative tasks as part of your responsibilities.

Qualifications

-    A relevant academic background, with a master’s degree in a relevant field. Degrees in Public Health, Nursing or any other medical field is not considered relevant to the post.

-    Experience with the civil society sector in at least two of the countries in the region.

-    A minimum of five years of relevant work experience.

-    Track record in financial resource mobilization and SRHR/Gender programme development.

-    Proven experience in project management and implementation.

-    Affinity with developmental, political and socio-economic issues.

-    Preparedness and ability to travel.

Hivos offers a challenging position in an international environment. The regional office is based in Harare, Zimbabwe. Hivos welcomes applications from citizens from South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia but only with a valid work permit for Zimbabwe and can only offer employment on local terms and conditions. For more information on Hivos visit www.hivos.nl

If you meet the above mentioned qualifications (please look carefully), send a letter explaining your motivation and your CV to: chuma [at] hivos [dot] co [dot] zw or deliver: 20 Phillips Avenue, Belgravia, Harare

Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Media Liaison Specialist, National Officer at NOC Level based in Harare, Zimbabwe: United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

Deadline: 28 January 2011

Vacancy Notice No. Zim/2010 – 69

UNICEF, the world’s leading children’s rights organization, has an opening for a passionate and committed professional who want to make a lasting difference for children in Zimbabwe. We are seeking people with a commitment for women and children, high drive for results, demonstrable embracing of diversity, integrity, demonstrable teamwork, good self-awareness and self-regulation.

Purpose of the post

This is an exciting opportunity for a Zimbabwean national journalist/spokesperson with strong writing skills, established networks and a strong communication background. The Media Liaison Specialist will work under the general guidance of the Chief of Communications and work closely with the UNICEF Representative. If you have strong communication skills, proven track record with media liaison/journalist and are interested in working in a very diverse, fast-paced environment advocating for and promoting respect for children’s and women’s rights and supporting UNICEF’s mission in Zimbabwe, then this might be the opportunity for you.

Profile of the post

- Prepares background information, communication and other promotional advocacy for briefing visits, media, Goodwill Ambassadors and other special interest groups.

- Drafts and edits articles, press releases, web stories, other public information materials and reports, as well as contributes to development of communication messages and materials.

- Develops partnerships with media and other selected groups or individuals, whose support is essential to the achievement of advocacy and communication objectives, and strengthens their capacity through appropriate advocacy and communication training, access to updated information, supplies and equipment and through experience-sharing and through activities such as organizing visits to project sites.

- Facilitates engagement with nationally known personalities and helps to organize special events and activities to support country programme goals. Generates public support for special events.

- Develops feature stories and other material to facilitate global/regional advocacy and fund-raising activities, particularly in support of National Committee effort to mobilize resources.

- Drafts media products eg. Quick lines; Q&As to guide engagement for the country programme team and contributes to identifying the effective use of tools of mass communication, including press briefings and conferences and media interviews to achieve country programme objectives.

- Contributes to strengthening the capacity of the UN Communications Group with particular focus on Media Relations.

Qualifications and Competencies

- Initiative, passion and commitment to UNICEF’s mission and professional values.

- Advanced university degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations; or equivalent professional work experience in the communications area, combined with an advanced university degree in a related discipline.

- Five years progressively responsible professional work experience in communication, print and broadcast media or interactive digital media, of which two years should be in developing countries.

- Experience as a spokesperson for a major international organization will be a distinct advantage as will evidence of strong writing skills.

- Background/familiarity with emergency (preparedness and response) a further advantage.

- Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

If you have experience of working in a similar capacity, meet the above profile and want to make an active and lasting contribution to build a better world for children, send your application quoting vacancy notice number to the following address:

HR Specialist (Vacancy Notice No.: Zim-2010), UNICEF, 6 Fairbridge Avenue, P. O. Box 1250, Belgravia, Harare or email: hararevacancies [at] gmail [dot] com

Only candidates who are under serious consideration will be contacted.

Desktop Publisher:  Local NGO

Deadline: 30 January 2011

A local NGO based in Harare is looking for a young, energetic, self-starter, Desktop Publisher to start ASAP. The core responsibilities will be as follows:

1. Check preliminary and final proofs for errors and make necessary corrections.

2. Operate desktop publishing software and equipment to design, lay out, and produce camera-ready copy.

3. Enter text into computer keyboard and select the size and style of type, column width and appropriate spacing for printed materials.

4. Store copies of publications on paper, magnetic tape, film or diskette.

5. Position text and art elements from a variety of databases in a visually appealing way in order to design print or web pages, using knowledge of type styles and size and layout patterns.

6. Enter digitized data into electronic prepress system computer memory, using scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse.

7. Edit graphics and photos using pixel or bitmap editing, airbrushing, masking, or image retouching.

8. Import text and art elements such as electronic clip-art or electronic files from photographs that have been scanned or produced with a digital camera, using computer software.

9. Prepare sample layouts for approval, using computer software.

10. Study layout or other design instructions to determine work to be done and sequence of operations.

11. Load floppy disks or tapes containing information into system.

12. Convert various types of files for printing or for the Internet, using computer software.

13. Enter data, such as coordinates of images and color specifications, into system to retouch and make color corrections.

14. Select number of colors and determine color separations.

15. Transmit, deliver or mail publication master to printer for production into film and plates.

16. Collaborate with graphic artists, editors and writers to produce master copies according to design specifications.

17. Create special effects such as vignettes, mosaics, and image combining, and add elements such as sound and animation to electronic publications.

Education and Training Requirements: Bachelor’s degree OR Diploma in graphic design for Desktop publishers.

Knowledge and Skills Requirements: Excellent communication skills both oral and written. Knowledge in basic computer programs e.g. Corel Draw. Ability to work independently and creatively with minimum supervision. Be keen in details and very artistic. Ability and willingness to carry out basic computer maintenance both software and hardware.

Reply attaching detailed curriculum and one-page motivation letter vitae to The Country Director: paradzayih [at] gmail [dot] com

Nutritionist: Local NGO

Deadline: 30 January 2011

A local NGO based in Harare is looking for a Nutritionist to start ASAP. The core responsibilities will be as follows:

1. Train and advise nutrition gardening training officers on nutritional principles, possible nutrition garden vegetables, dietary plans, and food selection and preparation.

2. Develop organisational policies on nutritional programs and plants to be promoted in nutrition garden trainings for communities.

3. Counsel groups on basic rules of good nutrition, healthy eating habits, and nutrition monitoring to improve their quality of life.

4. Develop curriculum and prepare manuals, visual aids, course outlines, and other materials used in trainings.

5. Make recommendations regarding public policy, such as nutrition labelling, food fortification, and nutrition standards to the national nutrition working group.

6. Develops and implements new nutrition programs and services based on organisational requirements.

7. Maintain supervisory responsibility for nutrition training activities.

Education And Experience

Bachelor’s degree in nutrition.  At least three years working experience

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

-    Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of nutritional care and counseling.

-    Skill in planning a variety of nutrition education programs.

-    Skill in involving potential program users in the program activities.

-    Ability to identify nutrition education needs and to develop appropriate programs to meet those needs.

-    Ability to communicate ideas effectively, orally and in writing.

-    Ability to deal effectively with individuals and groups.

-    Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all staff.

Reply attaching detailed curriculum and one-page motivation letter vitae to The Country Director: paradzayih [at] gmail [dot] com

Monitoring and Evaluation Officer: Local NGO

Deadline: 30 January 2011

A local NGO based in Harare is looking for a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer to start ASAP. The core responsibilities will be as follows:

-    Developing, reviewing, implementing and managing participatory monitoring and evaluation systems for the organisation’s projects

-    Planning, conducting and reviewing baseline surveys, internal project reviews and project assessments

-    Developing, interpreting and planning project reporting templates and compilation of donor and monthly organizational reports

-    Coordination of staff performance management

-    Develops Terms of Reference for baseline surveys, project reviews and project assessments

-    Develops guidelines for documentation of activities

Qualification and Experience:

A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, Agriculture, Forestry or Education, plus some recognised training in Monitoring and Evaluation. At least three years experience in a monitoring and evaluation related position.

Reply attaching detailed curriculum and one-page motivation letter vitae to The Country Director: paradzayih [at] gmail [dot] com

Program Coordinator: International Rescue Committee

Deadline: 31st January 2011

Location: Harare (with travel to the field office)

IRC Zimbabwe requires a Program Coordinator to oversee the implementation of current programs and lead proposal development to contribute to the expansion of the program. This position reports to the Country Director and will be based in Harare with frequent travel to field offices.

Responsibilities Program Management

-    Technical management of program staff, for program quality – timely support and providing strategic direction to programs

-    Recruitment of program staff Grant Management

-    Organize and facilitate grant opening, review and closing meetings

-    Monitor and facilitate compliance of programs with donor and IRC commitments and requirements and raise issues affecting external/internal compliance

-    Donor representation, review agreements and coordinate modifications to agreements (grants, contracts, or partnership MoUs) and provide recommendations

-    In coordination with Technical Managers compile and write all reports required by donors. Program Development

-    Leader in writing concept notes, proposal narratives and development and coordination for large funding opportunities

-    In conjunction with the CD ensure strategic analysis for funding opportunities Staff Development

-    Mentor and capacity build staff in specific program related areas

Qualifications and Requirements

1. Masters degree, preferably in international relations, or a social science field, or comparable experience, background in project management is an asset

2. At least 3 years of international NGO field experience in a similar position

3. Knowledge of USG (USAID/OFDA), European (ECHO, SV, EC, SIDA), DFID and UN (UNHCR, UNICEF, IOM) donor regulations, procedures and requirements an advantage

4. Proven ability in the development of winning proposals to public and private sector donors

5. Excellent written English skills and familiarity with budgeting using MS Excel

6. Excellent computer skills and competency in Word, Excel and PowerPoint

7. Excellent organizational skills and ability to determine priorities and meet multiple deadlines

8. Detail-oriented with good multi-tasking abilities and communication skills, both oral and written

9. Able to work well both within a team and independently

Qualified and interested candidates should send their detailed CVs and cover letters to Zimbabwe [at] theirc [dot] org and write Program Coordinator in the subject line.

Project Manager – Critical Care to Survivors of Sexual Violence: International Rescue Committee

Deadline: 31 January 2011

Location: Manicaland (Mutare)

Start date: 15th February 2011

Duration: 6 months with potential for renewal contingent upon funding

Scope of work

The Project Manager will be responsible for the overall implementation of this 6-month project. S/he will ensure that the goals and objectives of the project are met in a timely and effective manner. S/he will provide supervision to 1 staff member and promote coordination among the local stakeholders: health centres, local NGOs / CBOS (community-based organisations), child protection and/or and women protection networks and local representatives of the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare and Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development. The Project Manager will report to the Health Coordinator and the position is based in Manicaland (Mutare) with frequent travel to operational areas.

Responsibilities

-    Project Management and Monitoring

-    Ensure that the project is implemented in accordance with the plan and budget and relevant IRC program strategies and to meet donor commitments

-    Ensure strong technical and financial management and oversight of project activities, including working closely with civil society and government and coordinating closely with other implementing partners

-    Provide ongoing leadership, training, and capacity building support to the staff of the implementing partner organizations to ensure that the project activities meet best practice standards. This includes developing and implementing a staff training plan

-    Ensure that all internal and donor reporting requirements are met

-    Participate in proposal-writing; prepare program work plans, budgets and manage the grant(s) in coordination with the Health Coordinator, Program Coordinator and Field Coordinator

-    Ensure adequate project monitoring systems are put in place and adhered to

-    Provide accurate regular internal reports, document results and maintain detailed records of the project activities

-    Participate in the recruitment of staff where necessary, in collaboration with the Human Resources department.

Technical components

-    Develop a project implementation plan for the next six months

-    Develop and lead trainings and capacity building efforts for health centre staff in coordination with the Ministries so that they are able to provide critical health care and other services to survivors of sexual violence and to raise awareness of the availability of such services at the community level.

Coordination and Representation

-    Ensure an integrated programming approach with other IRC sectors and staff

-    In particular, ensure strong coordination and collaboration with IRC’s health, environmental health, capacity building and economic recovery and development programs, and with their local stakeholders

-    Strengthen the coordination between rural and urban health facilities, and support the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) / a clear referral system for sexual assault survivors

-    Develop and maintain effective working relationships with all stakeholders- including traditional leaders, government representatives, NGOs/ CBOs and others

-    Represent the IRC at the GBV sub-cluster, Gender Forum and other coordination forum when necessary.

Requirements:

-    Experience working on gender-based violence issues and/or managing a GBV program is required

-    University degree in health, social science, social work, or other related field (bachelor’s-level minimum, master’s preferable)

-    Minimum of five years professional experience

-    Experience of working on child protection programs or with child survivors is desirable

-    Knowledge in gender equity, gender equality and perspective is an advantage

-    Fluent written and spoken English and Shona

-    Experience in program management, project planning, and budget management

-    Strong communication skills and proven ability to collaborate between actors

-    Experienced in managing staff teams and excellent capacity building skills

-    Ability to write clear and concise reports; previous experience writing proposals is an advantage

-    Competence in using information technology including experience with word-processing, spreadsheets and database software

-    Effective team member; demonstrates creativity in seeking better ways to do things and shares with team, and promotes high standards.

Qualified and interested candidates should send their detailed CVs and cover letters to Zimbabwe [at] theirc [dot] org and write Project Manager in the subject line.

Clinical Psychologist: Local NGO

Deadline: 15 February 2011

An organization working with victims of psychological trauma requires the services of a Clinical Psychologist registered with the appropriate Zimbabwean bodies to conduct individual and group therapy as part of a team of counsellors and therapists.

If you think you have the required skills please send your application with a cover letter and detailed curriculum vitae to the Director on jobsonline.theorganisation [at] gmail [dot] com

Applicants with alternative qualifications but extensive experience may be considered and are welcome to apply.

Internal Auditor: Africa University, Mutare

Deadline: 15 February 2011

Job Summary

The Internal Auditor reports to the Chairperson of the Audit Committee of the Africa University Board of Directors. He/she will however report to the Vice Chancellor for administrative issues. The Internal Auditor will also plan and execute various financial, compliance and operational audits in accordance with accepted professional standards in order to determine compliance with institutional policies and procedures and adherence to applicable laws and regulations.

Responsibilities:

-    Developing detailed audit plans and programmes

-    Evaluating the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls

-    Performing specific audit procedures and prepare work papers

-    On the job training of accounting personnel

-    Preparing comprehensive written reports

-    Following up to determine adequacy of corrective actions

-    Providing assistance to external auditors as requested

-    Carrying out special studies and projects as may be assigned

Requirements

-    Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field and a professional qualification i.e. CIS, CIMA, CIA or CISA

-    Possession of MBA/MBL is an added advantage

-    Should have a minimum of six (6) years experience

-    Strong written and verbal communication skills

-    Ability to work with minimum supervision

To Apply

Applications together with CV, copies of certified certificates, academic transcripts and at least three names of referees with their e-mail and postal addresses should be forwarded to: Assistant Registrar, Personnel and Administration Africa University P. O. Box 1320 MUTARE, ZIMBABWE: or e-mail to: arpa [at] africau [dot] ac [dot] zw or arpasec [at] africau [dot] ac [dot] zw For more information visit our website at www.africau.edu

Audit Clerk: Africa University, Mutare

Deadline: 15 February 2011

Position Summary

Reporting to the Internal Auditor, the Audit Clerk will assist the Internal Auditor in the planning and execution of various financial, compliance and operational audits in accordance with accepted professional standards in order to determine compliance with institutional policies and procedures and adherence to applicable laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

-    Verifying accuracy of calculations, figures and postings related to business transactions recorded by other staff

-    Assist the Internal Auditor in developing detailed audit plans and programmes

-    Assist in the evaluation of the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls

-    Carry out specific audit procedures and prepare work papers

-    Providing input for audit reports

-    Providing assistance to external auditors as requested

-    Other duties as may be assigned

Requirements

-    A Diploma in accounting or related field / a professional qualification i.e. CIS, CIMA, CIA or CISA

-    Should have a minimum of two (2) years relevant experience

Skills required include but are not limited to:

-    Strong interpersonal skills needing to work with consultants, clients and staff from other departments

-    Advanced Micro Excel skills

-    Strong written and verbal communication skills

-    Strong mathematical, analytical and organizational skills

-    Impeccable integrity.

To Apply

Applications together with CV, copies of certified certificates, academic transcripts and at least three names of referees with their e-mail and postal addresses should be forwarded to: Assistant Registrar, Personnel and Administration Africa University P. O. Box 1320 MUTARE, ZIMBABWE: or e-mail to: arpa (at ) africau (dot) ac (dot) zw or arpasec ( at ) africau ( dot ) ac ( dot ) zw For more information visit our website at www.africau.edu

Student Recruitment Officer: Africa University, Mutare

Deadline: 15 February 2011

Responsibilities

-    Developing and establishing goals for national and international student recruitment that reflect Africa University’s vision and mission statement

-    Analyzing enrolment trends and developing appropriate recruitment/marketing strategies (including branding images) for all Faculties/ Departments within the University

-    Researching and identifying appropriate recruitment opportunities that meet recruitment targets and budget requirements

-    Carrying out student recruitment campaigns both regionally and across the continent

-    Establishing individual communications and contact with prospective students from the first inquiry to acceptance at Africa University

-    Developing and maintaining student recruitment databases

-    Managing the creation, production and distribution of student recruitment brochures and marketing materials

-    Raise the profile and visibility of Africa University within the Region and Africa as a whole

Requirements

-    A  Bachelor’s degree in Education with a bias in marketing

-    Superior communication skills (both written and verbal)

-    Good organizational, administrative and problem-solving skills

-    Availability to travel internationally

-    Exposure to the education sector and sound public speaking and presentation skills

-    Fluency in French and/or Portuguese is an added advantage

-    Knowledge of academic institutions systems and academic curriculum evaluation

-    Knowledge of the principles and practices of recruiting and/or retention of students at University level

-    Knowledge of admissions policies and procedures

-    Willingness to work in a diverse and multicultural environment

To Apply

Applications together with CV, copies of certified certificates, academic transcripts and at least three names of referees with their e-mail and postal addresses should be forwarded to: Assistant Registrar, Personnel and Administration Africa University P. O. Box 1320 MUTARE, ZIMBABWE: or e-mail to: arpa [at] africau [dot] ac [dot] zw or arpasec [at] africau [dot] ac [dot] zw For more information visit our website at www.africau.edu

Somebody Else

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Wednesday, January 19th, 2011 by Bev Clark

From Poetry International, and the poet Jackie Kay:

Somebody Else

If I was not myself, I would be somebody else.
But actually I am somebody else.
I have been somebody else all my life.

It’s no laughing matter going about the place
all the time being somebody else:
people mistake you; you mistake yourself

Zimbabwean politicians and their egos

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Wednesday, January 19th, 2011 by Bev Clark

What nonsense is this? Is the MDC inflating their numbers, or is MT going the same way as Mugabe?  The man was just returning from holiday for goodness sake. Just now there won’t be a plane big enough for his ego:

On arrival at Harare International Airport on Tuesday, President Tsvangirai was met by hundreds of senior party officials and members. (MDC press statement)

A guy named Duze

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Wednesday, January 19th, 2011 by Marko Phiri

Duze massages his backside. He is not the autoerotic type, neither is he scratching burning buttocks trapped in tight denims under the cruel scorching African under. This is summer, a very hot Zimbabwean summer, and many look up to the heavens to open and weep as their only consolation that they will perhaps not only cool off and escape the heat, but also be able to grow their own food. With a smug look on his face, it is obvious that here is one young man with money in his pocket. Duze again massages his backside. He is happy feeling the bulge on his back pocket. His wallet is stacked with crisp hundred 100 Rand bills. Many of his peers are struggling to get five Rand yet here he is strutting about in the city centre without a care in the world feeling like a million bucks.

Duze has just arrived from South Africa where he has been working in the past year, and it feels great being back home with the kind of money he has and he can’t wait to spoil himself silly. He stops at a city pub, one of many that have sprouted in virtually every corner after the citizens of this land began using currencies of other countries. He has on his mind a few choice beers that he saw and sipped with gusto in South Africa, only to be told by lads who know the hard times back home he was wasting his hard earned cash on bourgeoisie intoxicants. No one would ask or bother him in Bulawayo where boys coming back from Jozi are expected to be loaded. He makes himself comfortable at the sports bar as he watches English soccer from a giant television screen. He takes in the ambience and notices this is the place to be: young men speak at the top of their voices with unbridled confidence as they take into their system what many here consider expensive beer. Already, Duze feels he belongs. He has one, then another, then another. Damn the ice cold frothing Heineken is just what Bacchus ordered. In a while Duze feels his head getting woozy: he is glad he is not wasting his money drinking beer that would not get him drunk. He feels he could do with some fresh air and decides to have a walkabout checking out the places he had not visited in a long time. He walks down town where he sees gigantic men speaking with funny accents and he guesses they must be Nigerian as he has seen many speaking like them in down town Jo’burg. He sees Chinese shops at every turn and women clad in flowing all-white robes flocking into the shops to make bulk purchases. The women sell these wares just around the corner at inflated prices, and unknowing cash-strapped customers jostle for the “bargains.”

“Zhing zhong!” Duze curses as he walks past the Chinese shop.

Three men are lazily standing by the side of the shop’s door. They apparently have nothing to do but watch these women go in and out of the shop and watch cars wheeze by and chat idly about what they would do with the money if a Nigerian or Chinese businessman offered them part time jobs. As what? This is the state of things where grown men leave their homes and spend time in the CBD watching other people spend money. Some scratch their heads for answers while others scratch lotto tickets, but still none of them win.

But not these men it turns out.

“What did you say?” one of the men says, and the question is directed at Duze.

“Zhing zhong,” Duze repeats as he continues walking. The man’s feelings are injured.

“Hey stop there,” he says as he fumbles for something in his back pocket, his colleagues are by his side but are yet to pick what the hell their mate is getting all excited about.

“How dare you mock our investors!” the man says as he grabs Duze by the belt.

The tipsy Duze violently shoves the man with his elbow, and the elbow lands right in the nose of the man who turns out to be a cop in plain clothes.

“Did you not hear him say ‘Zhing-zhong’,” the diligent cop says to his colleagues, “now he is resisting arrest and assaulting me,” he continues as he massages his injured nose.

“What?” Duze yells.

In solidarity with their comrade who is now massaging his stinging nose, the other two men who also turn out to be cops wrestle with Duze as they cuff him. Duze is clueless what is happening, and before he knows it a crowd is swelling around him to watch the free show. What humiliation for an injiva who wanted nothing but spend his money on himself!

“What’s going on? I didn’t know saying Zhing-zhong is a crime,” he pleads in a South African accent.

“It is and so is assaulting a police officer. You boys go to South Africa then come here and think you are above the law?” one of the men says, and the crowd appears to enjoy the fact that it is an injiva being arrested but they do not dare ask arrested for what.

Duze is sent to the police station where he is ordered to pay an admission of guilt fine and released after a stern warning that you don’t make fun of the Chinese as they are friends of the president. The assault of a cop is not mentioned, but Duze has already made up his mind that he is returning to Johannesburg that very day. He is however grateful the cops did not go through his pockets as they would have found cash worth more than a year of their salaries! So much for coming home to spend your money, the young patriot curses.

Russian women dress like strippers

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Wednesday, January 19th, 2011 by Elizabeth Nyamuda

I was listening to the radio in the morning in the kombi I was in, from home to town. The radio was tuned into Power FM where Bridget Gavanga (‘Bubbling B’) and Dr Zobha were on the morning show. Just before the 8 o’clock news Bridget hit us with some interesting news. She said that a Russian Orthodox Church had said that Russian women dress like strippers because they wear ‘figure-hugging outfits and full-on makeup’, and those who drink and wear mini skirts are to be blamed if they are raped. To cap it all she carried on to say that those who dress provocatively can’t find decent husbands! Read the story here.

Before Bridget could even finish reading this she was receiving some remarks from her co-DJ Dr Zobha. People in the kombi also started to comment. Dr Zobha asked an interesting question, “Akazviona kupi?” (“Where did the Orthodox see this?”). Which she chose to ignore. The story swiftly shifted to focus on Zimbabwean women. All the female people in the kombi kept quiet including myself.

One gentlemen noted that some women wear very short skirts and dresses, such that when they are asked to bend to pick up something, the skirt will ride down to the waistline and their under garments will be revealed. (“Ukati munhu akotame anonge pepa pasi, ka skirt kaya kanoenda kumusuna pantie rongosara rakadongorera”). All the men did have a laugh. It was quite sad that I went mute. I belong to the school of thought that believes one should wear what they feel most comfortable in, period. But all that I know of ‘body politics’ just ran out and I kept listening. Another man pointed out in the kombis as a female passenger is drooping off, you find them trying by all means to pull down their tops to cover their backs which tend to be revealed as one bends to get out of the kombi.

But the Orthodox did condemn men too. Those who wear ‘shorts in the city or team tracksuit bottoms with flip-flops’ but no one said a word about this. The whole conversation focused on how women dress.

Now I was wondering and asking myself, why were I and all the other ladies quiet? Is it because it’s the truth?

Victor Kunonga at Alliance Francaise Friday

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Wednesday, January 19th, 2011 by Amanda Atwood

Victor Kunonga invites Sam Mataure & Enock Piroro

Victor Kunonga, the legendary afro jazz maestro calls on his highly gifted friends and jazz spitfires – Sam Mataure (drums) and Enock Piroro (bass guitar) for an enthralling afro Jam session, packed with the unexpected.

Bring your dancing shoes!

Alliance Francaise, 328 Herbert Chitepo Avenue, Harare
Friday 21 January 2011
8pm till late.
CC: $10
For more information contact: Tsungi Zvobgo on 0774 433 209 or email tsungiz [at] gmail [dot] com