As an act of bravery, love cannot be sentimental; as an act of freedom, it must not serve as a pretext for manipulation. It must generate other acts of freedom; otherwise, it is not love.
~ Paolo Freire

I stumbled upon the information that Oliver Mtukudzi is the highest selling artist in Southern Africa. I knew he is well respected the world over, but the highest selling? It made sense; the man is a musical genius.

I remember when I was in South Africa a few years back I noticed that all the good music stores had a whole shelf of Oliver Mtukudzi music and his CDs were much more expensive than those of say Hugh Masekela. Oliver Mtukudzi sings entirely in Shona. That means the majority of his fans do not understand him, at least on a lyrical level. His musical arrangements are so brilliant; I would love instrumentals of his if he released an instrumental album.

But his genius is in his lyrics:

mhiripiri ine munakiro wayo/kana sugar inemanakiro ayo/munyu une manakiro awo/kuvava kuvava hayo mhiripiri, inga ndomanakiro ayo/kutapira kutapira hayo sugar inga ndomasikirwo ayo/kuvavira kuvavira hawo munyu nokuti manakiro  awo…mukurarama katifanani/kana chimiro hachifanani/kana mhuka dzesango hadzifanani/ndomasikirwo acho/saka tisashorane mukurarama/tisasekana mukurarama/tinzwisisane mukurarama/

Roughly translated the Shona lyrics are: chilies are delicious in their own way/sugar is delicious in its own way/salt is delicious in its own way/chilies are hot and they are delicious that way/sugar is sweet and it’s delicious that way/salt is delicious in its own way…in life we are not the same/we are not the same in build/even wild animals are different/ that’s the way they were created/so let’s not look down upon each other in life/let’s not laugh at each other/let’s live in harmony together…

It’s a song that speaks directly to Zimbabweans; we are highly intolerant of each other’s divergent views, opinions and differences along tribal lines, political lines and so on. We have taken on the bad habits of our leaders who go to extreme lengths to eliminate political opponents and this has led to bloody elections all the time. It’s a vicious cycle that will continue long after we have gotten rid of the current leadership.

There is another song of Mtukudzi’s that has got a message along the same lines:

Buda pachena munun’una vagoziva zvaunofunga/ asika wochinzwawo zvavanofunga/kubudirana pachena muzukuru kuteera nekuteera/ naivo vachanzwawo/torawo mukana wokuteera zvinotaurawo vamwe/ worega kuropodza/ kuropodza zvisina maturo / chinonzi hurukuro/ kutaura tichinzwana/ votaura iwe uchiteerera/wotaurawo ivo vachiteerera…

… Come out young brother so we can know what you think/but also listen to what they think/being clear with each other is listening and listening/they will hear you/take time to listen to what others say/ stop rumbling on and on/ rumbling on senselessly/conversation is understanding each other/others talk while you listen/you talk and others listen…

One of our biggest weaknesses is talking down to people and not giving a damn about what they have to say. When was the last time your local MP listened to what you had to say? When was the last the time the people of Zimbabwe openly criticised the president without everyone in the vicinity scurrying for cover and fearing for the speaker’s life?

Oliver Mtukudzi’s songs are so full of meaning and I have enjoyed them for decades; ever since I was a little boy. Songs like Nhava talk of the Diaspora in a very enlightening manner. Songs like Bindu are just brilliant! Those who did not grow up listening to Tuku, as he is affectionately known, think he got onto the music scene in 1998 with the release of the highly successful album Tuku Music, but the man has been around. Remember Mbombela? Remember the soundtrack to the Movie Neria? I was born in the Ghetto, my mum in the Ghetto, my heart in the Ghetto, so you can call me the Ghetto boy…

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.

Field Officer: The Youth Forum
Deadline: 28 July 2011

Based in Masvingo

The Youth Forum, a leading youth organization with its headquarters in Harare seeks the services of a field officer. The incumbent should be based in Masvingo. The Youth Forum is a legally registered youth servicing organization whose overall objective is to promote active and informed youth participation in policy dialogue and political decision-making. The organization also seeks at its core to facilitate youth economic empowerment.

General description of role:

The Field Officer will be responsible for running Youth Forum fieldwork in Masvingo in line with our organizational goals. The incumbent will be expected to contribute towards physical project implementation and on going monitoring of the project. S/he will also be expected to contribute towards continuous review of the project with the view to improving anticipated project outcomes.

Qualifications and skills:

-A minimum of a diploma in the social/behavioural sciences or related fields
-Good understanding of using monitoring and evaluation tools and methodologies
-Sound organizing and planning skills
-Good analytical skills and ability to think strategically
-Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
-Excellent oral and written communication skills
-Evidence of maturity and good community approach skills
-Computer literate in Microsoft products i.e. Word and Excel

Qualified female candidates and students seeking attachment are encouraged to apply.

Only candidates meeting the criteria will be called for an interview. Short-listed candidates will be given an in depth orientation of project goals and overall organizational expectations.

Interested candidates should submit an application letter, a CV with names and addresses of contactable referees and certified copies of certificates. Submission of the relevant documents can be done via e-mail, post or hand delivery to:

Attention: The National Coordinator, Youth Forum, 305 3rd Floor, Travel Centre, Cnr. Speke Avenue/Third Street (opp. Meikles Hotel), Harare or via e-mail to: youthforumzim [at] yahoo [dot] co [dot] uk and cc youthforumpublicity [at] gmail [dot] com

Finance Officer: Chiedza
Deadline: 29 July 2011

* Reconcile all financial transaction in a prescribed accounting package, capture pastel cashbooks and journals and update the system once having ascertained accuracy of data that has been posted
* Reconciliation of all the bank and ledger accounts on a monthly basis
* Maintain a proper filing system of receipts, invoices, vouchers, and bank statements
* Produce monthly financial and management accounts for presentation to the board (this will include production of cash books and the analyzed cash flows for the office)
* Ascertain that the monetary values placed on donations in kind are realistic
* Follow up with the bank on outstanding statements
* Process all internal requisitions and ensure that all procedures and controls are implemented. Disburse/Process all authorized cash requisition for purchases and payments on time
* Compilation of year end schedules and liaise with external auditors
* Prepare monthly payroll using Belina pay roll package
* Up-date and maintain asset register and keep a record of all office keys
* Keep a record of all stock in the organization
* Assist programmes staff in the development of funding grants/proposals/budgets
* Assist in preparation of financial reports to donors
* Fleet management: vehicle insurances/licence/regular service
* Ensure that centre repairs are dealt with timeously
* To do any other duties as assigned by management

Person specification:

1. Accounting qualification
(a) A Bachelor’s degree holder, minimum 2 years’ experience in Finance, preferably NGO experience
(b) Full CIS qualification
(c) Computer literacy and knowledge of Pastel version 10 or higher is a pre-requisite
(d) Experience in conducting compliance checks and also ability to work with people from different backgrounds and nationalities

2. Personal attributes
(a) Attention to detail
(b) Self-motivated and have the ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision
(c) Have the capacity to train community groups in financial management aspects

Send your applications to: admin [at] chiedza [dot] org

Health Programme Manager: Save the Children
Deadline: 29 July 2011

To ensure the implementation and development of the health programme for Save the Children in Zimbabwe. The Health Programme Manager supports the field teams, health officers and health co-ordinators to develop monthly and quarterly work plans to ensure that project activities are delivered to time. The position will also include networking with strategic partners in the Country Health delivery system.

Main duties and responsibilities

-Oversee the implementation of health projects and ensure that stated goals and objectives are met
-Participate in proposal writing by leading the health team in the assessment of health needs and the development of concept papers and projects
-Prepare program work plans, budgets and manage grants in co-ordination with Programme Director and Grants Manager
-Assess unmet needs in the health sector and determine the potential for other Save the Children health projects
-Work with field teams to ensure that the health programme is implemented in conformity with the Save the Children’s programmatic approach; promoting and protecting rights, participation, capacity building, partnership and holistic programming
-Regular monitoring of health projects budgets to ensure budgets are spent on time with no overspending on health budgets
-Engagement with communities and beneficiaries on programmes related issues
-Co-ordination with local authorities, MoCHW, NAC on health related issues and other government departments; other NGOs, CBOs in Zimbabwe on programme related issues
-Co-ordination with UN agencies (UNICEF, UNFPA and WHO) on programme related issues and health policies
-Represent Save the Children child Protection Policy and IASC Guidelines and action Plan to prevent sexual exploitation are both understood by staff and all partners and they are being effectively implemented
-Provide ongoing support to the health team for development of skills
-Work with the health team to set their performance objectives and routinely monitor these objectives

Key competences

-Degree in Community Health and Master’s of Public Health (desirable) with bias towards maternal and neonatal health
-5 years’ relevant experience of working with an INGO in the field of health
-Experience in team building, be able to solve staff problems, staff development and proven management skills
-Ability to work in close collaboration with local health authorities and other partners
-Excellent computer skills; MS Office, Epi-Info/SPSS, Internet

A detailed Job Description will be given to applicants before the interview.

The applications should be clearly marked ‘Health Manager’ and submitted to the Country Director, Save the children, 221 Five Avenue, Harare or email to recruit [at] savethechildrenzw [dot] org

Various positions: GRM International
Deadline: 29 July 2011 (5pm CAT)

GRM International is a leading international development management agency specialising in the provision of project design and technical assistance to development projects for bilateral and multilateral funding agencies, governments and corporations. In Zimbabwe, GRM International manages a number of donor funded programmes and is currently seeking applications from highly qualified candidates for the following short term positions:

-Senior Grants Officer (15 months)
-Food Security Advisor (15 months)
-Inputs Manager (75% LOE over 12 months)
-Inputs Coordinator (12 months)
-Procurement Officer (7 months)
-Field Monitors x 2 (8 months)
-M&E Coordinator (14 months)
-M&E Officer (14 months)
-Communications Officer (15 months)

All positions will be based in Harare, some with extensive domestic travel. Competitive salary packages will be negotiated with the successful candidates.

For Terms of Reference and the application process, please refer to the GRM Website: www.grminternational.com

Applications will be short-listed as they are received. CV’s are requested urgently. Please note only short-listed applicants will be contacted. GRM is an equal opportunity employer; and we actively encourage interest form women, and those with disabilities to apply. Selection is on merit.

Several (6) positions: Mashambanzou
Deadline: 31 July 2011

Applications are invited from suitably qualified individuals to fill the following positions within a Welfare Organization in Waterfalls, Harare. The individuals should be able to join the organization from the 1st of September 2011.

Duties & Responsibilities: Remuneration and other relevant information to the positions will be communicated to the short listed candidates.

1) Nurse Manager

Qualifications and Experience

1. The individual should be a qualified Registered General Nurse (RGN) and also a holder recognized Management/Administration qualification.
2. Strong Management and Report writing skills.
3. Experience in working with community based HIV programmes
4. Ability to use Microsoft (excel & word) and email
5. Clean class four (4) drivers’ licence

2) Registered General Nurse

Qualifications and Experience

1. The individual should be a qualified Registered General Nurse (RGN).
2. Diploma/Certificate in Counselling
3. Contemporary understanding of HIV management
4. Experience in working with community based HIV programmes
5. Good report writing skills.
6. Clean class four (4) drivers licence (manual)

3) Social Worker

Qualifications and Experience

1. BSW degree
2. Experience in working with children in community based programmes
3. Good Report writing skills.
4. Ability to use Microsoft (excel & word) and email
5. Clean class four (4) drivers licence (manual)

4) Pastoral Counsellor

Qualifications and Experience

1. Diploma/ Certificate in Counselling
2. Strong Christian background backed by church leadership recommendation.
3. Experience in working with children in community based programmes
4. Good report writing skills.
5. Computer proficiency
6. Clean class four (4) drivers’ licence

5) Child Protection Officer

Qualifications and Experience

1. A BSW or any Qualification in Community work with children
2. An understanding of the Children’s Act and other Child Protection issues
3.Strong Management and Report writing skills.
4.Experience in working with children in community based programmes
5.Computer proficiency
6. Clean class four (4) drivers’ licence

6) Community Development Worker (Part-time)

Qualifications and experience

1. BSW/ Degree in Community Development
2. Experience in facilitating sustainable community centered development projects with urban communities
3. Good communication and report writing skills
4. Strong management skills and computer proficiency

If you meet the above minimum requirements kindly forward your applications to:

The Administrative Assistant, PO Box W190, Waterfalls, Harare
(OR) email to max [at] mashambanzou [dot] co [dot] zw

Child Health Technical Officer: MCHIP Zimbabwe
Deadline: 1 August 2011 (close of business)

The Maternal Child Integrated Program (MCHIP), a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded technical assistance project that is managed in Zimbabwe by John Snow, Inc. (JSI), is recruiting the following position:

Child Health Technical Officer (CHTO)

The CHTO will be responsible for planning and implementing MCHIP activities related to child health, including contributing to relevant national technical working groups, review training materials, health worker training and community child health interventions. The CHTO will serve as the project’s primary technical expert and will represent MCHIP on national technical working groups and committees, as appropriate. In addition, MCHIP’s focus is on improving the quality of care provided by health care workers. In supporting child health work, the CHTO will work with the MOHCW and other national/international partners to plan, implement, monitor and report on issues including integrated management of newborn and childhood illness (IMNCI), routine immunization, nutrition and other interventions to prevent and treat the most common causes of childhood deaths. This position is based in Harare with approximately 40% travel to support activities in selected learning sites.

Qualifications/work experience

-Paediatrician, medical officer or post-diploma Nurse
-A Public Health degree or equivalent training and experience is an added advantage
-10+ years’ experience delivering and teaching others to deliver quality child health services
-Demonstrated planning, managing, co-ordination, supervisory and group facilitation skills
-Ability to work independently and as a team leader/member with diverse staff
-Excellent interpersonal/communication skills
-Experienced speaker on topics related to child health
-Fluency in English and Shona and/or Ndebele
-Excellent computer skills and experience working with MS Office
-USAID experience a plus

Principal duties and responsibilities can be made available upon request.

Competitive salary and benefits are on offer. Only short listed candidates will be notified.

Interested applicants please submit application letter, complete CV and references to: The Country Directors, MCHIP Office, No. 4 Fairman Close (Off Quorn Avenue), Mount Pleasant, Harare. Or email Dorothy [at] mchipzim [dot] org

Teach For All: Senior Director – Regional Growth Strategy & Development for Africa
Deadline: 1 August 2011

Teach For All is an international nonprofit organisation that coordinates a network of nonprofits providing excellent education to all students while simultaneously building a movement for education reform.

Teach For All has fielded increased demand from social entrepreneurs across Africa who are eager to bring the model to their own countries in order to help address the educational inequities that exist. It has received interest from groups in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Liberia and Sierra Leone, among others. To manage the growing demand from the region, Teach For All seeks a results-oriented, entrepreneurial team member who will provide comprehensive support to aspiring entrepreneurs and will help galvanise a base of local champions in the region.

Teach For All seeks a Senior Director, Regional Growth Strategy and Development for Africa, based in Johannesburg or Nairobi.

Find out more

Nutrition Consultant: MCHIP Zimbabwe
Deadline: 1 August 2011 (close of business)

MCHIP/Zimbabwe is seeking a long-term consultant to provide technical assistance in the area of nutrition. MCHIP/Zimbabwe supports the Government of Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Welfare (MOHCW) in improving maternal, newborn and children health at the national, provincial and district levels.

Specifically, MCHIP/Zimbabwe will:

-Provide support to the MOHCW infant and young child feeding (IYCF) research and a program review in the following areas, as needed: reviewing the design and instruments for the study and assessment; assisting with any field work; assisting with the analyses of the study and assessment; and reviewing the final report
-Provide support for the development of an IYCF BCC package
-Provide support to the MOHCW National Nutrition Department for the development of a nutrition strategy and implementation plan, which supports the goals of the multi-sector National Food and Nutrition Security Policy (NFNSP)
-Provide support in MCHIP/Zimbabwe districts (Mutare and Chimanimani) to test approaches proposed in the MOHCW’s nutrition strategy implementation plan for integrating nutrition into MOHCW activities, and linking these activities to other sector programs that support change in nutrition indicators

The Nutrition Consultant will be based in the MCHIP/Zimbabwe Harare office and will work closely with the MOHCW National Nutrition Department, UNICEF, and other stakeholders. The Nutrition Consultant will travel as needed to select districts supported by MCHIP/Zimbabwe and will provide assistance in any identified activities such as testing the IYCF BCC package, or testing approaches proposed in the nutrition strategy implementation to integrate nutrition into MOHCW activities and provide strong links to livelihood and agriculture programs. The Nutrition Consultant will report to the MCHIP/Zimbabwe Country Director and will liaise with MCHIP Team Leader in Nutrition and other nutrition staff.

Principal duties and responsibilities can be made available on request.

Qualifications/work experience

-Master’s degree in nutrition or public health related fields or relevant clinical degree
-5+ years’ experience in nutrition programming, particularly related to community-based activities and facility-based activities to prevent malnutrition in women and children
-3+ years of experience in giving technical assistance to developing BCC strategies, designing BCC campaigns and activities, developing BCC materials, messages and campaigns to support nutrition programming
-Experience with research methodologies and conducting at least qualitative research, particularly on infant and young child feeding
-Experience in writing nutrition strategies or implementation plans
-Demonstrated ability to think innovatively and work collaboratively
-Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
-Ability to travel to rural areas, as needed
-USAID experience a plus

Duration of assignment: 1st September 2011 – 28th February 2012 (subject to extension pending availability of funding).

Competitive salary and benefits are on offer. Only short listed candidates will be notified.

Interested applicants please submit application letter, complete CV and references to: The Country Director, MCHIP Office, No. 4 Fairman Close (Off Quorn Avenue), Mount Pleasant, Harare. Or email Dorothy [at] mchipzim [dot] org

Country Representative, Zimbabwe: American Friends Service Committee
Deadline: 5 August 2011

The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization, which includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace, and humanitarian service. Its work is based on the Quaker belief in the worth of every person and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice.

Position Summary
The Country Representative is responsible for the overall management and program direction, legal obligations, reporting, and stewardship of all AFSC resources. The Representative serves as official representative of the AFSC; manages contacts in Zimbabwe with government ministries, UN agencies, and local and international NGOs. He/she reports to Regional Director for Africa, supervises Zimbabwe program staff; consults and collaborates with Philadelphia based staff and others as appropriate, and serves as a member of the AFSC Africa Region Leadership Team. Find out more

Two (2) Full-Time Positions are immediately available: Bulawayo-Based Non-Governmental Organisation
Deadline: 30 August 2011

We need organized, confident women to join our administrative team. Good salaries are on offer to mature, experienced candidates, who must be able to work without direct supervision. Should be able to adapt easily to a dynamic working environment, be good team players and have the ability to relate to different audiences.

1. Information Officer

We are looking for computer literate lady to manage the information for to inform programming and prepare reporting

Basic Requirements:

At least three years working experience in a similar field; ICDL, email literate and database programme an advantage; English-speaking (Ndebele and Shona language skills a strong advantage); education qualifications commensurate with the position being applied for.

Key Responsibilities

-Assist with analysis of written reporting for programmatic report preparation.
-Maintenance of membership database on a monthly basis.
-Website management/ maintenance and other media updating.
-Filing of new releases and media liaison.
-Research/ documentation and lobby and advocacy report preparation.

2. Finance Officer

The post holder will establish financial systems for the organisation and maintain and monitor these. As well as keeping all accounting records necessary as the organisation prepares financial procedures for audit. Have the ability to balance conflicting priorities and work calmly and effectively under pressure.

Basic Requirements:

At least five years working experience in a similar field; computer literate; English-speaking; education qualifications commensurate with the position being applied for.

Key Responsibilities

-Set up and manage financial systems, procedures and controls
-Maintenance of accounting records on a daily and monthly basis
-Preparation of accounts for audit
-Managing petty cash
-Identification and liaison with suppliers as appropriate

Should you be interested in applying we request that you email the following to sisterhoodzimbabwe [at] yahoo [dot] com – please be sure to clearly state the position you are interested in.

Please make sure you do the following:

1. Submit a covering letter explaining your suitability for the position you are applying for
2. State your salary expectations
3. Attach a C.V.

It is tempting to think of men as animals who cannot control their urges. This is what is implied when women are told that if they wear tight fitting clothes or miniskirts in public they put themselves in danger of being raped. It is affirmed by men themselves when they threaten those women with a public stripping and beating, or argue that the benefits of sex without a condom outweigh the risk of STIs and pregnancy.  But when men are angry that Matobo Senator Sithembile Mlotshwa from MDC-T has also affirmed this position I am surprised. It is one thing for men to control how women behave both in public and private, but it is quite another when women seek to do the same. Men themselves exploit the notion that they are unable to control their urge to procreate. Our society has made it acceptable for a man to have a wife, a small house and a girlfriend, without making that man accountable. And before anyone brings up polygamy, please understand that polygamy was practised within the framework of the family, not outside it.

I don’t agree with the senator’s sentiments. The premise upon which her argument is based, that men are exclusively to blame for the spread of HIV, is false. More than that, the idea of chemically castrating men in general is not only in-humane but also ridiculous. But in the face of countless testimonials by HIV-infected women whose single sexual partner is a philandering husband, I can understand her frustration.

The Asiagate scandal has been top news for the past week in the daily papers. The publicity given to this story sounded like this scandal just popped out all of sudden with the visit by Sepp Blatter, world soccer governing body FIFA president. To think of it, these acts of corruption and bribery actually happened a year and some months ago and nobody said a thing about it. It seems like the custodians of sports in this country had their attention diverted to the jostling for positions to govern the Zimbabwe Football Authority (ZIFA). Every wanna be sports writer in this country has made a name out of this story in the past month.

One of my work mates asked me what this “Asiagate” thing was all about. I had no specific answer to that question but only to say “it’s a bunch of soccer crooks that went overseas on match fixing tours and soliciting bribes”. I had no guts to call them soccer players/ officials because what these people did is a disgrace to the nation. The manner in which the report on the Asia tour was produced is scandalous on its own. There is now finger pointing and blame shifting even involving media personnel. But the most surprising thing is that the mastermind of this scandal was arrested and sentenced to two years in prison in Finland yet here in Zimbabwe it is still just news with no arrests. One may suggest that perhaps the people involved in this story are all overseas like the guy arrested in Finland but take a casual visit to town and you can bump into one of the fellows. Since no arrests have been made it really looks like the media reports were just for publicity in preparation for the visit by Sepp Blatter.

Having spent much of my adult life thinking about my language and culture, I felt both comfort and dismay in reading Thembi Sachikonye’s article for Newsday Losing our way:

Sure, we need to ask ourselves whether there is anything wrong with being swallowed up in a cultural tidal wave, participating willingly in the elimination of difference and diversity, and taking up another people’s way of life, another people’s language, and another people’s values in the name of progress, education or sophistication. And I am hoping that when we have asked ourselves these questions we will end up with an answer we can all live with.

We cannot redeem our cultural failures without a concerted and consistent effort. We cannot right our wrongs without first acknowledging that there is a problem, and then working hard to fix it.

This translates to a daily consciousness of how we communicate and conduct ourselves around those we want to influence. It means carefully filtering the influences we subject our children to.

I think is time for a cultural renaissance. We must begin to have a different and more meaningful understanding of our culture and languages and with that a more concerted effort towards preserving these. We cannot continue to wax lyrical on the opportunities allowed by globalisation, the emergence of technologies and media that are more inclusive. Yet when faced with the challenge of putting these tools to utilitarian use, we balk.

As a people we cannot continue to brag about how educated we are, but when we truly examine where all that education is going, what good it does us as a nation, suddenly there is silence. Where is the wiki on Zimbabwean history language and culture written for and by Zimbabweans themselves? Why aren’t more Shona and Ndebele books available in audio and as mp3 downloads? I want to read more histories by and about Zimbabweans that are without a political agenda, and watch well-written films that are entirely in vernacular and subtitled in English. We as Zimbabweans have to prioritise our cultures and languages. We cannot afford to wait for someone to create a grant that will specifically allow us to do so.