I went to Grahamstown for a week to visit my daughter, Ruth, who is completing her Masters on memoirs by white Zimbabwean women.  I attended a colloquium where Masters and PhD students present aspects of their dissertations to supervisors and other interested lecturers.  My daughter’s paper went well although one of the lecturers, a white woman with an excellent reputation as a teacher, queried the sincerity of Alexandra Fuller’s second book, Scribbling the Cat.  I tended to agree with her and wondered aloud if it wasn’t the same with Peter Godwin, that his books had become progressively less sincere, seemingly written to order.  I had inadvertently lit a fuse.  She made academic mincemeat of Godwin, and climaxed with, ‘I’m sick of hearing about white boys in Africa!’  I got a distinct impression that she was including this old white boy.  I felt like replying – since I’m not an academic and don’t need to be politically correct – I felt like replying, ‘Well, I’m sick of hearing about white girls in academia’… but I chickened out.

While I was in Grahamstown, Dan Wylie launched his new poetry collection, Sailor, Poems for my Father.   Using Homer’s Odyssey as a frame, it sets out upon a son’s quest for his father.  Every poem is a gem.  It was Dan who drew my attention to David Hughes’ disparaging comment about me in his influential book, Whiteness in Zimbabwe.  Race, Landscape and the Problem of Belonging. I’d like to reply to David Hughes in this blog.  Here is what he says on page 10 of his book:-

In “I and the Black Poet” John Eppel contrasts himself  – savouring “a memory of crocus bulbs” – and his counterpart: “He focuses on Sharpeville and Soweto”.  That poem first appeared in the 1970s.  By 2007 Eppel had written a handful of novels centering on political and economic corruption in Bulawayo (e.g. 2002 and 2006), but his poetry still fetishized crocuses, the Matobo hills, and so on.  The choice of subject was deliberate.  Eppel was, as he explained to a literary magazine, trying “to find a voice which merges British form (prosody) with African content (mostly nature)”.   Blacks – evidently capable of killing whites and being killed by them – still did not seem to rank as publishable “content”.

I try to teach my school pupils about the often dangerous power of rhetoric  – selectivity, generalisation, emotional manipulation… as a satirist I use it myself.  Politicians use it, priests use it, moms and dads use it; but one doesn’t expect trained academics to use it.  Hughes deliberately – he can’t be stupid – misreads my poem.   In fact it is a confirmation of his attitude to white Zimbabweans  (which is how I felt in the 70s, more than 30 years ago).  The tone of the poem is not assertive, it is apologetic, self-mocking.  Here it is:-

I and the Black Poet

I have my subject in focus,
now  I must focus my poem.
It’s a memory of crocus
bulbs.  The memory is dim

but on page ninety-seven
of What Flower is That?
there’s a picture of a pink one.
The petals are opened – not flat

like a daisy, or just,
like a protea, but halfway
like me.  Now, with care, I must
arrange my words so that the ‘gay

little flowers…pop right out
of the ground in earliest spring.’
Shall they be white, or violet
or yellow or blue?  And shining?

Shall they shining?  Not bright
like stars, or dullish like paper,
but halfway like spoons.  O the light
in the pink of this picture

is lovely.  It half opens
me to the sky.  Like silver-striped
leaves my arms follow seasons
never cold enough for a typed

memory of crocuses.
Too hot, this earth, for words to grow
Into my bulbs.  He focuses
on  Sharpeville and Soweto.

Godobori recited his Shona translation of Khalil Gibran’s the Prophet at the Poetry Cafe during HIFA.

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.

Regional Manager: Musasa
Deadline: 18 May 2012

Musasa, a local human rights NGO in the area of Gender Based Violence is inviting applications for the post of Regional Manager based in Bulawayo or Gweru. Musasa organisation offers a competitive remuneration package based on qualifications and experience.

Purpose of the Job
To provide strategic leadership to the Bulawayo and Gweru regional offices through fundraising, networking and co-ordination of all activities towards the achievement of the objectives of the organisation.

Principal Accountabilities
-Producing narrative reports to donors to fulfil donor accountability requirements and update strategic partners on the progress made in the implementation of programs.
-Writing project proposals in order to mobilise funding for programs in line with Musasa’s mandate.
-Championing the implementation of the strategic plan in order to ensure effective implementation and compliance to requirements.
-Meeting all funding partners as and when required in order to update them on organisation progress and challenges for the sake of sustained funding.
-Marketing the organisation to ensure that the organisation’s programmes and services to making sure they are well articulated and understood by all key stakeholders, receive support and visibility in the province.
-Leadership, team building and supervision of subordinates to ensure teamwork and alignment of all efforts with organisation requirements.
-Recruitment of staff to ensure that the organisation has the requisite skills and competencies mix required for effective service delivery.
-Networking and building strategic alliances with key stakeholders in order to ensure alignment with national efforts by other organisations and government policies.
-Assisting periodic auditors in order to ensure that effective controls, processes and risk mitigation measures are put in place.
-Participating in efforts to lobby key government officials and institutions in order to influence the creation and effective enforcement of relevant systems and legislation.
-To grow the Musasa brand and maintain its reputation for it to become the most popular gender violence mitigation organisation in the province.

Qualifications
-Degree in social sciences/development studies or any relevant qualification will be an added advantage.
-Postgraduate qualification in project planning and management.
-Certificate or diploma in systemic counselling.
-Clean Class 4 driver’s licence.

Experience: 5 years experience of which 3 must be at management/supervisory level in HIV/AIDS and Gender related work.

Remuneration: The salary will be disclosed to the short-listed candidates only.

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

The Director
Musasa
64 Selous Avenue
Harare

Email: director [at] musasa [dot] co [dot] zw and
musasaproj [at] musasa [dot] co [dot] zw

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Programme Assistant: World Food Programme
Deadline: 19 May 2012

Vacancy Announcement No. 05/2012

Proposed Pay Level: SB3
Duty Station: Mutare
Duration of Employment: Seven months

Accountabilities
Within assigned units, the Programme Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: (These duties are generic and thus not all inclusive nor are all duties carried out by all Programme Assistants)

-Undertake negotiations for and prepare project documents with government ministries and other participating agencies
-Organize project planning missions, meetings and briefing session to identify and analyze problems and recommend project
-Assess project performance including utilization of resources and achievement of planned targets
-Monitor and receipt of necessary shipping, freight or other documents and notify appropriate WFP officer of non-receipt
-Monitor the processing time for settling freight forwarders accounts
-Issue letters of guarantees and no-charge invoices as instructed
-Monitor, update and track data related to project issues, commodity pipelines and financial allotment status reports, informing the relevant divisions accordingly; ensure accuracy of data related to the above
-Analyze and prepare projections for food commodities and non-food items to ensure timely call forward and/or local procurement
-Assist in compiling monthly statistics on food aid and commercial food shipments to the country maintain records on programme activities, from formulation stage through completion, by extracting relevant information from reports, project committee, budget records and other documentation, make information available for country briefs, country profiles, and other related purposes; ensure project cycle deadlines are met
-Analyze contract terms and condition and correct any observed discrepancies between contract rates and invoice amounts
-Carry out advocacy and information related tasks for project/programme activities such as making interventions and presentations in meetings, workshops, seminars, missions etc.
-Prepare status and progress reports by providing information and background material for use in discussions and briefing sessions
-Provide guidance, on-the-job training and assistance to support staff
-Evaluate, develop, and recommend procedures
-Participates in discussions on new/revised procedures and practices, interprets and assesses the impact of changes and makes recommendations on follow up actions
-Perform other related duties as required

Results expected
-Well organised, complete and accurate reports, records and/or data, put together independently with only general guidance

Critical success factors
-Sound judgment; ability to extract, interpret, analyse and format data and to resolve operational problems
-Ability to work with minimum supervision, to supervise and train support staff, and to work effectively with people of different national and cultural backgrounds

Qualifications
-Secondary school education preferably supplemented by courses in human resources, public administration, transport, development economics or other related field

Experience
-At least five years of progressively responsible experience, of which at least one year was closely related to programme functions

Knowledge
-Agriculture background with knowledge in agronomy and marketing
-Experience in conservation farming and water harvesting
-Training and/or experience utilizing computers, including word processing, spreadsheet and other software packages

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their application together with an updated CV, photocopies of certificates and name and address and telephone numbers of three referees in a sealed envelope clearly marked “Programme Assistant: VA 05/12″ to: Human Resources Officer, World Food Programme, 15 Natal Road, Belgravia, Harare.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted for the recruitment processes.

Qualified female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

Human Resources Assistant: World Food Programme
Deadline: 19 May 2012

Vacancy Announcement No. 04/12
Fixed Term Contract Level G5
Duty Station: Harare

Accountabilities
Within assigned units, the Programme Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: (These duties are generic and thus not all inclusive nor are all duties carried out by all Human Resource Assistants)

-Extract and input data from various sources in the human resources database
-Respond to human resources queries from staff in the unit and elsewhere in the Programme
-Ensure that salary, overtime, hours of work, leave policy, entitlement, health insurance and detailed Terms of Reference are comprehensively included within the body of all Letters of Employment offers
-Review supporting documentation for processing various actions, answer a variety of enquiries and supply readily available information from office files, databases, liaising with other offices as appropriate
-Verify benefit and other human resources related claims for accuracy and conformance with personnel rules and regulations
-Draft routine correspondence and initiate process for the preparation of all staff support documentation (visas, identification cards, UN Laissez Passer, bank accounts etc); organise relevant Customs, immigration and UN documentation process, as required
-Assist supervisor(s) in monitoring the contractual status of all staff on various appointment based in immediate location or within the office’s mandate monitor within grade service increment schedules and ensure the timely preparation and issuance of contract renewals and personnel action forms
-Check and maintain attendance registers, leave DSA forms and other forms and reports
-Check and maintain personnel files for all staff location, ensuring all documentation is complete, maintain and update confidential personnel information and documents, and ensure relevant documents are kept in their respective files
-Search for, retrieve, compile, assemble and archive a variety of human resources statistical data from computer files, records, reports or form other sources of external use
-Collect and maintain information on commercial, private and inter agency training schedules and institutions (course schedules, curricula and cost)
-Assist in the preparation of administrative reports, draft routine correspondence, arrange for briefings and debriefings and take notes at meetings
-Ensure that UNDP and WFP issued human resource and personnel policy manuals, rules, regulations, guidelines and circulars are updated and filed regularly
-Perform other related duties as required

Results expected
-With initiative and judgment produces organised, accurate and well-documented records with well analysed data and addresses unforeseen situations seeking advice and guidance from supervisor, as necessary.
-May assign work to staff in lower grades

Critical success factors
-Ability to review a variety of data, identify and adjust data discrepancies
-Identify and resolve operational problems with substantial independence
-Ability to obtain or give factual information of a non-routine nature involving interpretation of facts and requiring clarity of expression
-Ability to perform detailed work, frequently of a confidential nature and/or to handle a large volume of work systematically, effectively and accurately
-Ability to train other staff regarding relevant work responsibilities
-Ability to work in a team environment and coordinate assignments to achieve common goals
-Ability to deal patiently and tactfully with people of different national and cultural backgrounds

Qualifications
-Secondary school education

Experience
-At least four years of progressively responsible support or secretarial work experience including at least two years in the field of human resources or other related field and at least one year at the G4 level or equivalent

Knowledge
-Training and/or experience utilizing computers, including word processing, spreadsheet and other standard WFP software packages and systems
-General knowledge of UN system policies, rules and regulations and procedures governing human resources administration

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their application together with an updated CV, photocopies of certificates and name and address and telephone numbers of three referees in a sealed envelope clearly marked “Human Resources Assistant – G5: VA 04/12″ to: Human Resources Officer, World Food Programme, 15 Natal Road, Belgravia, Harare.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted for the recruitment processes.

Qualified female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

Regional Programme Manager, Southern Africa: CAFOD
Deadline: 20 May 2012

Salary: Attractive
Based: Harare, Zimbabwe
Contract: 3-year contract

CAFOD, one of the UK’s leading development and relief agencies, is seeking a strategic leader to oversee the management of its development programme in Southern Africa.

You will be an empowering people manager, a skilled networker with an excellent track record of working in Livelihoods, Social Protection, WASH and Governance sectors.

Your main role will be to:
-Provide vision and enthusiastic leadership to the Southern Africa (Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, & Swaziland) programme team in Harare working in harmony with the Mozambique Country Manager
-Promote and support the development of programmes with partners and sister agencies
-Manage the implementation of strategic and operational plans
-Ensure that CAFOD is effectively represented to key international and local players.

You will have the ability to develop vision with colleagues and to think, manage and communicate creatively and strategically. You will be fluent in English and confident in playing a representation role in a sensitive environment.

Find out more

Driver/Office Orderly: Musasa
Deadline: 21 May 2012

Musasa a Women’s Organisation focusing on human rights has a vacant position for a Driver/Office Orderly.

Specific Tasks
-Driving staff to and from workshop venues to ensure timely arrival
-Reporting all vehicles defects and ensuring that reports are done timeously
-Delivering and collecting mail timeously
-Undertaking bank errands
-Maintenance of vehicles to ensure they are functioning well and ready for use
-Cleaning and maintaining the vehicles
-Cleaning offices and maintaining the office environment hygienic at all times
-Keeping daily record of mileage and filling in of log books after each use
-Providing refreshments for staff and visitors
-Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor

Qualifications and Experience
-Clean and valid class four driver’s licence
-Defensive driving certificate plus medical certificate
-5 “O” levels
-Motor vehicle maintenance certificate will be an added advantage

The organisation is an equal opportunity employer. It also offers very competitive salary and conditions to the right candidates. Salary to be disclosed to short listed candidates.

Applications in writing to:

The Director
Musasa
64 Selous Avenue
Harare

Email: director [at] musasa [dot] co [dot] zw and
musasaproj [at] musasa [dot] co [dot] zw

Nutrition Specialist: United Nations Children’s Fund
Deadline: 21 May 2012

Vacancy Notice No. Zim/2012:20
NOC Level (Fixed Term)
Based in Harare, Zimbabwe

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world’s leading children’s rights organization would like to hear from you. For 60 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children’s survival, protection and development. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS.

Purpose of the post
Under the overall guidance of the Nutrition Manager is accountable for formulation, design, planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluation of Nutrition project(s) to ensure overall efficiency and effectiveness of the project management, delivery and accomplishment of project goals and objectives. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the Nutrition project/programme promote gender equality, and for collaborating to mainstream key features across all related sectors of the country programme.

Key result areas for this post include
-Enhance effective project, sectoral planning, development and management by leading, coordinating and supporting the timely completion of the Situational Analysis and its periodic update.
-Promote the quality of rights-based Nutrition projects and programmes through participation in the formulation of programme / project goals, strategies and approaches, especially those that increase gender equality.
-Ensure the appropriateness of financial, administrative and supply documentation. Verify that Nutrition project expenditures are within allotments and that data is consistent with the project information and database.
-Participate in major evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual sector review meetings with government counterparts, ensuring that quantitative and qualitative lessons learned in gender equality in nutrition are included as a standard feature.
-Ensure the preparation of annual Nutrition sector status reports.
-Promote the organization goals of UNICEF through advocacy and policy dialogue through active engagement in communication, networking and participation at every opportunity inside and outside UNICEF, leveraging the strength of UNICEF mission, goals and programmes and focusing on the contributions of gender equality in achieving these goals.
-Coordinates with Operations and Supply staff on supply and non-supply assistance activities ensuring proper and timely UNICEF and Government accountability.
-Certifies disbursements of funds, monitors and submits financial status reports to management in compliance with the regulations and guidelines

Qualifications and Competencies
-Advanced university degree in one of the disciplines relevant to the following areas: Public Health & Nutrition, Health Sciences, International Health & Nutrition, Family Health & Nutrition, Nutritional Epidemiology, Health & Nutrition Education, Health & Nutrition Promotion and Disease Prevention, Public Health, Health Emergency Preparedness, or other relevant discipline(s).
-Five years of progressively responsible professional work experience in the UN or other international development organization, national government or the private sector.
-High computer skills and knowledge of SAP operating system is an added advantage.
-Background / familiarity with emergency an added advantage.

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.

Human Resources Manager
(Vacancy Notice Zim/2012:20)
UNICEF, 6 Fairbridge Avenue,
P O Box 1250
Belgravia,
Harare

Or email: hararevacancies [at] gmail [dot] com

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Institute of Peace Leadership and Governance: Lecturer / Senior Lecturer / Associate Professor / Professor in Human Rights: Africa University
Deadline: 30 June 2012

Africa University is an independent pan-African institution of higher learning that works to provide education of the highest quality to students and trainees from all over Africa and equip them for leadership roles they are expected to play in the new millennium.

The Institute of Peace Leadership and Governance (IPLG) of the Africa University provides a focus for training, research and documentation in the areas of peace, leadership and governance in Africa with a view to developing the skills of students and practitioners in these areas.

IPLG seeks to appoint a Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor/Professor in Human Rights, based in Zimbabwe.

Responsibilities
This position involves a mix of teaching and administrative responsibilities.
-Develop and update curricula in human rights and rule of law and related fields
-Teach the theory and practice of human rights
-Contribute to the core research programme in human rights and other areas
-Mentor, supervise and train students in Human Rights promotion and policy development
-Supervise students’ research projects and dissertations
-Engage in scholarly research academic activities in the broader fields of Human Rights and Rule of Law
-Promote public and outreach events in the discipline of human rights and rule of law
-Facilitate training, workshops, seminars and executive courses in human rights and rule of law
-Attend IPLG meetings and University committee meetings
-Develop and coordinate projects on human rights and related areas
-Perform any other functions from time to time

Requirements
-University doctorate degree in law, social/political science, international relations, international law/humanitarian law or a related field
-Ability to contribute to the Institute’s research profile and an outstanding record of research and publication in the broader fields of human rights
-Teaching experience at graduate level
-Minimum of five years international experience working in human rights arena will be an advantage
-Experience in human rights practice including experience of working with multi-lateral, government or non-government human rights organisations
-Networking skills
-Conversant with human rights instruments and institutions in Africa as well as internationally
-Ability to work as team and respect for diversity.

Salary: A salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered.

Terms: Lectureship positions are full-time and appointment will be made at an appropriate level based on qualifications.

All positions report to IPLG Director.  These Terms of Reference are approximate, and in no case limited to the functions hereby specified. IPLG and the University authorities reserve their right to include the modifications they consider necessary to optimise the implementation of the project.

To apply, the following submissions are required:
-Six copies of motivation letter stating how you meet the requirements of the post and addressing each of the elements of the job requirements and personal specifications
-Six copies of full curriculum vitae, including particulars of qualifications, employment history and current salary, and the names and contact details of three referees who may be contacted immediately
-Six sets of certified academic and professional certificates and degree transcripts.

Submit a CV, six copies of certified certificates/academic transcripts and at least three names of referees with their email and postal addresses to the Assistant Registrar – Personnel and Administration, Africa University, Box 1320 Mutare, Zimbabwe at arpa [at] africau [dot] ac [dot] zw and cc: iplgdirector [at] africau [dot] ac [dot] zw

Institute of Peace Leadership and Governance: Lecturer / Senior Lecturer / Associate Professor / Professor in Leadership and Governance: Africa University
Deadline: 30 June 2012

Africa University is an independent pan-African institution of higher learning that works to provide education of the highest quality to students and trainees from all over Africa and equip them for leadership roles they are expected to play in the new millennium.

The Institute of Peace Leadership and Governance (IPLG) of the Africa University provides a focus for training, research and documentation in the areas of peace, leadership and governance in Africa with a view to developing the skills of students and practitioners in these areas.

IPLG seeks to appoint a Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor/Professor in Leadership and Governance, based in Zimbabwe.

Responsibilities
This position involves a mix of teaching and administrative responsibilities.
-Develop and update curricula in the discipline of Leadership and Governance
-Teach the theory and practice of Leadership and Governance
-Contribute to the core research programme in field of Leadership and related areas
-Mentor, supervise and train students in Leadership Development and Analysis
-Supervise students’ research projects and dissertations
-Engage in scholarly research and academic activities
-Promote public and outreach activities in the discipline
-Facilitate training, workshops, seminars and executive courses in Leadership Development and Governance
-Attend IPLG meetings and University Committee meetings
-Develop and coordinate projects in the area of Leadership Development, Governance and related fields
-Perform any other functions from time to time

Requirements
-University doctorate degree in any of the following areas of discipline: management, leadership, administration, governance, or a related field;
-Ability to contribute to the Institute’s research profile and an outstanding record of research and publication in human rights;
-Teaching experience at university graduate level
-Minimum of five years experience working in leadership development, management or governance
-Experience working in a leadership position
-Networking skills
-Conversant with leadership development in Africa
-Ability to work in a team and respect for diversity.

Salary: A salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered.

Terms: Lectureship positions are full-time and appointment will be made at an appropriate level based on qualifications.

All positions report to IPLG Director.  These Terms of Reference are approximate, and in no case limited to the functions hereby specified. IPLG and the University authorities reserve their right to include the modifications they consider necessary to optimise the implementation of the project.

To apply, the following submissions are required
-Six copies of motivation letter stating how you meet the requirements of the post and addressing each of the elements of the job requirements and personal specifications
-Six copies of full curriculum vitae, including particulars of qualifications, employment history and current salary, and the names and contact details of three referees who may be contacted immediately
-Six sets of certified academic and professional certificates and degree transcripts.

Submit a CV, six copies of certified certificates, academic transcripts and at least three names of referees with their email and postal addresses to the Assistant Registrar – Personnel and Administration, Africa University, Box 1320 Mutare, Zimbabwe at arpa [at] africau [dot] ac [dot] zw and cc: iplgdirector [at] africau [dot] ac [dot] zw

Institute of Peace Leadership and Governance: Lecturer / Senior Lecturer / Associate Professor / Professor in Development / Public Policy / Governance
Deadline: 30 June 2012

Africa University is an independent pan-African institution of higher learning that works to provide education of the highest quality to students and trainees from all over Africa and equip them for leadership roles they are expected to play in the new millennium.

The Institute of Peace Leadership and Governance (IPLG) of the Africa University provides a focus for training, research and documentation in the areas of peace, leadership and governance in Africa with a view to developing the skills of students and practitioners in these areas.

IPLG seeks to appoint a Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor/Professor in Development/Public Policy Governance, based in Zimbabwe.

Responsibilities
This position involves a mix of teaching and administrative responsibilities.

-Develop and update curricula in the discipline of development, public policy and governance
-Teach the theory and practice of development, public policy and governance
-Contribute to the core research programme in field of development, public policy, governance and related areas
-Mentor, supervise and train students in development, public policy and governance
-Supervise students’ research projects and dissertations
-Engage in scholarly research and academic activities
-Promote public and outreach activities in the discipline
-Facilitate training, workshops, seminars and executive courses in development, public policy and governance
-Develop and coordinate projects in the area of development, public policy, governance and related fields
-Attend IPLG meetings and University committee meetings
-Perform any other functions from time to time

Requirements
-University doctorate degree in any of the following areas of discipline: development, public policy and governance, or a related field
-Ability to contribute to the Institute’s research profile and an outstanding record of research and publication in human rights
-Teaching experience at university graduate level
-Minimum of five years experience working in development, public policy and governance
-Experience working in a leadership position
-Networking skills
-Conversant with leadership development in Africa
-Ability to work in a team and respect for diversity.

Salary: A salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered.

Terms: Lectureship positions are full-time and appointment will be made at an appropriate level based on qualifications.

All positions report to IPLG Director. These Terms of Reference are approximate, and in no case limited to the functions hereby specified. IPLG and the University authorities reserve their right to include the modifications they consider necessary to optimise the implementation of the project.

To apply, the following submissions are required
-Six copies of motivation letter stating how you meet the requirements of the post and addressing each of the elements of the job requirements and personal specifications
-Six copies of full curriculum vitae, including particulars of qualifications, employment history and current salary, and the names and contact details of three referees who may be contacted immediately
-Six sets of certified academic and professional certificates and degree transcripts.

Submit a CV, six copies of certified certificates/academic transcripts and at least three names of referees with their email and postal addresses to the Assistant Registrar – Personnel and Administration, Africa University, Box 1320 Mutare, Zimbabwe at arpa [at] africau [dot] ac [dot] zw and cc: iplgdirector [at] africau [dot] ac [dot] zw

At Kubatana we’re all for people exercising their creativity so we were pleased to be emailed this photograph showing one of our FIX THIS.please stickers up on a newspaper billboard in Cape Town

Lots of different people make HIFA happen.

I got a bit depressed this morning when I read The Herald article COPAC in gay storm. For all the bombast of the headline, and the frenzy around keeping gay rights out of Zimbabwe’s new Constitution, there really isn’t much of a story – which just makes the intolerance of the article all the more apparent.

The article references the Constitution’s Bill of Rights, where a non-discrimination clause provides that “Everyone has the right not to be treated in an unfairly discriminatory manner on such grounds as their nationality, race, colour, tribe, place or circumstances of birth, ethnic or social origin, language, class, religious belief, political or other opinion, custom, culture, sex, gender, marital status, age, disability or economic, social or other status.” It latches particularly onto the phrase “circumstances of birth,” and then proceeds to report feedback from a number of lawyers and analysts who acknowledge that yes, hypothetically, this could be used to make an argument to the courts against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Of course, depending on where you fall on the nature versus nurture debate, I suppose one could also make the same argument using the protection of opinion, custom, culture, or other status. But does this mean we must remove the broad notion of tolerance from our Constitution – because some group we might not like might use it to their own benefit? Racism, sexism and xenophobia remain prejudices in some people’s minds – which is why the Constitution explicitly protects people regardless of race, sex and nationality.

Regardless of whether it is used to make an argument in favour of tolerance for homosexuality, including protection against discrimination regardless of circumstances of birth demonstrates the sort of broad tolerance a Constitution should provide. This means it doesn’t matter whether your parents were married when they had you, if you were born in prison, on an inauspicious day, as the child of rape or incest, malnourished, premature and in need of extraordinary medical support, exposed to narcotics in utero, as conjoined twins, as an intersex baby, or any of the other myriad ways in which you might be different from others. You still have the same rights everyone else does.

All human beings are equal. That why they’re called Human Rights. We all get them, regardless. But all human beings discriminate. That’s why fundamental rights and freedoms are including in Constitutions, and why we need protection against intolerance – our own and other people’s. Finding yourself trying to take out a part of a clause designed to promote tolerance? Is all the more reason to work for its inclusion.