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.

Two (2) Finance opportunities at VSO
Deadline: noon on 2 June 2011

VSO is a leading international development organisation that fights poverty through people. We deliver relevant and cost effective work that promotes volunteering to fight global poverty in over 50 countries around the world.

1. Regional Finance Officer

Based in: Lusaka, Zambia

Salary: £26,000 – £29,000 per annum

With principal responsibility for restricted funding in each region, the regional Finance Officer plays a key role in supporting and advising programme offices in managing their donor contract related matters. The role also covers general financial management work relating to country offices where priorities and time allows.

2. Finance Manager (Fixed Term) (RAISA)

Based in: Pretoria, South Africa

Salary: £26,006 per annum

Fixed term until January 2012

With a substantial annual budget, RAISA – Regional AIDS Initiative for Southern Africa – is the largest programme run by VSO globally and is a comprehensive programme that addresses the HIV and AIDS epidemic in the Southern Africa region. RAISA works in Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

We have an exciting opportunity for maternity cover for 7 months, from July 2011 to January 2012, for a Finance Manager for RAISA that plays a key role in the supporting this successful programme. Your principal responsibility will be for the overall financial management of the RAISA project which will include tasks such as assisting with budget setting and monitoring, dealing with donor contract related matters and regular reporting to the RAISA Director and UK Accounts team. You will work with the 6 country offices to ensure that donor reporting deadlines and spending within budgets are met, as well as providing technical financial assistance as required.

For both roles we are looking for a person who is:

- Part or fully qualified accountant

- Has experience of donor-related financial management and reporting

- Able to develop strong and effective relationships with programme staff in different countries and work in a regional support team that is spread across the world

- Organised and self-motivated and able to achieve results

Substantial travel within the region is expected.

Applications:

To apply for the Regional Finance Office or Finance Manager, please follow this link: http://www.vso.org.uk/about/work-for-vso/current-vacancies/index.asp#I

To apply you will need to complete an application form and include your salary expectations for this role. Applications should be sent to recruitment [at] vso [dot] org [dot] uk

Programme Officer: ORBIS
Deadline: 3 June 2011

Location: Cape Town

ORBIS is a global development organisation whose mission is to prevent and treat blindness by providing quality eye care to transform lives. ORBIS envisions a world in which no one is needlessly blind; where quality eye care, education and treatment are available to every human being. The Programme Officer supports the Southern Africa Programme team on a range of programme activities. She/he supports the Southern Africa Programme Manager to develop and implement programme activities in Southern Africa. The Programme Officer will travel regularly to assigned programme countries in Africa and occasionally to other ORBIS office locations.

Requirements:

* Applicants should have a Masters or Honours Degree in development studies, social sciences, or a health related subject and demonstrable experience in managing a range of programme related activities on research or other projects related to development.

* Experience in qualitative and quantitative data analysis and report writing is required as is the ability to work productively both independently and in a team-based environment.

* The ability and willingness to travel extensively and a professional approach in building relationships with stakeholders and partners is also essential.

* The ability to read and write French and experience within the eye care sector is desirable.

Interested candidates can view the full job description and requirements on the Vacancies page here

To apply, email your CV, a motivation letter and a completed bio summary form (download from Vacancies page on the website) by Friday 3rd June to tracy [at] actionappointments [dot] co [dot] za

Procurement Analyst – UNDP Zimbabwe
Deadline: 3 June 2011

Type of Contract: Local: Fixed Term Appointment

Level: NO B

Post Number: 00061935

Closing Date: Friday 3 June 2011

To apply for this post kindly follow this link: https://jobs.undp.org/cj_apply.cfm?job_id=23198

Director of Health Services: Zimbabwe PSI
Deadline: 3 June 2011

PSI is a leading global health organisation with programmes in 67 countries targeting malaria, child survival, HIV and reproductive health. Working in partnership within the public and private sectors, and harnessing the power of the markets, PSI provides life-saving products, clinical services and behavior change communications that empower the world’s most vulnerable populations to lead healthier lives.

PSI’s core values are a belief in markets and market mechanisms to contribute to sustained improvements in the lives of the poor; results and a strong focus on measurement; speed and efficiency with a predisposition to action and an aversion to bureaucracy; decentralization and empowering our staff at the local level; and a long term commitment to the people we serve. PSI has programs in 67 countries. For more information, please visit our website

PSI seeks a Director Health Services to be based in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Reporting directly to the Country Director, the successful candidate will provide effective leadership and strategic management of PSI Zimbabwe’s interventions in HIV prevention, care and treatment and reproductive health and family planning to ensure they are targeted; evidence based, and use international best practice approaches to achieve health impact. In addition he/she will manage the four health services areas of PSI Zimbabwe, i.e HIV Testing and Counseling, HIV Care and Treatment Services, including TB laboratory services and Anti-retroviral therapy, Male Circumcision and Sexual, Reproductive Health and Family Planning.

Responsibilities

- Offer strategic oversight, management and leadership of the Health Services Department which includes the New Start HIV counseling and testing franchise, New Life post test support services (HIV care and treatment), male circumcision, TB, sexual and reproductive health (including FP)

- Identify and assess opportunities for new and relevant health interventions and technologies to ensure PSI Zimbabwe remains in the forefront of HIV prevention and reproductive health programming; design quality projects and pursue funding opportunities for such innovation

- Write proposals and design of logical frameworks for a variety of donor requirements and indicators

- Write reports to and liaise with donors such as USAID, DFID, Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Global Fund (among others)

- Manage the departmental budget

- Design, execute and evaluate pilot projects, plan for scale up, develop assessment tools for pilot sites and implementation sites

- Build capacity of the services team through effective training, supervision and mentoring

- Representation of PSI in national fora and technical working groups as needed

- Build and maintain close working relationships with Ministry of Health departments

- Provide input into national guidelines, strategic plans, M&E plans

- Oversee procurement and management of supplies and equipment

- Develop and disseminate good practice and lessons learned documents

- Organize local and international technical workshops to disseminate good practice, share knowledge and experience and provide training

- Ensure the development of high quality training protocols for all program areas

- Ensure the development of tools and job aids for HIV counseling and testing, male circumcision, HIV treatment & care, reproductive health and family planning programs

- Develop quality assurance plans and supervise implementation of Q/A plans

- Develop operations research protocols and support external researchers in implementation

- Develop abstracts and articles for presentation at international fora on HIV, TB and Reproductive Health

Requirements

- A Masters in Public Health or medical qualification

- At least 5 years experience leading complex HIV prevention and/or reproductive health projects in a developing country, preferably sub Saharan Africa

- Proven experience securing funding and managing large budgets

- The ability to mentor direct reports

- Familiarity with international health, development issues and the international donor community

- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in partnership with a variety of audiences and organisations

- Fluency in spoken and written English

- Previous INGO experience is strongly preferred

- Excellent writing, presentation and interpersonal communication skills essential

Interested applicants should apply online at www.psi.org (no calls or emails, please)

PSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or disability.

WASH Local Capacity Builder: SNV Zimbabwe
Deadline: 6 June 2011

Background

SNV Netherlands Development Organisation is an international capacity development organisation working in Zimbabwe. SNV Zimbabwe has introduced a new sector in its operations that is Renewable Energy.

Given this background SNV seeks the services of Local Capacity Builder to make a detailed analysis of the WASH sector. This will entail gathering of primary and secondary data to deepen the analysis.

The individual/organisation (termed a Local Capacity Builder) is expected to

1. Provide SNV Zimbabwe with a full understanding of the WASH context within the country. The coverage of the context is expected to include (but should not be limited to):

a.    Key problems/issues within the sector

b.    Key programmes being undertaken within the sector

c.    Key players within the sector

d.    Other unexplored potential in the sector

2. Provide an understanding of key policy issues facilitating or hindering the development of the sector

3. Identify critical issues within the sector that have a systemic effect

4. Identify gaps, which can be appropriately filled in by SNV Zimbabwe taking into cognisance:

a.    Our approach and products

b.    SNV’s work/experience in other countries

c.    SNV’s work/experience, reputation and networks within the country

Competencies:

- Strong research and writing skills

- Experience and expertise in applied research in WASH

- Expert knowledge and extensive experience in the Zimbabwean WASH Sector within a developmental context

- Extensively networked person/organisation with inter-personal skills

- Experience with Multi stakeholder processes

- Knowledge of local languages an added advantage

Email your project proposals to Zimbabwe [at] snvworld [dot] org and copy mmthunzi [at] snvworld [dot] org Please note that your proposals should not exceed 10 pages.

Four (4) vacancies: Plan
Deadline: 9 June 2011

Plan is an international humanitarian, child centred development organisation whose operations in Zimbabwe commenced in 1986.   Plan Zimbabwe is implementing development programs that promote the realisation and fulfillment of children’s rights and alleviation of child poverty in ten districts in the country covering Bulawayo, Chipinge, Chiredzi, Harare (Epworth), Kwekwe, Mutasa, Mutare, Mutoko, Mwenezi and Tsholotsho.  Through these programs, Plan reaches out to over 300 000 people in Zimbabwe annually, particularly children. Plan offers equal opportunity employment to suitably qualified applicants for vacant positions within the organisation.

The Zimbabwe program is seeking services of suitably qualified candidates to fill the following vacant positions on fixed term contractual basis:

1. Monitoring & Evaluation Coordinator x 3

(6 months -1 year, based in Kwekwe, Chipinge & Chiredzi offices)

Key job responsibilities:

Reporting to the Program Unit Manager, the job holder will be responsible for program planning, monitoring and evaluation activities under the assigned area of operation which includes guiding the delivery of the overall monitoring and evaluation strategy; monitoring implementation of agreed program activities within the project via implementing partners and relevant stakeholders ensuring effective communication practices, quality and timely reporting.

Entry qualifications and experience:

-    A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in development studies, social sciences or a related field from a recognised institution

-    Experience and knowledge in monitoring & evaluation system design and approaches

-    At least 3 years experience in monitoring and evaluation of projects/programs

-    Familiar with the theory of change framework approach and other strategic planning approaches

-    An understanding of community development work

-    Ability and experience in partnership building networking and collaboration

-    Excellent interpersonal, analytical and communication skills

-    Good report writing skills

-    Proficiency in MS office tools which includes MS Access, SPSS and other statistical packages.

2. Program Assistant x1

(2 years, based in Mutoko)

Key job responsibilities

Reporting to the Program Unit Manager, the job holder will be responsible for the provision of competent program and administrative services to the Program Unit which includes, courteously attending to visitors and their inquiries; mail handling, manning the switchboard; organising Program Unit functions such as meetings and workshops; managing stores and petty cash and participating in Program Unit strategic planning processes and meetings.

Entry qualifications and experience

-    A Higher National Diploma in Secretarial Studies, Business Administration or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution

-    A minimum of 5 ‘O’ Level passes including English Language and Mathematics

-    3   years relevant working experience preferably in the development sector

-    Good report writing skills

-    Excellent interpersonal, analytical and communication skills

-    Proficiency in MS office tools

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements are required to submit a covering letter, a comprehensive CV and details of 2 referees, one of whom should be a current supervisor to: zwe.recruitment [at] plan-international [dot] org

Reference & background checks will be performed for successful candidates including clearances on child related offences in conformity with Plan’s Child Protection Policy. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Webmaster: African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF)
Deadline: 10 June 2011

Department: External Affairs and Partnership

Duty Station: Harare, Zimbabwe

Duration of Contract: Six months

The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) is an autonomous Foundation, sponsored by the African Development Bank (AfDB), World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).  It enjoys support from a wide range of bilateral donors and African states as full partners to the development of human and institutional capacities.

The Foundation is seeking applications for a temporary Webmaster.  The incumbent will have a primary responsibility for the appearance, content, editorial and availability of information on ACBF’s intranet and extranet websites. He/she will be responsible to regularly update and maintain the contents and appearance of the Foundation’s websites. The incumbent will also be responsible for the population and frequent updating of the constituent relationship management database of ACBF’s External Affairs and Partnerships department and media monitoring.

Desired Qualifications, Experience and Competencies:

- Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism/Communication Studies with minor in IT, or related fields

- Sound knowledge and practical experience in web and portal authoring tools, desktop publishing applications, web tracking tools and Microsoft Office softwares

- Knowledge and experience in database management tools, flash, style sheets and scripting tools, and other web development and graphics applications. These may include but not limited to MS Visual Studio 2005, ASP.Net, Javascript, JQuery, Adobe Suites, MSSQL, MySQL and related technologies

- At least one to two years of practical experience in the maintenance and content administration of corporate websites

- Good interpersonal skills and excellent communication skills coupled with the ability to work in a multicultural environment

- Fluency in English, French language skills will be an added advantage

How to Apply:

Applications, quoting the ‘Webmaster,’ including curriculum vitae with three (3) referees should be received at the address below. This is a temporary position with no expectation of fixed-term appointment. Only candidates meeting the Foundation’s requirements will be contacted.

The Manager, Human Resources, The African Capacity Building Foundation, P.O. Box 1562, Harare, Zimbabwe or email: root [at] acbf-pact [dot] org

For more details on the position and the Foundation, please visit the ACBF website

Senior Field Officer – Environmental Conservation: Youth Dialogue Zimbabwe
Deadline: 10 June 2010

Youth Dialogue Zimbabwe (YDZ) is an upcoming youth centred community development organisation which engages, supports and facilitates the transformation of the lives of vulnerable youths through environmental training, life skills training and HIV/AIDS Education. The organisation seeks to employ a qualified, experienced, energetic, dynamic and mature team player as a Senior Field Officer. The incumbent will report to the Programme Manager.

Qualifications:

-    A minimum of a Diploma in Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture and Conservation Management is required

-    Relevant qualification like a diploma in Education and Training Management will be an added advantage

-    The incumbent should have at least two years experience working with youths in a relevant field

-    The prospective officer should also have excellent communication, Interpersonal and organizational skills

-    Experience in community sensitisation, mobilisation and proposal writing essential

-    Computer literacy is a must.

Job Description:

- Conducting YDZ youth environmental related activities

- Shall assume all duties of the Programmes Manager in his/her absence

- Writing programme activity reports

- Taking part in planning sessions

- Developing and updating programme materials

- Conducting follow up programmes

- Care of programme materials, resources and equipment

- Any other duties as assigned by the Management and Board

Applications together with detailed Curriculum Vitae, a motivational letter and expected salary should be submitted to The Board – YDZ on email: mudefiabby [at] yahoo [dot] co [dot] uk

Nutrition Officer: UNICEF
Deadline: 13 June 2011

(NOB Level)

Temporary Appointment Post

UNICEF, the world’s leading children’s rights organization, has an opening for passionate and committed professionals who want to make a lasting difference in Zimbabwe. We are seeking people with a commitment for women and children, high drive results, demonstrable embracing of diversity, integrity, demonstrable teamwork, good self-awareness and self-regulation.

An opportunity has arisen to contribute towards project design, planning, administration, monitoring and evaluation of CMAM (Community Management of Acute Malnutrition) project activities. The role requires commitment for enhancement of teamwork and capacity building, in support of achievement of planned objectives of the work plan, aligned with country programme goals and strategy. The successful individual will be responsible for ensuring availability of accurate data and up-to-date information required for effective CMAM programme management. The role requires development of effective communication and networking through partnership and collaboration. The individual will coordinate with members of the development community, including NGOs, UN and bilateral agencies to ensure effective collaboration and the exchange of information relating to CMAM.

Key result areas for the post include:

- Enhancing project efficiency and effectiveness through implementation follow-up, technical inputs, monitoring UNICEF inputs including supply and non-supply assistance and ongoing analysis of local needs and documentation/sharing of lessons

- Ensuring accuracy and consistency of intervention with established technical standards, rules, regulations and plans of action

- Ensuring the appropriateness of financial, administrative and supply documentation; verify that CMAM project expenditures are within allotments and that data is consistent with the project information and database Follow up on queries or initiate corrective action on discrepancies

- Compiling general CMAM project implementation information/briefing and orientation to promote knowledge sharing with donors and media

- Collaborating with operations staff to implement internal controls systems and resolve day-to-day issues or discrepancies in financial or supply management

- Collaborating with local Government counterparts to provide technical input, exchange information on CMAM project implementation and status as well as movement and distribution supplies

Minimum qualifications and experience required:

- Advanced university degree in one of the disciplines relevant to the following areas: Public Nutrition, Public Health & Nutrition, Health Sciences, International Health & Nutrition, Nutrition Policy and Management, Family and Community Health & Nutrition, Nutritional Epidemiology, Health & Nutrition Promotion and Disease Prevention

- At least 3-5 years relevant professional experience

- Good analytical and organizational skills and ability to work in a multicultural environment

If you have experience of working in a similar capacity, meet the above profile and want to make an active and lasting contribution to build a better world for children, send your application quoting vacancy notice number to the following address: HR Specialist (Vacancy Notice: Zim2011/16) UNICEF, 6 Fairbridge Avenue, P O Box 1250, Belgravia, Harare or email: hararevacancies [at] gmail [dot] com

Applications should be received by 13 June 2011. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

“What happened in Egypt is sending shock waves to all dictators around the world. No weapon but unity of purpose. Worth emulating hey.”

- Vikas Mavhudzi’s post on Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s Facebook wall. Mavhudzi is facing charges of posting offensive messages (Source: Mail & Guardian)

When I told my father I wanted to be a journalist he looked at me in shock and said, ‘But women journalists are loose…are you telling me that this is what you want for yourself?’ Never one to back down from a fight, that conversation ended in a fierce argument. My mother knew better than to intervene. I couldn’t understand how my father, with whom I watched Christiane Amanpour on CNN and Haru Mutasa on Al Jazeera, and who would sit with me and critique interview and reporting styles could possibly believe that journalism amounted to prostitution.

Having been in the field for a while now, I understand his position. Zimbabwe’s women journalists, more than women in any other profession, I think, suffer intolerable harassment and discrimination. It comes with the job. It really doesn’t matter which medium or establishment a woman works for, sexual harassment appears to be an industry standard. Scant attention is drawn to the sexual scandals that plague Zimbabwe Broadcasting Holdings; I suppose it’s a case of the pot calling the kettle black. In 2009 numerous interns and women journalists filed harassment complaints against the then News and Current Affairs Manager Tarzen Mandizvidza and Reporters Manager O Brian Rwafa. A female respondent to a Gender Links survey regarding women in Zimbabwe’s media observed, ‘Where issues of sexual harassment or sexist language are concerned, women who raise these issues are often not taken seriously and in particular case of harassment, male bosses sympathise with those accused of harassment and at times try to underplay the charge at hand.’

This is aptly demonstrated by ZBH CEO, Happison Muchechetere who, at the time threatened to fire the women and labelled them ‘prostitutes’. ZBH sexual harassment issues are ongoing. This month the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists Secretary General, Foster Dongozi, told The Zimbabwean that there were escalating reports of female journalists being harassed on the job, especially at the state broadcaster where bosses were allegedly sexually harassing female reporters for roles as news readers.

New players in the media industry have also adopted the practice of objectifying and discriminating against women. Recently, Sokwanele reported that young female college graduates have lodged complaints that they are being asked on dates by some of the editors of the newly licensed media houses if they want to be employed.

The issues plaguing women in media are not confined to sexual harassment. A 2009 study conducted by Gender Links as part of the Glass Ceilings: Women and Men in Southern African Media Survey found that although half of Zimbabwe’s media houses had gender parity targets, there were six times as many men as women in Zimbabwe media houses surveyed. This is surprising considering that women constitute the majority of media and communication studies students. The survey also found that men were more likely to be given higher remuneration and better working conditions than women.

Moreover, while women in Zimbabwean media houses are under-represented in most areas of work, (constituting 17% of editorial departments), they are found in higher proportions in support roles in areas considered “women’s work”. These include advertising and marketing (40%) and human resources (58%).

Fed up with this state of affairs, female media practitioners issued a statement this year in March, demanding an end to these unfair practices. Again very little notice was paid to it by the media in general, almost as if in collusion. The media is very quick to point out the failings of the government, but is selectively shortsighted when its own practices are corrupt and degrading.

Is apathy Zimbabwe’s worst enemy?

Tendai Marima’s Mail & Guardian Thought Leader blog makes some very good points. You can read some excerpts here:

Stories of villagers being terrorised by soldiers patrolling the diamond fields of Marange in eastern Zimbabwe are enough to scare off any revolutionaries dreaming of a Chimurenga-style uprising. But it’s not only the very real obstacles of violent repression that could prevent Zimbabweans from fully catching the protest fever currently doing the rounds on the continent and the Middle East. The nation suffers from a grave illness: apathy.

It’s difficult to cite books or social scientists diagnosing this to be the Zimbabwean condition but personal lived experience suggests this is the case. To an extent, academics like Brian Kagoro and Glen Mpani, who have explored the reasons for Zimbabwean passivity and indifference, confirm this. In their respective works, both researchers argue that the post-colonial condition of political apathy has its roots in decades of living under a one-party state. The multiple interlocking burdens of living under an increasingly authoritarian, economically regressive regime have resulted in a population which “normalises the abnormal” as a coping strategy. In other words, it’s become so normal to hear of opposition members being beaten and jailed that it’s hard to be concerned. Indifference makes it easier to be dismissive and say “it doesn’t happen everywhere”. Because of this standard response, its sometimes difficult for the “law-abiding” rich and poor to connect their economic woes to the absurd imprisonment and torture of someone or the shortage of medicines and medical expertise in hospitals.

…

If any lessons are to be learnt from the Egyptian and Tunisian revolutions by Zimbabweans, it is that dictators can be overthrown by the people; security and stability be damned. But before any fantasies of popular uprising or ousting Zanu by the ballot can be organised by serious activists and non one-hit wonder online revolutionaries or used as campaign rhetoric by a formidable opposition party (yet to be seen) Zimbabwe needs a zenga zenga revolution, to remix Gaddafi’s words.

A revolution of conscience in every city, every street, every house, every village and every hut. Zenga zenga; every nook and cranny must be cleansed of the viral strains of apathy that allow evil to flourish and culminate in an inability to equate human rights with the right to pursue prosperity and live in a relatively stable country. If Zimbabweans truly want a change in the status quo or “no other but Zanu, but without the violence” as some desire, then it begins with this critical mass realisation. Legitimate desires for stability and prosperity can never justify indifference towards the unjust persecution of another Zimbabwean. Just as the apolitical urban middle and working classes deserve to live in peace, so too do the villagers of Marange. As do praying parishioners. And White Zimbabwean, Zimbabwean Indian and Nigerian traders and business owners harassed in the name of indigenisation. As Zimbabwe continues to discover the highs and lows of 31 years of independence, may the spirits of past liberators bless her with the realisation that indifference to the suffering of others can be cured at the church of born-again humanitarians by St Conscience, the Empathic One.

Read more

Does our president ever stay in his own country? Silly, but well, it has been asked before, and I am asking it again this week.

A few years ago he was panned for trotting the globe, traveling the world and cartoonists had a field day as he was saddled with the unflattering sobriquet that borrowed the name of that well-travelled explorer Vasco da Gama.

Today our president “arrived” from Nigeria where he had gone to witness the swearing in of President Goodluck Jonathan. A few days ago he had “arrived” from Addis Abbaba, “arrived” from Namibia, “arrived” from Uganda, a few days before that “arrived” from…

Of course as “Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief” who wants the best of everything without regard of that starving Makokoba, Madlambuzi, Mhondoro granny you would expect this.

Yet Biti has already complained about the country ill-affording the “pleasure trips” of government officials with the poor taxpayer bearing the costs.

Of course it predictably will be claimed that the Dear President travels on official state business or whatever, but then we all know about other presidents who skip any jaunts and have made less foreign travel one of the defining  matrices of their tenure.

I liked it when Karikoka Kaseke – for the first time perhaps – opened his mouth and spoke sense when he complained recently that it is unfair to expect the impoverished taxpayers who will never in their lifetime board a plane to continue bailing out Air Zimbabwe when it is rich people who travel by air. And by rich, you just have to read “government officials!”

If we are to count the trips “His Excellency” has made since the beginning of 2011, keeping in mind of course the “medical tourism” to Asia, you have to seek Biti’s opinion about the justification of these travels.

Perhaps Biti might as well retort, “why ask me? Ask him!”

But we ask, how much have the taxpayers forked so far as we hit the half-year mark? The Singapore trips alone are already known to cost the taxpayer USD3 million according to press reports. Go figure.

Hopewell Gumbo shared this update on the case of Munyaradzi Gwisai of the International Socialist Organisation (Zimbabwe) and five others who had been charged with treason. In a victory for the accused, the treason charges have been dropped and the bail conditions have been relaxed.

Monday May 30, 2011, at 1030hrs, our application for the relaxation of bail conditions was heard before Justice Kudya. We had sort the return of our passports and the removal of stringent reporting conditions. The judge has concerted to the altering of reporting conditions and has granted us to report once every last Friday of the month a major leap from the three days a week we were yoked to. The state has also indicated that the Treason charge has been dropped and would prefer one of Subverting a Constitutional Government when the trial opens on the 18th of July 2011 in the Harare Regional Magistrate’s court. The judge however did not grant the return of passports and ruled that the court can only do that in the event of the production of credible itinerary for intended travel. This we will abide by and we feel the struggle continues as we go towards trial and seek ultimate freedom. But ultimate freedom will only come when the full trial is completed, but the solidarity and support cdes all over the world have given will continue to drive our will to fight oppression and is key in smashing the equally spurious Subversion of Constitutional Government Charges. Do not tire in fighting for total freedom through the actions you have continued to organize.