Kubatana.net ~ an online community of Zimbabwean activists

Archive for April, 2011

HIFA 2011: The Man who Committed Thought

del.icio.us TRACK TOP
Thursday, April 28th, 2011 by Upenyu Makoni-Muchemwa

A man, educated and African, finds himself in the gallows, charged with crimes against humanity. He is a lawyer, educated in England, with a firm belief in Christian values, and has more than just a passing admiration for the Queen and his adopted country. He is a man who has been alienated from his culture, identity and people. Mamadou, a peasant farmer with a sizeable family but limited means bursts into the lawyer’s life begging him for help, or rather mercy. Mamdou’ s cow has expropriated by the government without compensation and now he wants to sue, to take back the rights that were forcibly taken from him. As the story unfolds the lawyer encounters the corrupt and powerful President Junta, who is shortly unseated in a coup led by ‘Tuff Boy’ a rebel leader. It is only when he witnesses the murder of Mamadou at the hands of the rebels that the lawyer finds his humanity, but in his quest for justice he commits unspeakable crimes, for which he is brought before the court.

The facts of the play may be specific to Sierra Leone, but it is the story of every African country cursed with resources. President Junta may be a dictator, but he is a democratically elected one. He is fat and wealthy off the numerous kick-backs and deals he receives from governments and multinational corporations wishing to do business in his country. Western leaders, donors and corporations treat him like a king, as though the country and its people were his personal property; unchallenged, he behaves accordingly.

‘Tuff Boy’ is a grotesque illustration of a rebel leader, high on cocaine, formerly angry and powerless, until he took up arms and waged war on the government. Tuff boy asserts his power through the gun and innumerable rapes of women who feature in the play as nameless, faceless and voiceless victims.

Colonialism lives on in the lawyer, who condescends towards and patronises Mamadou. Despite his high handed Christianity, the lawyer is torn between his disdain of the ignorant and poor ‘native’, and his baser native instinct which drives him to lust after Mamadou’s daughter.

The man who committed thought is a moving play that is an indictment of the hypocrisy of the human rights agenda, aid, and the nations that give it. It illustrates the conflict between humanitarianism and humanism, and shows that right and wrong are not necessarily black and white, but rather, they are painted in shades of grey.

Hairspray

del.icio.us TRACK TOP
Thursday, April 28th, 2011 by Tina Rolfe

I went out with some friends last Friday night and launched my middle-aged Zimbabwean bod (with back-ache – damn those stretches!) into the unsuspecting press of preppy 20-somethings crowded around the bar. Thankfully there weren’t many teenagers present. There is something pathetic about them drinking as much as they possibly can before mum comes to collect them but I suppose I should be grateful they aren’t doing lines – it may be that they just bring back uncomfortable memories? Those that were around were covered, if not flatteringly in some cases, at least, for the most part, modestly. The blissful ignorance that winter brings. I was spared the kitsch tattoos and piercings and bum cracks and g-strings and hints of front fluff.

The boys were more disappointing, giving truth to the fact that fashion does not always equal style. There were ¾ pants and tracksuits rolled up to make ¾ pants.  The poor unfortunate had obviously spent his entire allowance on hairspray – he was artfully windswept and coiffed – a peacock would’ve been proud.  And they were all wearing an unattractive off-shoot of the commonly spotted (staying with our bird theme) tommy takkie, but without laces.  There were sawn-off T-shirts a la Bruce Springsteen, sadly without the muscle, in more ways than one.  There were windsurfer dudes with shaggy bobs that had also seen the better half of a tub of hair wax – evidenced by the lack of movement even in the stiffest breeze and despite vigorous head banging!

I’m afraid to say the music was less than inspirational. I wasn’t moved to hit the dance floor, and didn’t even tap my foot occasionally.  And I am one of those who considers themselves incredibly sexy after a few drinks – nothing keeps me from dancing. The evidence the next day suggests that the “sprinkler system” dance move is less than sexy, and sometimes, not even funny.  And yet it remains a firm favourite, oh how I laugh!  I should’ve been forewarned when we spied the lesser warbling duckie perched on a bar stool with his guitar as we arrived – never a good sign. I think he was singing “A la Bamba”…. enough said.

NGO job vacancies in Zimbabwe

del.icio.us TRACK TOP
Tuesday, April 26th, 2011 by Bev Clark

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.


Various positions – Fintrac, Inc.

Fintrac Inc., an international agribusiness firm, has been contracted by USAID to manage a new agricultural development program in Zimbabwe. We are currently looking for specialists staff with experience in the following areas:

Smallholder training in organisation, management and business systems:

- Applicants should be competent trainers in FAB, RGE development and formation, group marketing and crop production
- Have proven experience in managing and advising RGEs, with special emphasis on leader training in responsibilities, functions, tasks and separation of powers
- Have experience helping RGEs and FGs to negotiate with buyers, bulk products and control quality
- Be competent and experienced in farmer-led business and extension services and communal farmer capacity strengthening and business development
- Have experience in agro-livestock marketing (regional and export markets)

Long-term specialists with strong statistical, analytical and computer skills needed to assist farmers and other commercial stakeholders in:

-  Economic analysis of crop product farm-to-market systems
-  Market and value chain analysis

Additional long and short-term consultants are required to train and manage smallholder producers in:

- Horticultural export production and marketing
- Food crop production
- Irrigation technology and management
- Production and marketing of livestock products

Applicants should have at least a BSc in agriculture, marketing, statistics or a related subject but preference will be given to candidates with higher degree. Experienced in outgrower production systems and communal farming, start-up of rural enterprises and participatory adult training methods would be advantageous. At least ten years’ commercial experience is essential for most positions. Candidates for the Economics and Marketing position must be highly computer literate and excellent writers. Applicants should indicate the position they are applying for in a covering letter and send CVs, no longer than 4 pages, to zimrecruit [at] fintrac [dot] com We thank all applicants in advance but will only be able to reply those selected for interview.

Information Outreach and Research Specialist – Mercy Corps
Deadline: 29 April 2011 (12:30pm)

Mercy Corps Zimbabwe is currently seeking applications from qualified and experienced candidates for this position. Based in Harare with regular visits to field programs.

The Specialists will represent the JI to external stakeholders and be the NGO-sector leader in information co-ordination, sharing and research for urban issues in Zimbabwe. S/he will routinely utilize data from JI program activities and external sources to track and report trends and needs in urban areas, while engaging in more specialized research required. While the Specialist will not have direct supervisory responsibilities, the post-holder will be required to work closely with the other senior members of JI Management Team, and in particular the M&E Coordinator and Information Officer.

Essential Job Functions

- Identify, review, analyse and contextualize relevant sources of information on urban issues nationally, regionally and globally
- Coordinate the information flow from partners on going and emerging situations in urban areas
- Produce a bi-monthly summary of pertinent issues for urban programming
- Identification, documentation and dissemination of best practice standards from within the JI program
- In liaison with the JI Management Team, Country Director, Deputy Director and JI Steering Committee, identify priority research issues and lead the analysis processes
- Produce high-quality reports synthesizing the most important issues, gaps and lessons learned
- Organize information and learning forums for interested stakeholders in urban issues as lesson-sharing and discussion forums on priority issues
- Provide training and ongoing guidance to consortium partners on information and research issues

Qualifications required

- Excellent analytical and writing skills and experience, with proven success (publication, funding secured, etc)
- 5 years’ experience conducting, leading and/or directing primary research analysis and reporting
- 5 years’ experience with programming and/or research in urban areas preferably in Africa
- Strong public relations, presentation and facilitation skills
- Relevant Masters’ or higher degree (International Development, International Relations, Community Development, Public Health, Economic Development or any primary research focused degree)
- Minimum 5 years’ work experience in Sub-Saharan Africa, experience in Zimbabwe would be an advantage
- Fluency in English

Duration of contract: 9 months

To apply, please send a covering letter describing your interest, qualifications, salary requirements, references, and all official documents including your CV to Mercy Corps Human Resources at hr [at] zw [dot] mercycorps [dot] org or drop off your application to Mercy Corps 73 Harare Drive, Mt Pleasant, Harare. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Economic Recovery and Development (ERD) Officer – International Rescue Committee
Deadline: 29 April 2011

The ERD Officer will assist in the overall design of the IRC value chain collaboration with the Economic Recovery and Development Co-ordinator, to strengthen the capacity of smallholder farmers to access markets and diversify their livelihood options.

Responsibilities

Technical responsibilities / Program implementation:

1. Work with ERD co-ordinator in identifying agriculture market chains in the region that can benefit local communities and the specific information gaps that can be addressed
2. Facilitation of participatory market chain workshops
3. Facilitate linkages between smallholder farmers and markets for high value chains
4. Assist in the ERD co-ordinator in the development of the IRC Zimbabwe value chain training materials
5. Coordinate the production of training reports to track performance and progress, according to templates established with the M&E Officer
6. Coordinate with the M&E Officer, the ERD co-ordinator and Technical Adviser to identify appropriate value chain related indicators and design monitoring plans, procedures and templates

Representation and Co-ordination:

1. Participate in the development of standards, guidelines and other context-specific tools for economic activities with other partners as inter-sector IRC meetings and coordination, as required
2. Build maintain relationships with district and community levels stakeholders relevant to the agriculture value chain sector and project activities
3. Liaise and coordinate with the local authorities, relevant ministries, local partners, community leaders and other key stakeholders in areas operation regarding agricultural value chain assistance

Skills and qualifications

- University degree in Business Management or marketing
- A post graduate diploma in agricultural economics would be an added advantage
- At least 2 years’ working in the private sector agricultural value chains in Zimbabwe
- Experience in contract negotiation
- Strong understanding of small holder agricultural economy and value chains
- Knowledge of small scale commercial crop production in Zimbabwe/South Africa
- Fluent written and spoken English and Shona

Interested candidates from the private sector are strongly encouraged to apply. Qualified candidates should send their detailed CVs and cover letters to Zimbabwe [at] theirc [dot] org and write ERD Officer in the subject line.

Health Services Board – Consultant for facilitation of workshop (GFATM) – UNDP
Deadline: 3 May 2011

Contract duration: TBA
Duty Station: Harare, Zimbabwe

Organisational context

UNDP is a key partner to the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) and is the UN agency assuming the role of Principal Recipient of GFATM grants in Zimbabwe. In its role as Principle Recipient, UNDP ensures quality financial management, timely procurement of supplies ad efficient monitoring and service delivery

The Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) granted Zimbabwe Round 8 HIV, TB and Malaria grants totaling over $400 million over five years with an amount of $179.9 million to be implemented during the first two years starting in January 2010. The Health Services Board (HSB) is a Sub-Recipient (SR) under cross-cutting Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) component and receives funds for all three diseases (HIV, TB & Malaria).

To support the implementation of Round 8 activities, the Principal Recipient is implementing a Capacity Development Plan to build the capacity of each Sub-Recipient, aiming to address any weaknesses in financial management, program management, HR management and monitoring and evaluation.

UNDP’s management role consists in implementing grants, ensuring financial accountability and training national and international counterparts on programme management and financial accountability.

Functions

As part of this plan, the HSB is wishing to develop the capacity of the staff in its Health Sector Human Resources Management. As part of this development it wishes to:

a. Carry out two trainings, in order to develop staff skills in Human Resources Management within the Health Sector, and is looking for a consultant to facilitate these trainings. The two trainings are as follows:
b. Training on Human Resources in Health Management for HSB Directors (Five days).
c. Training on Human Resources in Health Management for HR unit with the HSB (Five days).
d. Develop an operational plan for the periodic verification of staff attendance and up-dating health worker staffing.

1. Objectives

A. The objective of the workshops are to build the capacity of HSB staff to design, implement and monitor effective health sector human resource strategies and to manage its human resources.

The trainings should include, but not limited to, the following areas:

Training on Human Resources Management for the Directors (Executive Director, Directors and Deputy Directors)
-  Strategic Human Resources Management
-  Employee Management and Diversity
-  Employee Retention
-  Negotiating Skill
-  Payroll Management

Training on Human Resources in Health Management for the HR Unit
-  What is Human Resources Management?
-  How does it differ from Personnel Management and Staffing
-  Human Resources Planning
-  Recruitment and selection
-  Industrial Relations
-  Gender at the workplace
-  Payroll Management

B. The aim of the second component of the consultancy is to put into practice of the learning from the workshops through the development of the operational plan for the periodic verification of staff attendance and updating of health worker staffing.

2. Methodology

A. The workshops should be interactive and participatory and include a focus on sharing experiences. The sessions should include:

i) Introductory technical representations;
ii) Where possible presentation of experience;
iii) Case studies/small group hands-on work and plenary discussions

B. The plan should be developed with the participation of all key HSB staff, including, but not limited to:

Ms Ruth Kaseke: Executive Director
Nornah Zhou: HR Director
Charles

3. Key Activities for the consultant

1. Develop the workshop agenda
2. Develop the workshop presentation tools, handouts and group exercises
3. Facilitate the workshop
4. Write the workshop report
5. Develop a methodology for the development of the operational plan
6. Develop the plan with the participation of HSB staff

4. Deliverables

1. Workshop tools – presentations and handouts used at the workshop.
2. Workshop report – outlining achievements and challenges, the results of the workshop evaluation and any follow-up actions required.
3. Operational plan – outlining activities, timeline, targets, monitoring of the plan, responsibilities and where necessary funding gaps.

5. Desired Qualifications and Experience

-  Degree or equivalent in Social Science, International development, Education or related field
-  A minimum of 7 year’s professional experience, which include at least 5 years in an international arena in/for developing countries
-  Sound knowledge of GFATM procedures
-  Professional experience in developing Human Resources in the Public Health Sector

6. Competencies

-  Excellent communication skills both written and spoken
-  Excellent organisational and administrative skills
-  Ability to work in a complex 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, send your application quoting job code to the following address: The Country Director “Health Services Board – Consultant for facilitation of workshop (GFATM)”, UNDP, Block 10, Arundel Office Park, Norfolk Road, Mount Pleasant, P. O. Box 4775, Harare.

Only candidates who are under serious considerations will be contacted.

Medical Doctor – Médecins Sans Frontiers
Deadline: 6 May 2011

Médecins Sans Frontiers (MSF/Doctors Without Borders) is an international humanitarian organisation providing medical aid to populations in distress, victims of natural and man-made disasters and victims of armed conflict, regardless of race, religion or political belief. MSF-Holland is currently running an HIV/TB project in Epworth Clinic (15km from Harare), and looking for a Medical Doctor.

Main duties:

-  To clinically assess all HIV positive and TB patients, including full examination of the patients and treat accordingly
-   To assess patients for OI infections including full examination and treat and also assess patients for ARV treatment
-   To collect medical data using FUCHIA data collection forms and other forms if required; forms must be filled out thoroughly and accurately and submitted promptly
-   To support the nurses in clinically staging all HIV positive patients
-   To support the nurses to assess patients for OI prophylaxis and ARV follow up consultations
-   To be responsible for MSF’s equipment (stethoscope, clinical guidelines, essential drugs, thermometers, etc)
-   To adhere to universal precautions and immediately report needle prick accidents to supervisor
-   Actively contribute to MSF/MoHCW medical meetings and monthly reports

Requirements:

-   Full and current registration as medical officer with MoH and at least 2 years post registration (clinical) experience
-   Previous experience and training in HIV comprehensive care, OI and ARV treatment
-   Previous experience and training in TB, including DR-TB
-   Readiness to support co-ordination of response to health emergency
-   Commitment to the aims and values of MSF
-   Knowledge and belief in advocacy role of MSF
-   Strong social/communication skills: representative, stimulating and diplomatic
-   Good command in English and Shona

Please send your application including a detailed CV, copies of qualifications and referees via email, with the advert reference number (MSFH/EPWORTH/10/11) to: hararemsf [at] yahoo [dot] com or to The Project Co-ordinator, MSF Holland, 11 Munondo Road, Hatefield, Harare


Immigration Integrity Officer: Australian Embassy
Deadline: 9 May 2011 (8am)

The Australian Embassy is seeking applications from persons interested in employment as Immigration Integrity Officer. Employment will be based on a 2 year contract. Employment with the Embassy will require the incumbent to be on probation for a period of three months. Monthly salary is USD 1,550. The Australian Embassy is an equal opportunity employer. The Australian Embassy is a smoke free environment.

Duties may include some or all of the following:
-  Conduct immigration integrity checks, interviews and site visits
-  Monitor and report on workflow and the outcomes of immigration integrity checks
-  Liaise with Australian government officers in a range of global locations, the Zimbabwean government, international organisations, other diplomatic missions and other stakeholders
-  Undertake research and analysis to develop risk profiles and other resources for visa officers
-  Service delivery to visa clients
-  Provide support for the Australian Visa Application Centre, Harare
-  Undertake relevant travel within and outside Zimbabwe
-  Identify and implement improvements to work processes
-  Act in the position of Integrity Manager when required

Selection Criteria

Essential:
-  Very good written and oral communication skills in the English language, including the ability to conduct interviews (in-person and via telephone) and write reports
-  Excellent interpersonal skills, incorporating the ability to build team dynamics
-  Capacity to conduct enquiries and investigations to detect fraudulent documents, including work references; bank statements; birth, death and marriage certificates; court orders; and other official documentation
-  Proven ability to manage a large workload and overcome unforeseen difficulties with limited supervision
-  The ability to use Microsoft Excel and other programs to record and report data
-  Demonstrated experience in improving work processes
-  A permanent right to reside and work in Zimbabwe

Desirable:
-  Previous experience in an office environment
-  Tertiary qualifications
-  Fluency in Shona and/or Ndebele

If you are interested in being considered for any positions, please apply in writing to either the e-mail or the postal address detailed below. Applications must include:
-  “Application for position: DIAC Integrity Officer – Harare” in the subject line of the email or at the top of the front page of a paper application.
-  A statement of claims (three pages maximum) addressing the selection criteria.
-  A current CV including work and education history and references from both your current employer and most recent previous employer. Your CV must provide an e-mail address and contact numbers.
-  Proof of your right to reside and work in Zimbabwe.

APPLICANTS WHO DO NOT INCLUDE A STATEMENT OF CLAIMS against the selection criteria will not be considered. Please note that a statement of claims refers to your examples of achievements or work undertaken in relation to a specific selection criterion as stated above. Applications should be e-mailed to: zimbabwe.embassy [at] dfat [dot] gov [dot] au
Or delivered to: Australian Embassy, 1 Green Close, Borrowdale, Harare

The closing date for applications is 08:00am Monday 9 May 2011. Please note that late applications will not be considered. Only those applicants who are short-listed for interview will be contacted about the outcome of the selection process.

Food Security Co-ordinator – GOAL
Deadline: 9 May 2011

Applications are encouraged from individuals with suitable qualifications to fill this position within our organisation.

Location: Harare Country Office with regular travel to field sites

General description of the role:

Reporting to the Country Director, the Food Security Co-ordinator is responsible for designing, planning and overall implementation of GOAL’s food security programmes (which includes agricultural livelihoods and food aid programmes) including budget management. The incumbent must have strong proposal development, project management and budgeting sills. S/he is responsible for preparing donor reports and also support the GOAL management team in development internal policies and guidelines. S/he will be based in Harare with constant travel to the field.

Qualification and skills:

- A first degree in any of the following Agriculture, Rural Development or equivalent. A Master’s in Development Studies is an added advantage
- At least five years’ experience in implementing food security projects (both food and livelihoods)
- At least two years experience in senior management within the Humanitarian field
- Able to manage multiple budgets
- Conversant with monitoring and evaluation tools and approaches
- Able to train others in the use of participatory methodologies
- Computer literate (MS-Word, Excel, Outlook, Epi info)
- Ability to work under pressure and with minimum supervision
- Knowledge of Sphere and commitment to humanitarian principles
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, good interpersonal skills
- Experience in managing more than two grants is an added advantage
- Experience in managing vouchers and cash for work is an added advantage

Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Only candidates meeting the criteria will be called for an interview. Interested candidates should submit an application letter, a CV with names and addresses of contactable referees and certified copies of certificates. Please indicate the post applied for on the application envelope and submit to: The HR Co-ordinator GOAL Zimbabwe, 3 Lezard Avenue, Milton Park, Harare Or P. O. Box 4370, Harare.

UNV Project Administrator – MDGs UNDP
Deadline: 13 May 2011

Background

Strengthened national capacity to monitor MDGs and Poverty and to formulate and implement pro-poor policies. The project is meant to strengthen the national capacities to track, monitor, report on MDG progress, as well as capacities to coordinate national efforts and support implementation to accelerate achievement of the MDGs.

Under the overall guidance of the Director for Social Services in the Ministry of Labour and day-to-day Supervision by the Deputy Director for Policy and Special Programmes, the MDG Administrator ensures effective delivery of the MDG project and supports project implementation consistent with UNDP rules and regulations, with a particular focus on the development of the MDG Accelerated Action Plan. The MDG Project Administrator will work in collaboration with other support staff in the Department of Social Services in the Ministry and support staff in the UNDP Country Office.

Duties and Responsibilities

* Directly support the development and implementation of an MDG Accelerated Action Plan (AAP) for Zimbabwe, focusing on achievement of the following results:
o Manage the process on developing the AAP, according to MAF methodology, including organizing meetings and workshops, liaising and monitoring work of consultants, and ensuring the process follows agreed timeline.
o Ensure that relevant development partners are consulted throughout the process.
o Keep abreast with global MDG Acceleration Framework (MAF) developments and experiences and lessons learned from other countries implementing the MAF, and ensure these are fed into the national process.
* Provide effective support to management of the project focusing on the achievement of the following results:
o Ensure efficient and timely preparation and submission of workplans (annual and quarterly), progress report and financial reports.
o Support timely implementation of the workplan and agreed activities, including suggesting and managing any revisions to the workplan mid-year.
o Efficient filling/documentation of project documents, work plans, progress reports, budgets and other implementation documents.
o Effective scheduling, planning and follow up of the MDG Project Board meetings.
o Presentation of project information for audit, including financial reports.
o Maintenance of an expenditure control system and preparation of payments.
o Maintaining a register of project equipment.
* Provide administrative support to the Department for Social Services as determined by the Director for Social Services.
* Provide support to the facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the Department of Social Services in collaboration with the Senior Technical Adviser.
* Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Director for Social Services

Competencies

* Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards.
* Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP and Ministry of Labour and – Social Services
* Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office.
* In-depth knowledge on development issues.
* Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback.
* Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills.
* Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors.

Required Skills and Experience

* Education: University Degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences or related field. Masters Degree would be an advantage.
* Experience: Minimum 2 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in project management, monitoring and evaluation of development projects. Experience in the usage of computers and web based management systems.
* Language: Fluency in written and spoken English.

For further details and to apply for this position, visit: http://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?job_id=22975&cur_lang=en

The man who committed thought

del.icio.us TRACK TOP
Tuesday, April 26th, 2011 by Bev Clark

This is a must see at HIFA. If there are any tickets left, grab a few now. Patrice Naiambana is an extremely gifted performer. With some terrific acting he led us though a variety of emotions: outrage, shock, discomfort and denial. And then he also had us in stitches, particularly with his rendition of an African dictator. The only thing it could do with is being shorter. And whatever you Do, don’t pick up the telephone!

Bad drivers, using bad cars on bad roads in Zimbabwe

del.icio.us TRACK TOP
Tuesday, April 26th, 2011 by Lenard Kamwendo

The Sunday Mail of Saturday 23, April 2011 reported that 68 people were killed between the Independence and Easter holidays, with the most terrible accident being reported on Good Friday near Chivu where five people from the Musoni family lost their lives. In the report the accident was caused when the driver of a Nissan pickup tried to overtake, but the driver of the car in front was just selfish enough on the busiest and narrow highway which our government has taken ages to widen and resurface.  The talk of widening Zimbabwe’s major highways is only heard when an accident like this one happens. The only progress seen so far is that of pulling down trees and digging ditches along the roads stretching just as far as Pambudzi (close to Boka Auction Floors) on the way to Masvingo. With this kind of progress one can see the completion of this task in 2050 or even beyond.

Though easing transport woes in the country the influx of second hand Japanese cars has also contributed to the road carnage with all sorts of bad drivers now on the highway. These cars are affordable and most of them are automatic which makes the task of changing gears easy even for my niece in primary school.  I am not advocating for the banning of these cars but just to be responsible when driving and to make sure that you get your car checked for mechanical faults. One can be a good driver but if you are on a bad road with bad drivers chances are you will be involved in an accident.

Make Love not democracy!

del.icio.us TRACK TOP
Monday, April 25th, 2011 by Marko Phiri

It’s EASTER and according to NEWSNET the only news that we can expect is TOMANA, Shamu and the rest of the apparatchiks ‘”celebrating” EASTER bashing other “religious types” as they only manage to look ridiculous wearing flowing garbs their consciences are screaming to get out of. The other worthy news becomes the “abysmal performance” of some R’n'B artist some of us do not give hoot about but is still expected by Karikoga other such types to “sell ZIM tourism” to the rest of the world. The guy invited to be part of a long list dubious of “performers” (check this out to read about Akon for a few laughs) “snubbed” local fans was no doubt ridiculed by NEWSNET form our “national news” and of course we have to ask if he will be pointing his “chums” to Zimbabwe as a destination of easy money after being “exposed” by NEWSNET. Anyone who expects better ought to be steaming through the ears, be it Tsvangirai, Biti and other women and men of goodwill because as we can all see, there are many who imagine that this country’s woes are going to be solved by a bunch of spoilt post-independence free-spirits dancing the night away to some crappy, neo-liberal, pseudo-Woodstock “make-love-not-whatever-crap”.