Many households in Zimbabwe have made an outcry over never being counted during the 2012 census. From an SMS survey conducted by Kubatana on the 2012 census people did mention they were not counted during this exercise. According to a report on New Zimbabwe this has led to Zimstat calling for a ‘mop-up count’ for all those who were left out.  Zimstat’s population census director, Washington Mapeta is quoted as saying, “We are checking all those reports and for the purposes of making the whole process credible, enumerators will visit areas where people are said to have been left out.” This is in the face of remarks made by the Finance Minister Tendai Biti who declared that the 2012 census was a success. It is important to point out also that the armed forces hijacked the census programme demanding to be included as enumerators.

From a Kubatana member:

Community boreholes that are not working due to lack of spare parts and service attention by the authorities. This is in our community of Chivi Ward 18 Virimai Village, Zimbabwe. People are struggling to get drinking water and animals are already dying. Drinking water is becoming an everyday problem in this community and its vicinity. Give us a hand.

Source: Brainpickings.org

The Education Minister in Kenya has banned weekend and holiday lessons for school children. Under Kenya’s National policy on tuition no classes shall be conducted during holidays and weekends. The minister reiterated that children have a right to rest from classes on weekends and during holidays adding that availability of education to all was a human right. Private schools that violate this directive will risk de-registration.

This is in contrast with what is happening here in Zimbabwe where government and private schools are capitalizing on weekend and holiday lessons for children – popularly known as “extra lessons” to boost income. Children from these schools are forced to pay for the extra lessons that are conducted at the school premises, or risk getting left out. Some of the private schools charge their tuition fees on a monthly basis and in order to keep revenue flowing these schools only gives students a one-week break for resting.

Ester, also known as “Amai White” is 90 years old and originally from Malawi.

More portraits here

Photo credit: Kubatana.net/Leigh Worsley-Worswick

Simon Khaya is divorcing his wife of 32 years claiming “there is no more love and affection between the parties. There are no conjugal rights enjoyed between the parties. The marriage relationship has failed to live up to a relationship, which is a normal one and is expected in marriage relationships.” Ignatius Chombo’s divorce was recently finalised by the courts. Minister of State in Vice-President Joice Mujuru’s office, Sylvester Nguni had his own messy divorce which made headlines last year. It would be interesting to hear Jonathan Moyo’s opinion seeing he has plenty to say about Morgan Tsvangirai’s alleged indiscretions!