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.

Senior Programme Officer: Christian Aid
Deadline: 18 November 2011

Harare based
Job Reference: Zim/SPO-PRA-1112/NK

Poverty is an outrage against humanity. It robs people of dignity, freedom and hope, of power over their own lives. Christian Aid has a vision – an end to poverty – and we believe that vision can become a reality. We are striving to bring lasting change to the lives of the poorest communities. We work wherever there is great need, helping people to find their own solutions to the problems they face, irrespective of their religion, caste or creed. If you’re passionate about positive change across the world, then this job might be for you.

Christian Aid Zimbabwe seeks to fill the position of Senior Programme Officer – Profitable Resilient Agriculture based in Harare with occasional travel throughout the country, especially Southwestern Zimbabwe, to support large and complex donor-funded projects in both rural and urban settings.

If you are educated to at least a degree level in agriculture or any other relevant discipline, have strong working knowledge of development issues and current affairs in Zimbabwe and the region, programme and financial management skills, community based approaches and capacity building, then you could be the person we are looking for. You should also have knowledge of churches, local development partner organizations and funding/reporting regulations of different donors.

As a Senior Programme Officer, you will lead the PRA theme in the country; supervise staff while directly managing, supporting and giving technical guidance to CA’s partners, implementing institutional donor-funded programmes in the Matabeleland region of Zimbabwe. Fundraising and reporting are key components of your remit.

To apply for this postion, you need to access the full advertisement on Christian Aid website on www.christianaid.org.uk and follow the links to download the application form and role profile.

Please email completed form to zimbabwerecruit [at] christian-aid [dot] org quoting the job reference number for the post.

Preference will be given to capable Zimbabwean nationals with a full appreciation of the country context, can speak local languages and can drive themselves to project sites.

Please note that CVs will not be accepted and that only short listed candidates will be contacted. If you have not been contacted by 28 November 2011, please assume your application was unsuccessful.

Interview date: Week commencing 28 November 2011

Christian Aid values diversity and aspires to reflect this in our workforce. We welcome applications from people from all sections of the community, irrespective of race, colour, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.

Project Officer: Christian Aid
Deadline: 18 November 2011

Harare based
Job Reference: Zim/PJOG-1112/NK

Christian Aid Zimbabwe seeks to fill the position of Project Officer based in Harare but with extensive travel throughout the country, especially Southwestern Zimbabwe, to support and monitor partner projects in both rural and urban settings. If you are educated to at least a degree level (agriculture, community development, development studies, social sciences, statistics, economics, etc) have working knowledge of large institutional donors and understand how the international development sector operates, then you could be the person we are looking for.

As a Project Officer, you will be responsible for building the capacity of partners and supporting them in the implementation, monitoring and reviewing of the DFID/GRM funded project termed Graduation from Survival to Protection/Promotion of Livelihoods. In doing this, you will need to ensure accelerated implementation, value for money, accountability and impact. You will also help ensure that project resources and outputs are delivered within budget and time frame and also that interventions have impact and permanently change the lives of the poor women and men, girls and boys for the better. You will be the interface between Christian Aid, GRM and partners and you will also represent Christian Aid at relevant stakeholder meetings, clusters and working groups.

To apply for this position, you need to access the full advertisement on Christian Aid website on www.christianaid.org.uk and follow the links to download the application form and role profile.

Please email completed form to zimbabwerecruit [at] christian-aid [dot] org quoting the job reference number for the post.

Preference will be given to capable Zimbabwean nationals with a full appreciation of the country context, can speak local languages and can drive themselves to project sites.

Please note that CVs will not be accepted and that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not been contacted by 28 November 2011, please assume your application was unsuccessful.

Interview date: Week commencing 28 November 2011

Christian Aid values diversity and aspires to reflect this in our workforce. We welcome applications from people from all sections of the community, irrespective of race, colour, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.

Two (2) positions: Bulawayo Agenda
Deadline: 18 November 2011 (4:30pm)

Bulawayo Agenda is one of the leading citizen sector organizations in Zimbabwe that is public focused and devoted to promoting debate, discussion and dialogue on issues of topical interest. The organization invites suitable candidates to submit their applications for the advertised positions. These positions will be based in Bulawayo.

1) Executive Director

Reports To: Board of Trustees
Key Working Relationships Internal: Board, Program Manager, Advocacy & Communication Manager, Finance Manager, Program Staff, Administration Staff, Finance Staff.
External: Partners, Press and other strategic networks

Job Summary
To provide strategic leadership for Bulawayo Agenda Trust through advocacy and of promotion of debate, discussion and dialogue on issues of topical interest. Responsible for overall strategic planning, revenue generation, financial management, organizational development, staff management and program operations.

Duties and Responsibilities
Strategy and Planning
-To ensure that all the organization’s programs are coordinated in an efficient and effective way, building on existing capabilities and continued institutional growth whilst maintaining Bulawayo Agenda’s current status of producing high impact quality work and products
-To develop and implement an operational programs management structure and accountability mechanism to support BA’s role in advocating and bringing about sustainable democracy in Zimbabwe in the short and long term to achieve the BA mission
-To develop and implement Key Result Areas (KRAs) and program performance goals at collective and individual levels across all departments
-Cultivates a strong partnership with the Board of Directors in setting policies consistent with the mission of the organization

People Skills
-Leads, motivates and develops staff and board so that they are passionate about what Bulawayo Agenda Trust has achieved and are committed to working effectively toward continual improvement
-Ensures the organization has diverse staff with skills appropriate to the needs of the position through people management activities including hiring, separation of employment, ongoing staff development, performance management, compensation and benefits
Fund Development
-Manages all fund development activities, including concept note and proposal writing, cultivation and stewardship of donors, event planning, and identifying new resources. Actively seeks and maintains a diverse donor base of individual, business, foundation and government segments
-Builds long term relationships with key donor segments based on mission, cultivation and stewardship, program outcomes and sound fiscal management. Public Relations/Advocacy
-Promotes the organization’s visibility and welfare through participation and membership in community forums, civic organizations and activities that are aligned with BA’s mission and vision
-Advocates at the local, regional and international level and advocate for policy shifts that impact people within the programming area for Bulawayo Agenda. Support to the Board of Trustees
-Arrange and participate in the meetings of the board Advise the board on financial, managerial, staffing and service delivery issues

Qualifications & Skills
-A relevant Masters degree from a reputable university
-A minimum of 5 years non-profit work experience in comparable fields
-At least 3 years of demonstrated success in staff leadership, fundraising, partnership development and financial management
-Demonstrated success of effectively leading change and organizational growth through strategic planning
-Demonstrated knowledge of political landscape and public policy issues that are faced by people within the country
-Demonstrated success in acquiring agency support through successful grant applications and general fund raising
-Strong fund development, marketing and public relations experience to successfully engage stakeholders, including funders, business partners, policy makers, media and communities
-Strong and effective oral and written communication skills
-Personal qualities that include integrity, commitment to BA’s mission, respect for diversity and the ability to inspire and motivate
-Must be Microsoft Office proficient, i.e. Word, PowerPoint, Excel
-Clean Class 4 Driver’s licence

2) Finance & Grants Manager

Reports To: Executive Director
Key Working Relationships Internal: Executive Director, Program Manager, Advocacy & Communication Manager, Program Staff, Administration Staff, and Finance Staff.
External: Partner Finance staffs as provided for under the Communication Policy

Job Summary
To establish and maintain financial and management procedures for Bulawayo Agenda. Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements in conjunction with the Executive Director and champion adequate resource acquisition for the development of services in the support of BA aims. The Finance & Grants Manager is responsible for monitoring the finance department’s accounting processes and developing various financial reports. S/he ensures that tasks are performed in accordance with Bulawayo Agenda’s standing policies and procedures governing financial management. S/he monitors the organization’s cash position, including ensuring that the cashbooks and related records reflect the prevailing cash situation.

Duties and Responsibilities
Program/Project Coordination
-The Finance and Grants Manager will assist the Executive Director in stewarding organization resources by ensuring that financial systems and procedures are being applied appropriately and policies adhered to
-S/he will assist the Executive Director to ensure that the department provides efficient and effective service to all stakeholders, internal and external, that would contribute towards quality programming

Accounting
-Ensure all data entries into the Bulawayo Agenda’s accounting system are accurate and complete
-Ensure that data is backed up daily
-Ensure that month-end close is conducted properly, completely, and accurately and sent in a timely manner to the Executive Director for approval
-Ensure that the cashbooks and cash related records reflect the available cash resources and are accurate
-Ensure that tasks are performed in accordance with BA’s policies and procedures.

Cash Management
-To maintain minimum cash resources at the office
-Daily downloading of cash and bank balances from bank and bank statement
-Monitor the organization cash position and timely advise the Executive Director

Supporting the Executive Director
Advise the Executive Director on financial, managerial, staffing and service delivery issues. Prepare and draft the organization’s Financial Annual Report. Advise the Executive Director on compliance with all relevant legislation (BA Constitution and Trust Deed and the Labour Relations Act and any other Act that affect the organization)

Required Qualifications
-Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Accounting, ACCA, CIMA or CIS
-Minimum of 4-year experience as a finance manager
-Excellent accounting knowledge
-Very high level of computer literacy, including thorough knowledge of Pastel Accounting System
-Ability to meet strict deadlines under pressure
-Extremely detail oriented, with special attention to accuracy and completeness
-Ability to understand and implement BA policies and procedures
-Strong organizational skills and integrity
-Driver’s licence

Concerning both advertised posts

Salary: A competitive salary shall be negotiated with a successful candidate

How to Apply

Please submit your application letter, CV and copies of academic qualifications to:
Bulawayo Agenda Offices, Suite 602, 6th Floor Pioneer House, Corner 8th Avenue & Fife Street, Bulawayo

Or by email at byagenda [at] gmail [dot] com

Please note: Only short listed candidates will be notified of the interview dates.

Climate Change Programme Manager: African Wildlife Foundation
Deadline: 18 November 2011

The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is an international conservation organisation that works together with the people of Africa, to ensure that the wildlife and wild lands of Africa endure forever.

AWF seeks to appoint a Climate Change Programme Manager, based in Nairobi, Kenya.

S/he will lead the AWF Climate Change Programme and manage the technical design, funding and implementation of a portfolio of climate change monitoring, mitigation and adaptation projects. Reporting to the AWF Chief Scientist and Lands Director, s/he will participate in strategic, national and international climate change policy processes and prepare written technical reports for internal and external audiences. S/he will report to the AWF Chief Scientist and Lands Director.

Responsibilities:

Improve understanding and monitoring of climate change impacts in the AWF Heartlands Programme
-Work with AWF GIS and ecology teams to enable assessment of climate change impacts on key species and habitats in AWF Heartlands and prospective landscapes, to help refine programme priorities
-Help refine and apply AWF climate change vulnerability assessment methodologies and adaptation frameworks
-Support AWF climate change monitoring efforts and interpretation of findings in internal strategy, planning and action prioritisation processes.

Develop and manage portfolio of carbon mitigation projects across AWF Heartlands
-Work with AWF programme, programme design, philanthropy and marketing teams to build understanding of carbon financing opportunities in carbon markets, keeping up to date with market trends
-Provide technical support to existing portfolio of REDD projects in Tanzania, Kenya, and Democratic Republic of Congo liaising with partners and field-based implementation teams to help ensure high quality, on-budget and timely delivery of project outputs
-Support AWF field teams in developing new afforestation, re-afforestation and avoided deforestation carbon offset projects

Lead work to promote ecosystem-based adaptation across AWF Heartlands
-Work within the AWF Programme to build and guide the portfolio of work on climate change adaptation, including water storage and adaptation
-Document best practices and lessons learned, for project implementation and policy development
-Help fundraising teams to draft proposals for project funding

Support climate change policy work across AWF target countries
-Lead AWF Programme teams in identifying and prioritising climate change policy work, including participation in national and international level meetings and processes that help achieve AWF’s climate change objectives
-Build capacity of AWF teams and partners to engage in climate change policy processes
-Inform AWF Programme of implications of international climate change negotiations and decisions as well as financing processes
-Participate in strategic policy processes in support of AWF’s climate change strategy and objectives.

Prepare key papers and presentations, and represent AWF in strategic forums
-Lead on the preparation and updating of AWF climate change strategy and policy papers and make presentations in key forums as directed by line manager
-Advise AWF on institutional responses to reduce AWF carbon footprint

Requirements:
-Postgraduate MBA, MSc or PhD
-Minimum of five years relevant experience of working at a responsible level on climate change issues
-Knowledge and understanding of climate change issues related to ecosystems, forests and biodiversity, voluntary and regulatory carbon markets, climate policy, REDD policy and projects
-Experience of conservation in Africa
-Experience of designing conservation and climate change projects and of engaging in high level stakeholder consultation and policy analysis with regards to sustainable development and conservation
-Commitment to AWF mission and understanding of issues faced by AWF
-Technical skills and knowledge with respect to climate change issues and carbon financing in Africa
-Ability to conceptualise and write high level reports
-Ability to network strategically and communicate effectively with a wide group of partners, including proactive sharing of information and reporting
-Advanced computer and Internet skills
-Ability to work both as part of a team and independently
-Flexible, multi-tasking and ability to meet deadlines
-Ability and willingness to fulfil AWF administrative and accounting procedures
-Fluency in spoken and written English
-Knowledge of French would be preferred

To apply, submit a CV (with daytime telephone numbers and address), motivation letter and contact details of three referees to the Human Resources Manager at Humanresources [at] awfke [dot] org

Only short listed candidates shall be contacted.

For more about the African Wildlife Foundation, refer to www.awf.org
Vacancy sourced from NGO Pulse Portal

Reports Officer: UNICEF
Deadline: 20 November 2011

Vacancy Notice No. Zim/2011:45
NOB Level based in Harare, Zimbabwe
(Fixed Term Post)

Position being re-advertised and previous applicants will be considered, no need to reapply.

Purpose of the Job
The successful candidate will be under the supervision of the Reports Officer (L2), and will assist in the monitoring and writing of all Donor Reports for Programme funds. He or she will assist to ensure that all donor reports are submitted in a timely and accurate way as per donor and UNICEF reporting requirements. This includes gathering of information, writing, editing and production of interim and final reports. The person will also assist in updating and maintaining information on all the donor and programme reporting requirements. The role also ensures Section Heads and field offices are updated on these requirements and follow up as required.

In collaboration with the Reports Officer, the person will develop fundraising proposals for Harare Programme in line with the overall fundraising strategy. The role also ensures contribution to the compilation and editing of humanitarian and programmatic updates. This also involves compiling and editing monthly programmatic updates based on inputs from sections. In addition, this role will involve working with the Communications Section to ensure the availability of Human Interest Stories and Photos to enhance donor reporting and also working on briefing notes for donor visits.

Qualifications and Competencies
-An advanced university degree in social sciences or related technical field
-Two years of progressively responsible professional work experience, preferably with a humanitarian organization
-Strong report writing and donor management skills essential
-Initiative, passion and commitment to UNICEF’s mission and professional values
-Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment

How to apply
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 letter and curriculum vitae quoting vacancy notice number to the following address.

HR Specialist
(Vacancy Notice No. 45: Zim-2011)
UNICEF, 6 Fairbridge Avenue
P O Box 1250 Belgravia, Harare
Or email: hararevacancies [at] gmail [dot] com

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Finance and Administration Officer: Zimbabwe Women’s Bureau (ZWB)
Deadline: 21 November 2011

Zimbabwe Women’s Bureau (ZWB) is seeking to fill the above post that has fallen vacant within the organization.

Qualifications
-Diploma in accounting, with either ZAAT or CIS
-A degree in accounting is an added advantage
-Two years experience in an NGO environment
-Highly computer literate
-Working knowledge of pastel package

Qualities
-Ability to work under minimum supervision
-Honest and hardworking
-Good communication skills and a team player
-Goal oriented and innovative
-Sound management and leadership skills

Responsibilities
-Managing all ZWB finances
-Planning, managing and administration of donor finances
-Managing the administration department

Those interested should send their applications and CVs to: zwbtc2 [at] gmail [dot] com or ronikamumbire [at] gmail [dot] com or 43 Hillside Road, Box CR120, Cranborne, Harare.

The incumbent should be prepared to start as soon as possible.

Accounting Assistant: Population Services Zimbabwe
Deadline: 21 November 2011

12 Months Fixed Term Contract

Population Services Zimbabwe (PSZ), an affiliate of MARIE STOPES INTERNATIONAL (MSI), is a market focused and result-oriented non-governmental organization. We develop the efficient, effective and sustainable family planning and reproductive health programmes, with particular emphasis on the lower and disadvantaged communities in Zimbabwe. What we do makes a real difference to people’s lives, so it’s absolutely crucial that we fill our organisation with passionate people. An opportunity has arisen in the following area:

Job summary
Under the overall supervision of the Financial Accountant, the Accounting Assistant is responsible and accountable for providing financial, clerical and administrative support to the finance department.

Key duties
-Bank Reconciliation, payment processing and transaction updates
-Administer head office petty cash, receiving and reviewing petty cash transactions
-Capturing monthly expenditures including fuel and medical drug usages
-Reconciling actual stocks to balance sheet stock figures on a monthly basis
-Reconciling all creditors accounts
-Checking receipts for advances given to staff
-Monthly reconciliations of bank accounts. This includes posting all bank charges and interest.

Qualifications and experience
-Honours Degree in Accounting, Part ACCA or CIMA, intermediate competency in computerized accounting
-At least 2-3 years working experience
-Experience in a NGO will be an added advantage
-A working knowledge of Sun System Accounting Package a must

If you would like to be considered for this role, submit a covering letter and CV, outlining your experience to date, to:

The Human Resources Officer
Population Services Zimbabwe
9 Bisley Circle
Belvedere
Harare

Or send an email to recruitment [at] pszim [dot] com quoting the job title in the subject line.

Interview date: Week commencing 28 November 2011
Start date: ASAP

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

OI Decentralisation Nurse: MSF
Deadline: 22 November 2011

Based in Beitbridge

Requirements

-Qualified and fully registered Nurse
-Experience and qualification in Counselling
-Knowledge about HIV/AIDS, particularly anti-retroviral therapy is mandatory
-Proven experience in decentralizing ART services in RHF
-Rapid HIV Testing qualification is an asset
-NGO working experience
-Experience in working in teams
-Good communication skills, patience, diplomacy

Send CV to:
HR Admin, MSF-Spain
165 Tower Lane
Beitbridge, Zimbabwe

Or

Msfe-beitbridge [at] barcelona.msf [dot] org

Accountant: Local NGO
Deadline: 23 November 2011

A local NGO is inviting applications for the post of Accountant based in Harare.

Responsibilities
-Assists in the development and implementation of goals, policies, priorities, and procedures relating to financial management, budget, accounting, and/or payroll.
-Timely preparation of various financial statements and reports for donors and internal use.
-Timeous maintenance of cash book, ledgers and fixed assets register.
-Timeous preparation of reconciliations.
-Establishes system controls and develops procedures to improve existing systems and ensures controls are adhered to.
-Preparation of external audit materials and external financial reporting.
-Reviews financial statements with management.
-Ensures efficient and effective management of donor funds.
-Controlling budgets to ensure limits are adhered to.
-Ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.

Qualifications and Experience
-Degree in Accounting
-CIS/CIMA/ACCA or HND with part 3 CIS
-At least five years of experience in finance and administration and good knowledge of Pastel and spreadsheets
-Good analytical skills
-Ability to meet deadlines and priorities
-Clean Drivers License
-2 Years experience in an NGO

Applications including resume with three referees and their contactable telephone numbers and email addresses, should be sent to:

The Director
64 Selous Avenue/7th Street
Harare

Email: sarahmazhindu [at] yahoo [dot] com and hnyikadzino [at] gmail [dot] com and evelynchikoore [at] gmail [dot] com

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Computer Management Assistant: U.S. Embassy
Deadline: 25 November 2011 (Close of business)

The U.S. Embassy in Harare is seeking an individual for the position of Computer Management Assistant in the Information Management Office.

Basic function of position
Under the direct supervision of the Computer Management Specialist and Information Management Specialist, the incumbent maintains all aspects of system administration, installation, upgrade and management of Harare’s LAN/WAN computer network. The incumbent is responsible for troubleshooting and solving hardware, software and network problems, performing one-on-one user training on common computer applications and issues, and maintaining a variety of IT related records.

A copy of the complete position description listing all duties and responsibilities are available in the Human Resources Office: Telephone +263-4-250593 Ext 4622/4991

Qualifications required
Note: All applicants are instructed to address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each criterion. Failure to submit documentary evidence for educational qualifications will be grounds for disqualification. Foreigners/Non-Zimbabweans must attach work permit documents in order to be considered for employment by the Embassy.

-Diploma in IT is required. Certification in Comptia A+, Network + and Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer or equivalent required
-Three years of progressively responsible experience in a Network Administrator’s position working with standard Microsoft Operating Systems and applications is required
-Level 4 (fluent) English and Level 3 (good working knowledge) Shona/Ndebele is required
-Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Operating Systems (Windows 7, XP etc) and applications (MS Office) are required

Interested applicants for this position must submit current resume and copies of certificates to:

Human Resources Specialist
American Embassy Harare
172 Herbert Chitepo Avenue
P.O. Box 3340
Harare

Email responses to: hararerecruit [at] state [dot] gov

Director General: Southern Africa Federation of the Disabled (SAFOD)
Deadline: 31 December 2011

The Southern Africa Federation of the Disabled (SAFOD) is a regional organisation co-ordinating and strengthening organisations of the disabled people in 10 countries within the SADC region.

A vacancy has arisen for a Director General who enjoys working with people with disabilities. The incumbent will be located at its Head Office in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

The Director General will be accountable to the Regional Executive Council (REC).

Key results areas
-Plans, directs and co-ordinates all SAFOD operations
-Supervise the implementation for programmes/projects as Secretariat level
-Sits in the REC meetings as an ex-officio
-Advises the REC in the formulation of SAFOD Strategic Policies
-Negotiate projects funding modalities with donors/funders
-Directs national Secretariat on development programmes and projects
-Acts as an ambassador of the organisation in various fora
-Implements policies decided upon by the REC

Qualifications
-A Social Science Degree or equivalent in Management Community Development
-Minimum of 5 years experience in Management position
-Excellent communications, written, fundraising, analytical skills and computer literacy
-Strong passion for development of people with disabilities
-Strong background on disability activism

Interested and qualified people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Salary is negotiable depending on qualifications.

Applications including CV, reference letters to:
The Chairperson
SAFOD
P.O. Box 2247
Bulawayo
Zimbabwe

Or

Email: safod [at] netconnect [dot] co [dot] zw or info [at] safod [dot] org

I don’t think that when Rumbi Katedza wrote Playing Warriors she had a great message in mind. I think she simply wanted to tell a story she and the women she knew could relate to. The film is a snapshot in the lives of Nyarai (Kudzai Sevenzo), Maxi (Nothando Lobengula) and Nonto (Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana), three women in their late twenties. Maxi is an irreverent lawyer who is having an affair with a prominent politician. Nonto is the quiet friend who is about to be married and Nyarai, the central character, is a high flying career woman with a meddlesome mother.

From the beginning of the film it is obvious that Nyarai does not fit in the mould of the traditional Zimbabwean girl. The film opens with a dream sequence set in ancient Zimbabwe. A young warrior places the lion he has slain at Nyarai’s father’s feet.  He, apparently, is seeking Nyarai’s hand in marriage. Nyarai’s father looks to his wife for approval, this she gives with a smile. Everything appears as one would expect on such an occasion. The camera focuses on Nyarai’s face and the audience finds that rather than being breathless with excitement at having such gift presented for her hand, Nyarai does not look as pleased. In fact she almost looks annoyed.

Traditional Zimbabwean women are supposed to want marriage above everything else. Particularly to a man who so obviously can provide. In the film is it understandable that Nyarai will not commit to her ridiculously self absorbed toy-boy Che. Their relationship is simply about sex. It is he who needs her to survive. Nyarai’s relationship with Leslie, a well-heeled divorcée arranged for and heartily supported by her mother is far more complex. He goes to great pains to woo her, closing down a restaurant just for her and performing that rarity among Zimbabwean men, cooking her a meal. Even the audience feels that there might be a happy ending. But Leslie is merely mutton dressed as lamb. He confesses a bad relationship with his children, and gives them the kind of parenting that reduces his role in their lives to a bank account with a face.  He is arrogant, impatient and only acknowledges Nyarai’s relevance as his woman, not as her own person. This film is bold in claiming that women need more from their men than material security. Despite his money and their sexual chemistry Nyarai rejects Leslie because he doesn’t listen and therefore doesn’t understand her needs.

Nyarai’s mother, who embodies the traditional and cultural expectation placed upon young women, is perplexed by her oldest daughter’s impractical insistence on marrying only for love.

Maxi’s brazen and abrasive rejection of her burden of expectation provides an alternative angle to Nyarai’s gentle questioning. Fiercely independent, Maxi is everything a good Zimbabwean girl shouldn’t be. She smokes, she’s loud in her denouncement of traditions and cultural roles and she’s having sex with a married politician for pleasure and professional gain. But despite herself and everything she knows to be true about her lover, she falls in love with him.

In contrast to Maxi’s and to a lesser extent Nyarai’s tumultuous relationship with tradition is Nonto’s active acceptance of it. The film takes the audience through her experiences as a bride.  When she announces that she is getting married her friends question her decision not to have premarital sex and how she would cope with the disappointment should he be a bad lover. But Nonto is steadfast in her faith in her relationship, and as a born again Christian in the wisdom of her God. The film also depicts the processes involved in traditional marriages. There is a hilarious roora scene, where the groom’s munyayi (negotiator) uncomfortably pleads with Nonto’s uncles to lower the rusambo (bride price), and another showing the bridal party practising masteps (wedding dance) with a dictatorial choreographer.

On the surface Playing Warriors is a feel good chick flick. But it is also a film that documents the deeper change within Zimbabwe. It is a bold in showing independent free-thinking women who are in full-ownership of their sexuality, and demand more than material fulfilment from their relationships. It is also one of the first feature films about Zimbabwean women that does not characterise them as victims of male-driven tradition. I think the greatest lesson of the film is that it is possible for traditions and cultures to evolve, and change is not always about leaving the values that are important, such as family and community, behind.

Within 5 hours of me sending my last ‘lily-message’ we got a phone call
from a woman called Jo living in Merick Park
‘I believe you have lost your jack russel – we have found one’

We checked that this was a brown-and-white female with a long tail
but we knew it was Lily when she asked
‘does she sit back on her haunches with her front legs held out straight’
Kate, Eli Bo and I drove over to get her

There is no way to describe the joy in seeing this little animal
who carries so much of our lives

Bringing her home to Max and Tony and Rory…
Max couldn’t stop kissing her

Only Lily knows what happened
she was covered in red soil that is found on Merick Park hill
she must have run across the vlei and got lost on the other side

she looked as if she has been sleeping outside
but she had either been fed or had scavenged food
her front paw is sprained – as if she has scratched her way out of somewhere
(Lily has been known to claw holes in doors if locked somewhere by mistake)
she is limping,
and the pads on her feet are tender as if she has been running on tar roads
she is exhausted and a little shaken – but she will be fine
she walked in on Jo and her family on Sunday afternoon
Jo phoned the vet on Monday – and she got our phone number

Today, as Lily and Max lie together
stretched out at the A-frame door
I wonder
about the power of prayer/ritual/connecting/good wishes/love
and when we do what we do with intention
is this what calls in the magic

On the weekend I spoke to a woman who had lost her dog
who she found again
and she asked me if I was calling Lily back – connecting with her

and I realized that this was something I was finding so difficult
as my imagination took me to the awful places she could be
I did the phoning and the poster sticking-up and the vet-visiting
and I had not really, therefore
been calling her home with clear intention

so I did

What was it that called Lily home?
was it people sending love and support from everywhere?
was it my and Tony’s mothers giving to St. Anthony an ‘ear-bashing’?
was it the Mwanzas praying on the vlei?
was it the presence of the other Jack Russell, Lily,
when they brought her into their circle on 11.11.11. at Hazelwood ?
was it Bev H holding thumbs?
was it the poster we left on trees and at vets?
was it Lily?

or was it all of these things working together with the same intention?

Above the window
a pair of sun birds search the branches for spider webs to build their nest
life goes on

Thank you all for listening so patiently
and my love – coming from a much deeper place
to those who have not found their loved ones

So Equitorial Guinea has a constitutional referendum – basically to let dictator Obiang’s son become Vice President. Armed militia present IN the polling stations. Result? 99.4% in favour. Um. Okay. Because that 0.6% against is really going to make it look less rigged? Since he’s now top of the list as Africa’s longest serving dictator, you’d think he’d know better by now not to make it so obvious.

The road to marriage appears sweet and easy. This is where all the fun happens. There’s the courtship, which is sometimes characterised by a whirlwind romance and the marriage proposal. Then there are various traditional ceremonies as the two families engage each other, and begin the process of becoming one. These run concurrently with the fun and headaches of wedding preparations. In fact, some of the realities begin to reveal themselves during these preparations (arguments about the finances or who should be invited or indeed even the disinterest of the groom in the intricacies of the whole affair).

When couples date, they always give it their best, but once they start living together, standards begin to slip and eventually, couples see each other for what they really are. The restaurant meals, which characterised their courtships, are now replaced by overcooked, or burnt home cooking. You now know the state your partner’s home was in, when they came to meet you on a date, because that home is now yours too, and you are the one picking up dirty knickers. When you dated, you said things like “Let’s not argue about something so small, we only have a limited amount of time. Let’s not waste it on arguing”. But now in the marriage, some of those issues swept under the carpet during your courtship, come back to haunt you.

You may also refuse to accept that you are now mixing in a different circle and that some of the friends you had may no longer be appropriate. You may even realise that in-laws you thought were so sweet and welcoming were really excited about you, because of your baby-making potential and within a year there are pointeded questions being asked about when the babies will come. While dating, you often spoke of how many children you’d like to have, not realizing that these were not just numbers you are throwing around and that the reality of these numbers and what they demand of you in terms resources is quite another thing.

Many couples begin to panic as they fail to adjust to that reality of marriage. This panic ranges from complete shock, which may lead to some people bailing out of their failing marriages, by either physically (cheating) or emotionally withdrawing. Other’s panic can manifest itself as anger, which leads to abuse of self (drinking too much) and of the spouse (violence). Others trudge on, to save face or later, on for the sake of the children.

So many people go into marriage with unrealistic expectations not really knowing the key issues that make their spouses tick and many may not realize that saying “I do” marks the beginning of a different process as opposed to the continuum of the more romantic beginning. This inadequate preparation for marriage is leading to so many problems (small houses etc.). Maybe if people are better prepared for the realities of marriage, things in Zimbabwe would be a little different, after all, “fore-warned is fore-armed”. I’m sure there are many married people who will read this article. I hope that some of you may even think that it really speaks to you. What would you have loved to know before you got married that would have prepared you for the realities of this very noble and serious institution?

Despite the optimism communicated, by the Health and Child Welfare Ministry’s Seretse Maphosa, I am having a difficult time believing that the Zimbabwean public is that ready and willing to go for HIV testing. Our aversion to testing goes beyond a lack of adequate and nearby testing facilities. The truth is many, if not most people, would rather not know their HIV status. Testing positive changes one’s life, and most Zimbabweans are not ready or adequately equipped for dealing with these changes.

I am curious to know what the Ministry’s plan is, beyond getting half a million Zimbabweans to get tested in 10-days. I would also like to know what other support systems they have for those who test positive, beyond the once-off, pre and post-testing counseling services we’ve all come to know and associate with HIV testing. Will they assist with treatment and medication those who test positive will consequently require? What are they doing concurrently with the testing campaign to combat stigma, which I believe to be the deadliest aspect HIV?