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

Please note that the job vacancies we carry are related to the NGO and civil society sectors only.

Three (3) vacancies: PSI Zimbabwe
Deadline: 15 April 2011

PSI is a leading global health organization with programs targeting malaria, child survival, HIV and reproductive health. Working in partnership within the public and private sectors, and harnessing the power of the markets, PSI provides life-saving products, clinical services and behavior change communications that empower the world’s most vulnerable populations to lead healthier lives. Opportunities have arisen for suitably qualified and experienced candidates to fill the positions in the Male Circumcision (MC) Program.

Reporting directly to the MC Manager, the 3 positions actively participate in the service delivery at MC implementing sites and work closely with the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, National AIDS Council structures and traditional and religious communities in the delivery of safe male circumcision services for HIV prevention. They will also be instrumental in program monitoring and evaluation of MC activities.

1. MC Training and Quality Assurance Coordinator – Head Office
- Quality assurance and control in the service delivery of male circumcision services
- Regular supervision and support of implementing MC sites
- Ongoing review of M&E tools and MC service delivery protocols
- Identify training needs in MC program and developing work plans to satisfy these
- Coordinate the training of doctors, nurses, receptionist, theatre assistants, etc
- Represent national MC program staff at different local and international fora
- Provide onsite mentorship to multi-disciplinary professionals at service delivery sites
- Assist in regional operations management of the MC program

2. MC Regional Coordinator – Head Office
- Assist Site Coordinators in coming up with and implementing periodic plans
- Participate in the coordination of operational issues from provincial to site level, including monitoring site performance and assisting in meeting set targets
- Support sites in supplies chain management
- Participate in MC data management and preparation of regular programmatic reports
- Participate in the assessment and preparation of static and satellite MC outreach sites for service delivery
- Coordinate MC static and outreach activities in all the provinces
- Identify and liaise with support structures for referrals of MC clients
- Participate in service delivery quality assurance, MC sites supervision and the training of MC staff such as doctors, nurses, theatre assistants and receptionists
- Participate in the conduct of operational research
- Monitor and evaluate MC sites performance and provide relevant support

3. MC Regional Officer – Manicaland
- Coordinate MC static and outreach activities in the province
- Identify and liaise with support structures for referrals of MC clients
- Coordinate scaling up of service delivery at MC static and outreach activities in the province
- Participate in service delivery quality assurance, MC sites supervision and the training of MC staff
- Monitor and evaluate MC sites performance and provide relevant support

Qualifications and experience for positions 1, 2 & 3
- Degree or Diploma in Nursing or Public Health
- Registered with professional bodies e.g. Nurses Council of Zimbabwe or Medical & Dental Practitioners Council
- Post basic training in community nursing, public health, theatre and midwifery an added advantage
- Clean class 4 driver’s licence with at least two years driving experience
- At least 3 years post qualification and experience in relevant fields

Detailed CV’s clearly stating the job title on the subject line, should be sent to: – recruitment [at] psi-zim [dot] co [dot] zw or submitted by April 15, 2011 to: The Director, Human Resources & Administration, Population Services International, Block E, Emerald Office Park, 30 The Chase West, Harare.

PSI is an equal opportunity employer.

Manager Training and Purchasing (Local health Expert): Cordaid
Deadline: 15 April 2011

Improving Maternal and Neonatal health is one of the key objectives of the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare (MoHCW). In line with this, the World Bank has decided to support the establishment of a Results Based Financing program (RBF), which seeks to accelerate the availability, accessibility and utilization of quality health services at district and health centre level. The RBF program will provide subsidies, directly linked to services delivered at primary health care level i.e. rural health clinics, and to minor extent district hospitals. The MoHCW and the World Bank have appointed an international NGO to manage this Results Based Financing (RBF) program in rural districts in Zimbabwe. In the start-up phase the project starts in two frontrunner districts.

For the INGO’s Head Office in Harare, the INGO will need to acquire the services of a Manager Training and Purchasing (Local Public Health Expert)

Position and responsibility
The Manager – T&P will report to the Head of Mission. He/she and will be a member of the Management Team. The main responsibility of the Manager Training and Purchasing will be the overall quality of the program, in particular from a public health point of view.

General objectives of the posting
The position of Manager Training and Purchasing will be occupied by a senior health expert whose primary tasks is to make sure that the RBF program will effectively contribute to the realization of the aforementioned MoHCW’s ambitions in respect to maternal and child health care.

Specific objectives of the position – Main tasks
- Develop and maintain contacts with government authorities at national and provincial/district level
- Representation of Cordaid in technical working groups
- Promote the RBF approach, its main features, ambitions and (would-be) results among relevant stakeholders
- Organise, develop and contribute to a variety of training activities that will be undertaken in the course of the program implementation
- More specifically attend to capacity building needs at various levels (province, district, facility and community) associated with technical and policy issues in the areas of maternal and child health
- Coach Zimbabwe PH experts engaged by Cordaid
- Verification of all contracts that are signed with health facilities or stakeholders
- Install robust monitoring and evaluation process
- Analyse progress reports and suggest options for improvements or corrections

Qualifications
- University degree in medicine with a specialization in public health or sufficient work experience
- Experience of at least five years in the field of health (and more in particular maternal and child health) and project management
- Extensive experience with various forms of capacity building
- Discreet, honest, trustworthy (trusted), communicative, proactive, methodical, diplomatic, task-oriented, careful and proven managerial capacities
- Experience in working with the government and international (donor) organizations
- Experience in preparing reports, representation and advocacy
- Excellent oral and written English

Workplaces
The Training and Purchasing manager will reside in Harare, with frequent traveling to provinces and districts enrolled in the program.

Contract period
The contract will initially run for three months from 1st May until 31st July, with an option for continuation depending on performance.

How to apply
Applications including a motivation letter and extensive CV in English, including the contact details of at least three professional references, should be sent by email only before 15th April 2011 to kiziah.estone [at] cordaid [dot] net

Mention the vacancy number in Subject line, MTP001. An e-assessment test can be part of the application procedure. Female candidates are encouraged to apply. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Interviews will be held between 20th and 22nd April 2011. The INGO is an equal opportunity employer and offers attractive remuneration package.

Programme Manager and Advisor: Irish Aid
Deadline: 18 April 2011
Based in Harare, Zimbabwe

The Irish Aid bilateral program in Zimbabwe has two components, which are to support the provision of quality care for those affected by HIV and AIDS, and to support Zimbabwe’s transition towards recovery.

The programme Manager and Advisor will provide advisory, technical, and managerial backstopping support in the implementation of Irish Aid’s Programme of assistance in Zimbabwe. Main functions will include programme planning, monitoring and overseeing of grants, capacity development and advisory and networking activities.

Requirements
A postgraduate degree in social science, health science, community development, management, education or law
At least 5 years experience working in a relevant professional capacity, as well as 5 years working experience in Zimbabwe. At least 2 years experience should have been spent in a developing country with a donor agency
Experience in the area of HIV/AIDS policy and programming with good understanding of the impact of the disease at household and community levels in Zimbabwe
A good understanding of the global and regional debate and support environment in the fight against HIV and AIDS
Excellent management skills relevant to aid delivery
Excellent interpersonal, networking, communications and computer skills
Ability to collate and distil large amounts of information

Applicants should email a CV and letter of motivation by Monday 18th April 2011 to Action Appointments, email: ruth [at] actionappointments [dot] co [dot] za

Terms of reference are available upon request. The successful candidate will be offered a major (3/4) time, two year contract post. Please note that only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Messenger: Zimbabwe Olympic Committee
Deadline: 19 April 2011

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons to fill the position of messenger, which has arisen in the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee

Duties and responsibilities
Reporting to the Administration Officer, the incumbent must be diligent and trustworthy with a clean proven track record. Key tasks include:

- Cleaning and maintaining office facilities including staff canteen
- Carrying out office errands that include documents and mail deliveries and collection
- Driving ZOC delegates and staff on official duty

Requirements
- At least minimum 5 “O” Levels including English Language
- Clean class 3 and 4 Driver’s licence
- Defensive driving certificate will be an added advantage
- 2 years experience in a similar position preferably within a sporting organisation
- Physically fit and energetic

Interested candidates are required to submit their application letters with an updated CV via email to: admin [at] zoc [dot] co [dot] zw or info [at] zoc [dot] co [dot] zw or alternatively hand deliver to the ZOC Offices at No. 3 Aintree Circle, Belvedere, Harare (Close to Belvedere primary School). All applications addressed to the Chief Executive Officer must be received by Tuesday 19 April 2011.

Information Communication & Technology (ICT) Coordinator – Chipinge/Chiredzi Program Units: Plan International
Deadline: 21 April 2011

Plan is an international humanitarian, child centred community development organisation dedicated to working with and for children in need in developing countries including Zimbabwe.  Plan offers equal opportunity employment to suitably qualified applicants for vacant positions within the organisation. The Zimbabwe program is seeking services of a suitably qualified candidate to fill the following vacant position on renewable 2-year Fixed Term Contract basis.

Job Purpose
To coordinate and provide technical support for users; and to manage and administer local ICT infrastructure and corporate systems under the direction of the Program Unit Manager and the ICT Manager

Entry Qualifications and Experience
-A degree or equivalent in Computer Studies with 2 years working experience or Diploma in computer studies with 3 years working experience
-At least 3 years Experience of supporting LANs, SQL Server, and email server administration
-Experience of Microsoft Server administration
-Experience in managing and implementing information systems and supporting technologies
-Proven ability and experience in setting up LANs and telecommunications networks

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should email a comprehensive CV and motivational letter to: zwe.recruitment [at] plan-international [dot] org

Please note that reference & background checks will be performed for successful candidates including clearances on child related offences in conformity with Plan’s Child Protection Policy. Only short listed candidates will be contacted. The closing date for receipt of applications is 21 April 2011.

Vacancy Notice No. Zim/2011- 08: Senior Procurement Assistant (GS7 Level): United Nations Children’s Fund
Deadline: 27 April 2011

Fixed Term Post

UNICEF, the world’s leading children’s rights organization, has an opening for passionate and committed professionals 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:
Under the general supervision of the Supply Officer, prepares requests for proposals and purchase orders for goods and services, obtains quotations from local vendors for purchasing office and project supplies.

Your profile for the post:
-Contacts local vendors for price quotations, prepares summary of bids including information on price and conditions of offer and recommends the best offer.
-Drafts bid invitations and/or requests for price quotations; drafts fax/email solicitations and related correspondence.
-Coordinates meeting of the Tender Committee or Local committee on Contracts.
-Arranges CRC meetings by preparing and distributing files containing the cases to be presented.
-Prepares Contracts Review Committee minutes for approval by the Country Representative.
-Compiles purchase order documents for supervisor’s signature.
-Ensures distribution of signed purchase document.
-Records and keeps up to date the SAG table.
-Assists in following up of GR/SR. Keeps GR/SR file up to date.
-Maintains manual and automated procurement files and records.
-Provides purchase information to receiving and inventory staff.
-Maintains procurement supply and vendor reference library.
-Monitors and reports on shipments from local suppliers, offshore supplies and supplies from clearing agents and government warehouses.
-Verifies vendor invoices and prepares payment requests for settlement by the finance section.
-Researches and evaluates suppliers’ performance/competence based on price, quality, service, support, availability, reliability, production, and distribution capabilities as well as the reputation and history.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience Required:
-Minimum of first degree in any commercial subject, supplemented by courses in purchasing methods, supply chain management and logistics highly desirable.
-Seven years of progressively responsible clerical or administrative work, with specialized experience in purchasing a variety of materials and services.
-Experience with computer databases for the maintenance of procurement records.
-Knowledge of import/export, warehousing and purchasing techniques of supplies.
-Good negotiating skills.

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. 08: Zim-2011)
UNICEF, 6 Fairbridge Avenue,
P O Box 1250
Belgravia, Harare

Or email: hararevacancies [at] gmail [dot] com
Applications should be received by 27 April 2011.
Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Regional WASH Advisor: Oxfam GB UK
Deadline: 21 April 2011
Ref.: INT4472
Job type: 2-year fixed-term contract
Salary: GBP23 090 to GBP29 954 net per annum (plus pension and medical)
Location: Zambia

Public health (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene or WASH) plays a central role in the poverty continuum of Southern Africa. The Regional WASH advisor will play a pivotal role in cementing water and sanitation as a core component of the Region’s Essential Services work and will ensure that Oxfam becomes a leading INGO in the SAF region in emergency WASH preparedness and response. Based in Zambia, the Regional WASH Advisor will be responsible for leading the Zambia WASH programme (50%) as well as regional WASH programme development and implementation support (25%) and regional WASH emergency preparedness and response (25%).

The successful candidate will have a Master’s degree in water engineering (or similar) and/or equivalent technical experience and training in the design and implementation of water hygiene systems in Africa. The successful candidate should also demonstrate sound experience in leading public health programmes, programme policy and strategy development as well as the monitoring and management of large budgets. Experience in assessing and responding to emergencies is essential, and the successful candidate should be willing to travel up to 30% of the time.

Please apply online through Oxfam’s web page: www.oxfam.org.uk/jobs quoting the reference number INT4472.

Oxfam is an equal opportunities employer. We particularly encourage applications from people living with HIV and AIDS, people with disabilities, women and previously disadvantaged people.

Programme Analyst: Monitoring, Evaluation and Operations Research (MER): UNFPA
Deadline: 12 noon on 25 April 2011
VA-2011-04-06
Duty Station: Harare, Zimbabwe
Contract: Fixed term post

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Assistant Representative, the MER Analyst is responsible for the development and implementation of the planning, monitoring and evaluation strategy of the UNFPA Country Programme (CP) and its components (Reproductive Health Rights including HIV/AIDS and ASRH, Gender Equality, and Population and Development). S/he is responsible for providing timely and relevant information to programme staff and stakeholders (implementing partners, representatives from primary stakeholder groups, external consultants as well as Regional M&E or Thematic Advisors). UNFPA M&E system is based on the CP logframe and M&E plan and builds as much as possible upon existing national M&E mechanisms and systems.

Major duties and responsibilities include
- Design the framework for the physical and process monitoring of programme activities
- Promote a results-based approach to monitoring and evaluation, emphasizing results and impacts
- Co-ordinate the preparation of all statutory programme reports and guide CO staff in preparing these reports in accordance with approved reporting formats and ensure their timely submission
- Prepare TORs for specific programme research studies and all key CP evaluations in accordance with UNFPA guidelines and policies, support recruitment, guide and supervise consultants and organisations contracted for this purpose, and review research proposals and reports
- Support information needs of UNFPA’s implementing partners
- Review existing M&E and management information systems of implementing partners and identify where support is needed
- Provide technical support and training to implementing partner staff and primary stakeholders on specific MER and RBM issues
- Design and implement a system to identify, analyse, document and disseminate lessons learned

Only candidates satisfying all the following should apply:
- Advanced degree in Demography, Epidemiology, Economics, Statistics or related field
- At least 5 years of professional development related work experience at the national or international level. This must primarily relate to senior levels of planning, management, monitoring and evaluation of programmes and operations or applied research in public or private sector.
- Confirmed experience in the use of statistical analysis packages (SPSS, STATA, CsPRO, SAS, etc.)
- Fluency in English and Shona/Ndebele
- Experience in working with international donors and the UN system is an asset
- Good writing, analysis and communication skills

Please send your CV and cover letter no later than 12 noon on 25th April 2011 to: The UNFPA Representative, Ref: NPO MER, Block 7, 1st Floor, Arundel Office Park, Mount Pleasant, P. O. Box 4775, Harare; or by email to mailzwe [at] unfpa [dot] org

Applicants are requested to also fill out and submit a Personal History form (P11) available at http://mirror.undp.org/angola/LinkRtf/p11.doc or from the Operations Unit, UNFPA, Arundel Office Park, Mt Pleasant, Harare along with their applications.

Notice: there is no application, processing fee or other fee at any stage of the application process. UNFPA does not solicit or screen for information in respect of HIV or AIDS and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status. UNFPA offers attractive compensation package commensurate with experience but reserves the right to appoint at the indicated or lower grade. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

N.B. UNFPA Zimbabwe reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying for this post for other positions within UNFPA Zimbabwe at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and education requirements.

Medical Officer – HIV Care and Treatment Programme: JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc.
Deadline: 12 noon on 27 April 2011

Background
JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI), contractor for the Supply Chain Management System Project (SCMS), a U.S. Government (USG)-funded global technical assistance project aimed at strengthening health supply chains in developing countries, is recruiting for the position of Medical Officer – HIV Care and Treatment Programme to be based at the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, AIDS & TB Unit in Harare, Zimbabwe. This is a one-year, full time contract position. The contract is renewable pending availability of funds.

Key functions
Work under the National HIV & AIDS Care and Treatment Programme of the AIDS and TB Unit/ Ministry of Health and Child Welfare for a Comprehensive response to the needs of PLHIV. The incumbent will primarily provide leadership and technical oversight in initiatives aimed at improving the Quality of HIV Care for PLHIV.

Responsibilities and tasks
- Work with the National ART Programme staff and MoHCW Quality department in strategic planning, while contributing to the development of evidence-based policies, strategies, and guidelines that will foster best practices in HIV-Treatment and Care
- Facilitate and support HIV Quality of Care Improvement and Monitoring activities at ART sites
- Support the roll-out of the clinical mentorship activities to foster quality care for PLHIV at ART clinics
- Contribute to strengthening of health care management at all levels by providing relevant training to health personnel in the area of HIV and AIDS (public and private sector)
- Monitor programme performance utilising established M&E protocols, prepare reports and documents when needed
- Perform any other related duties required

Qualifications
- Medical doctor with M.P.H.
- Minimum three years’ experience in HIV & AIDS program management
- Clinical experience in comprehensive management of HIV&AIDS patients including ART is desirable
- Excellent communication, report writing, computer and analytical skills
- Demonstrated ability in liaison and collaboration with MoHCW, NGOs, and health institutions will be a distinct advantage
- Willingness to spend considerable time in travel outside Harare
- Police clearance
- Good physical and metal health

Competitive salary and benefits. Interested applicants please submit application letter, complete resume, and contactable references no later than 12 noon on Wednesday, 27 April, 2011 to: Country Director, Southwest Wing, Room SW07, Agriculture House, No. 1 Adylinn Road, Cnr Marlborough Drive, Marlborough, Harare. Fax: +263-4-309830. Email: info [at] jsizim [dot] co [dot] zw

Only short listed candidates will be notified.

Publications Co-ordinator: Legal Resources Foundation (LRF)
Deadline: 3 May 2011

LRF Background
The Legal Resources Foundation (LRF) Zimbabwe is an autonomous charitable and educational Trust established in 1984 by trust deed and registered under the Private Voluntary Organisations Act [Chapter 17:05]. The LRF is a professionally run NGO with credibility in civil society in Zimbabwe, the courts and the judiciary. Programmes undertaken by the LRF are based on the understanding that facilitating access to the legal system can advance human rights in Zimbabwe. The LRF believes that disadvantaged people, particularly women, can be empowered to assert their rights through the legal system when they are provided with information and advice. It has a network of offices in 28 geographical locations throughout the country.

Publications and LRF
The publications unit of the LRF supports the organisation’s objectives and those of the various programmes. As well as developing resources for the legal system, specifically the legal profession, the courts, law students, the police and researchers, the unit also produces in-house stationary for its many offices and centres, IEC materials for programmes and more general publications for sale to the wider public in Zimbabwe and abroad. The unit has an equipped print room with capacity to print copy and produce two colour pamphlets and leaflets. In addition, staff have access to up-to-date publications’ hardware and software to support material design and layout.  The unit currently publishes legal and IEC materials, including Zimbabwe Law Reports as a central and in demand resource for the judiciary and others.

Duties and responsibilities of the Publications Coordinator

The Publications Co-ordinator will primarily:
Manage the unit and co-ordinate the day-to-day workload of the unit’s staff including the print room team;
Manage quality control to LRF standards of all LRF publications, IEC materials and stationery;
Commission the work of external resource people and printing / publishing services to comply with LRF standards and procedures;
Work with the LRF Publications Committee on policy and other LRF departments on publications issues that include but are not restricted to branding, design, marketing and training;
Network within the publication, printing and development sectors;
Network with relevant NGOs and businesses, matching their interests to those of the LRF in order to promote the LRF through its publications, increase the range and spread of its dissemination and increase print-runs through pre-selling, especially of its pamphlets;
Coordinate the LRF website committee ensuring the website is both a key online publication in itself and as a publications sales and marketing tool

Qualifications and Skills
A good first degree in the Arts and a good postgraduate degree in Publications, Journalism, Education, Law or related discipline will be an advantage
Minimum of 8 years editorial experience, managing books / magazines from conception to publication
Previous experience in managing staff and budgets
Strong computer skills; knowledge of Adobe systems such as In-design and DTP software such as Corel
Strong report writing and analytical skills
Good communication (spoken and written English especially) and interpersonal skills
Highly motivated, able to work independently and in multi-disciplinary teams
Knowledge of and experience in the NGO sector will be an added advantage
Short listed candidates will be required to undergo tests of their writing and editing skills.

Package
The position carries a competitive package, which will be disclosed to successful applicants.

Applications with full contact details, accompanied by comprehensive curriculum vitae, and clearly marked “Publications Co-ordinator” should be sent to:

The National Director,
P O Box 918
Harare

Or they can be sent by e-mail to:

pa [at] lrf [dot] co [dot] zw

Closing date for applications is close of business on Tuesday, 3 May 2011.  Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

Given the political posturing and harassment which seems the norm in Zimbabwe these days, it’s easy to wonder what difference any of us can make.

But two pieces of recent news have left me encouraged by the opportunities for small change, at least, and have renewed my conviction that speaking out does matter.

Firstly, Parliament has reconsidered sections of the General Laws Amendment Bill following concerns raised by the public and during the Portfolio Committee review stage. Specifically, sections that would have changed procurement regulations to reduce the power and autonomy of local authorities, and changes in copyright laws which would have restricted the ability to copy and share national legislation have come under scrutiny. As such, Parliament has agreed to rewrite the legislation to omit the problematic sections.

I was also encourage to see a recent report from the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ) which demonstrated the power of their complaints mechanism.

According to VMCZ:

MISA-Zimbabwe filed a complaint with the MCC over a Redds advertisement carried in the Standard Newspaper of 06 March 2011. The advertisement showed the posteriors of four women each holding a bottle of Redds. MISA-Zimbabwe said the advertisement objectifies women. After a complaint was lodged with the MCC, Delta beverages withdrew the advertisement and apologised to MISA-Zimbabwe.

Speaking your mind, voicing your concern really can make a difference.

Subscribe to the Veritas and SAPST mailings to stay informed about events in Parliament, and use the VMCZ complaints mechanism to air your concerns about the media.

I don’t know if it was the worst kiss so much as my expectations had been raised to dizzying heights by Sunday soap operas. Dallas, Dynasty, Falcon Crest. Go on; say you didn’t watch . . . we all know that there was nothing else to watch at the time!

Having powered through “The Nation”, after an afternoon of football and the “Baker Show” (religious fraudsters), we deserved a treat. I have an excuse though, for watching so much Sunday TV. We lived in Kamativi (Matabeleland North) and while it was a bustling metropolis of sporting and drinking activity for much of the week, on Sundays everyone collapsed on their own sofas to snore and fart and hopefully wake refreshed on Monday for the next round of work and play.

Anyway I digress, back to kissing.

The first kiss was the worst for a few reasons. The hard chin thrust into my tender, spotty cheek. The grinding motion, like a pressed-on, Stevie Wonder mime, which was actually quite a good impression of Dynasty’s steamier moments. The sodden sucking mess he left as he pulled away to grab some air. The smell – his mouth closed not only over mine, but also over my nose!

At school the following Monday, long socks slipping and mascara tracks under my eyes, having brushed all memories of the weekend out of my life (and mouth with “Close-up” toothpaste), I was left with the ravaged landscape of my lower face. A severe ac-attack, redness, puffiness, prickle spots of deeper red – he had the beginnings of a beard, bless his socks. All the exciting details hashed and re-hashed for friends as I joined the queue at the school call box, twenty cent coins clutched in my sweaty palms, to put a call through to Plumtree …

THE worst kiss ever, maybe, but still the first kiss, and I can remember his name even now.

They go through harassment, torture and some of them are subjected to domestic violence. They forgive, motivate and inspire so that there is always unity, love and peace. In order to be recognized in the society they put in twice the effort than men do.

Everyday we read stories of women who are doing a lot for their families, community and for the country but very few are getting the recognition they deserve. Every man needs a woman for support. Its either she is your wife, girlfriend, sister and the most important of all “mother”. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, I have been thinking what I can do for my mother. She deserves the best especially for everything I have put her through. It’s a terrible experience for a mother to see her son in prison with leg irons. With high blood pressure and sugar diabetes she managed to endure the long court sessions and the visits each day to prison. Instead of crying she always had this smile of hope on her face and it gave me courage and strength.

So to every man out there . . . if you have a wife do something for the mother of your kids and if you have a mother spoil her on Mothers Day because these women deserve to be happy. Show some love on Mothers Day by doing something simple, like the laundry, or take care of those naughty kids at home just for a day. Even a cup of coffee will do wonders.

I smell. I’m tired and itchy and fed up. So I know, I’m not in the most friendly and approachable of moods.

I’m smelly and itchy and fed up because there hasn’t been any power at home since Friday night. A wind storm crossed some lines, the power went, and that was that.

I went to the ZESA offices on Saturday morning to report the problem, and the friendly and efficient customer service person there assured me that they were already fixing another problem in my suburb, and they’d get onto my problem straight away. “Your power will be restored today,” he told me with a confident smile.

On my way home late Saturday afternoon, I saw the ZESA truck driving out of my suburb – and I was sure they’d been to the house and sorted out the problem.

So you can imagine my devastation when I got home to find the power still out. I heaved a sigh, and figured no matter, I’m sure they’ll come tomorrow.

When they still hadn’t come by Sunday night, I was less equanimous in my attitude.

I phoned them on Monday morning, and was again assured that they had my report on file, and that someone would be coming to fix things that day. I held my breath and resisted the temptation to phone the house every hour, to find out whether they had come to fix things yet.

I came home on Monday to find the fridge door still swinging proudly open, a sure sign that ZESA hadn’t come yet. When there’s no power, I’ve found the refrigerator is better conceptuatlised as a cupboard. Pity about the spoilt perishable goods which were inside it.

It hasn’t helped my mood any that winter is here, and I’ve been running a lot, so a hot bath or a boiled kettle would really be most welcome. It hasn’t helped that the power’s been out so long that my freezer is also starting to defrost, soaking through the newspapers I’ve put out on the kitchen floor, and leaving me with a second new cupboard – this one filled with rotting pets food. And it doesn’t help that there also isn’t any municipal water either, so the taps are dry. I’ve been through every jug of stored water in the house just to try and wash my face, brush my teeth, and flush the toilet (once in four days).  I guess the good news is that even if there was electricity, I still couldn’t have a hot bath.

So yes. My temper is frayed.

I went back to ZESA this morning to follow up on my report. I didn’t get a reference number the first time, because the attendant was so confident I’d have my power back on Saturday, I didn’t bother. Now they’ve lost my report – never mind that I phoned again yesterday. It’s so old, it’s in a different book.

My stinking underarms were further aggravated by the customer service person there today, who appeared just as  frustrated as I am. I outlined my case in plaintive detail. I explained how I pay my bills each month and do my part to help them, but I expect better service for my monthly payments. He pointed to the person seated next to me, who works at a clinic in a high density Harare suburb. They also haven’t had any power since Friday. You can imagine what this means for their work as a clinic. He’s also been coming to find out what the story is. But, the attendant told me, the problem is transport.

“I have a book of over 50 faults that need to be fixed. I have ten artisans sitting waiting to attend to these faults. But I have no trucks. Look around my yard. There is one truck to attend to all these problems,” he told me, slapping the report book on his desk.

Basically, if I had an open truck, I could load a ladder and technicians into it, take them to my house, they’d fix the fault, and I could drive them back to the depot. But without a truck? All I can do is wait.

Had I known that Saturday drive by was the last I woud see of the ZESA truck in my suburb, I would have hijacked it and driven it back to my house.

As tetchy as I’m feeling for the lack of power, he is clearly even more embittered by his powerlessness. He’s been working for years, and likes doing his job. He wants to resolve things for people. He hates seeing ZESA employees just sitting at the depot unable to do their jobs either. But without transport to carry the ladders, equipment and technicians to the job sites, what can he do?

His irritation was palpable, and I tried to diffuse things. “How can we help you get more trucks,” I asked him.

“It’s a national problem,” he responded. “Go to any other depot in the city and you’ll find the same situation. It’s not even a secret. I don’t even mind telling you about it. Everyone knows transport is our biggest problem.”

I am stunned by the injustice of it. If you have a truck, or access to one, you can get your fault fixed within a day. If you don’t? You have to wait until the “round robin rotation,” as he put it, makes its way to your place. There is no sense of triage or prioritisation based on need or severity or duration of the fault. The high-density clinic doesn’t get any special treatment. Instead, if you already have resources (like an open truck) you’re rewarded with more resources (access to a ZESA repair team).

The employee I spoke with blames the ZESA leadership, and he mentioned the recent detention of energy minister Mangoma. As a coordinator faced with a striking lack of vehicles, he isn’t surprised by the corruption charges. If the minister weren’t corrupt, he intimated, surely ZESA would have more vehicles? He’s frustrated by what he sees as the politicisation of what should remain strictly professional – the provision of an essential service to ZESA customers.

I don’t know enough about the Mangoma case to know whether the allegations have any merit. Before his arrest, he issued a press statement outlining challenges in the energy sector, including ZESA. He described himself as “particularly allergic to corruption, greed and patronage.” He appealed for transparency and accountability for the sector, and pledged that he would fight corruption across his ministry.

Certainly, it’s difficult from the outside not to view the issue as one more based on political grievances than any substantive charges. But if this is the view of the Minister’s own employees in companies like ZESA, Mangoma’s problems will extend far beyond the courtroom.

And whilst of course I can sympathise with the frustrated ZESA employee who just wants to do his job, I also just want a bath. I’m thinking about taking my smelly clothes and rotten pets meat to Chaminuka Building, headquarters of the Ministry of Energy. But if depots across the country lack the basic resources they need to work efficiently, I have a feeling even my stinky running vest might not do the trick.

I came back to the office after a run on Tuesday afternoon, to find a bakkie loaded full with oranges waiting for me.

We’d gotten an email last week from a farming couple who, among other things, grow novas (naartjie / orange cross fruits). They were selling them to raise funds for Just Friends, which runs a feeding scheme for the elderly in need. Each month Just Friends puts together food packs and distributes them to 110 pensioners in need. The farmers were offering to donate $1 off of every $6 pocket of oranges. We signed up for 20 pockets, thinking we’d deliver them to other organisations in need across the city, to further extend the donation.

We offloaded the 20 pockets into the back of my Nissan March – and I watched as my little car sank lower and lower to the ground.

“Don’t worry, the farmer delivering them told me – the pockets only weigh 12kgs each. That’s only 240kgs we’re loading into your car – that’s like three or four adults.”

Hmmm. It’s not often I cram four adults into the boot of my supermini sized vehicle.

Meanwhile, we’d barely made a dent in the bakkie load – and it had been standing firmly on its four tyres the whole time. We joked that I’d be fine driving the pockets around town, as long as I didn’t come across any potholes. Like yeah right, where in Harare are you going to drive pothole free?

The next morning, I found my car windows fogged up and my steering wheel sticky with the sweat of 2,000 oranges. The car smelt sweet and ripe and full of promise.

I wiped the windows down and set out with a friend to deliver the fruit.

Our first stop was a home for orphaned children in Harare. When we got there, we learnt that they currently support 96 children, ranging from infants to teenagers. We opened the boot to reveal 20 pockets of oranges – but then had to tell them to offload six.

The matron was thrilled and grateful for the donation, but in the face of 96 children needing three meals a day, suddenly I felt less than generous. The caretaker who helped us offload the sacks of oranges said “just six?” and the matron seemed chagrined at his apparent ingratitude.

“How can you say ‘just six?’” she chastised him. “That is six more than we had before.”

But the exchange gave me pause for thought – what is the English expression that allows you to specify a quantity without running the risk of seeming grasping or operating from a position of scarcity? Just six. Only six. They are both accurate phrases which help to explain that out of a larger total quantity you are to take a portion of the whole. But when more is always better, how can taking fewer not seem inevitably less satisfying? And when you have 96 children to look after, surely wanting more oranges rather than fewer makes perfect sense? I comforted myself by thinking well, if there are 100 or so oranges in a pocket, at least these children each get an orange a day for the next week. We asked them what else they needed and they said “Everything.”- Laundry soap, bathing soap, dish soap, salt, mealie meal, meat, beans . . . the mind boggles at the logistics and coordination required to feed 96 children three meals each day.

Our next stop was the local church, which runs a weekly food support service for low-income residents in the area. The woman at reception was friendly and efficient – we drove round to the back and offloaded our pockets right into their storeroom, which was already filled with sacks of mealie meal, beans and kapenta. Each week, volunteers come and decant the larger bags into family sized-packs before distributing them to the people who come.

We donated the balance of the oranges to a group which supports prisoners in remand. I felt kicked in the guts to realise how insignificant even our 7 pockets of oranges was in the face of the enormous need in our prisons. There are currently 1400 prisoners in remand – if there are around a hundred oranges in each bag, that’s barely one orange each for half of them. I thought back to the bakkie that delivered the fruit – you’d need to fill that entire bakkie with supplies and you probably still wouldn’t have enough for one meal for 1400 people.

Prison conditions in Zimbabwe were particularly bad during the shortages through 2008, but they have reportedly improved in the past two years. However, even with the improvements, prisoners – even prisoners on remand who have yet to be convicted of any crime and may well be unjustly imprisoned – do not feature high on budget allocations, or on most Zimbabweans’ list of those deserving of support and attention.

On the weekend, the Sunday Mail featured an article headlined Inmates go for four years without eating meat. Reportedly, detainees “at Harare Remand and Chikurubi female prisons were beginning to show signs of malnutrition.” But not all of the comments on this article were sympathetic of the detainees’ plight.

If a children’s home looking after 96 orphans struggles to find everything they need, what more 1400 remand prisoners who do not garner the same instinctive public support?

The need out there is enormous. Delivering our 240 kgs of novas made my car lighter, but left my spirit conflicted by the size of the problem compared with our small efforts to address it. But I suppose it’s like that Robert F Kennedy quotation:

Each time a woman stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, she sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.

The nova fundraiser generated over $500 for Just Friends. The farmers are now also selling navel oranges to raise funds for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (minimum order 10 x 10kg pockets for $60, delivered directly to your location in Harare). I recently heard Patricia Glyn estimate that only 3% of charitable donations in the world go to animal welfare. So buy some novas or navel oranges for yourself and others – and make a difference to your community.

To find out more, email gandboys [at] zol [dot] co [dot] zw