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The brainless Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe

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Tuesday, September 6th, 2011 by Bev Clark

I’ve just received an email newsletter from a Harare based travel agent saying that the Harare International Airport will “boast” Africa’s longest runway by December as Zimbabwe seeks to lure major international airlines. Apparently the extra 5ks of runway is costing US$30 million. Meanwhile I’ve heard of yet another incident of travellers on their way home from the airport being targeted and assaulted by thieves. I mean I just Don’t Get It. The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe pulls out all the stops to increase the length of our runway but the fact that returning residents and visitors to Zimbabwe get robbed and assaulted once they’ve landed doesn’t seem to faze them. What they need to do is work hand in hand with the Zimbabwe Republic Police and increase patrols on the main airport road to stop these criminals having a field day.

NGO job vacancies in Zimbabwe

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Tuesday, September 6th, 2011 by Bev Clark

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) positions in WASH and Health Department: Africare
Deadline: 9 September 2011

Contract: 1 year.
Suitably qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.
Buhera will be the project district and Murambinda the duty station.

1. Hydrology Engineer/Hydrologist or Civil Engineer
- BSc. Hydrology or Civil Engineering with a minimum of 3 years post-qualification experience in the WASH sector.
- Experience in the installation of new water points, rehabilitation of old ones and the construction of BVIPs for institutions.
- Experience working with, or leading a team of public health promoters.
- Monitoring and evaluation expertise, as well as the ability to compile detailed programme reports.
- The flair for project and organisational representation at all levels.
- Team player, working closely with local stakeholders such as local government, local authority, ministries of Health and Education, and the District Development Fund.
- A clean class 4 driver’s license with a minimum of 2 years’ driving experience.

2. WASH Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant
- BSc. Statistics, Social Studies/Sciences or a relevant Honours degree, with a minimum of 3 years experience in WASH and health-related M&E.
- Conversant in the analysis of data and the creation of data bases using appropriate software such Epi Info or SPSS.
- Conversant with both the WASH software and hardware aspects.
- Hands-on experience in data collection, analysis and presentation.
- Ability to identify and document success stories and best practices.
- Clean class 4 driver’s license with a minimum of 2 years driving experience.

Interested but suitably qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their CVs and letters of motivation, to lmlotshwa [at] africare [dot] co [dot] zw copying tkamusewu [at] africare [dot] co [dot] zw no later than 9 September, 2011. Only short listed candidates will be responded to.


Three (3) vacancies – Merlin Zimbabwe
Deadline: 9 September 2011

Applications are invited to fill in the three (3) job openings which have arisen at Merlin Zimbabwe. These positions are only open to Zimbabwean nationals.

1. Program Assistant (Gokwe)

REF. 091106

Responsibilities: Merlin’s focal point in the district for epidemics monitoring and coordination activities

Requirements:

* Relevant degree and minimum of two years experience in NGO environment
* Relevant previous experience in an transitional or development environment
* Strong project coordination and management experience, including: Project needs assessment, Project proposal development, Logical framework development, Report and proposal writing, Logistics and Security management, Personnel management
* Experience of emergency response context and coordination and experience of program development in an emergency context
* Strong communication skills, with excellent written and spoken English
* Proven ability in monitoring and evaluation
* Knowledge of Sphere and commitment to humanitarian principles
* Confident and proficient in the use of MS Office and Data programs especially Excel and Epi-Info or SPSS
* Capacity to organize, monitor and synthesize qualitative and quantitative information

2. Driver (Gwanda and Bulawayo)

REF. 091107

Responsibilities: Providing reliable driving services for Merlin staff following the Merlin safety and security rules and regulation.

Requirements

* Secondary School Education, formal drivers training with a valid driver’s License and clean driving record
* At least three years of prior profession experience in a similar post
* Fluently spoken English, Ndebele and Shona
* Knowledge of Midlands and Matebeleland Provinces and environs

3. Health Coordinator (Harare)

REF. 091108

Responsibilities:

*Manage all programme operations, review management systems and make appropriate improvements including remote management
*Support the CD to develop a monitoring and evaluation plan for the life time of each health project funded.
*Actively participate in suggesting and conducting needs assessment as well as other operational research, as discussed and agreed with CD.
*Assess, analyze capacities and recommend potential local NGOs/CBOs who are working in the same geographical locations whom Merlin and MoHCW could potentially partner with for added value in project implementation.
*Liase with the MoHCW and other partners for program reference materials.  Ensure that relevant documents and information are available for the CD and CMT for the smooth running of the projects.
*Ensure that activities related to support of the primary health care system are implemented together with the MoHCW district health teams.
*Provide regular programme updates and relevant health issues updates occurring in the operational areas, to the CD and CMT on a weekly basis.
*Ensure use of established reporting formats for data collection, and contribute to analysis and reporting as requested by CD (ex. complete 3W reports for Health cluster and draft monthly ‘Health and Policy Department’ sitreps for Merlin HO).
*Actively participate in country strategic planning and proposal development.
*In the absence of the CD, act as the primary focal point for health programme internal/external inquiries.
*Provide basic medical advice and first aid to national Merlin staff falling sick whilst on duty.

Requirements

*Medically qualified (doctor, clinical officer or senior nurse) with Masters in Public Health, and strong post qualification practical experience of 3 to 5 years
*Experience in public health programming development and innovation
*Ability to analyze and write clear and concise reports and proposals
*Strong communication skills, with excellent written and spoken English
*Confident and proficient in the use of MS Office and excel
*Experience in liaising with MoHCW, other I/NGOs and government officials

To apply for these positions: Please download an application form from our website www.merlin.org.uk

Completed form should be emailed to vacancy.merlin.zw [at] gmail [dot] com


Finance Officer: Institute for Young Women Development
Deadline: 11 September 2011

The Institute for Young Women Development is a young-women development oriented organization working in Mashonaland Central with its head office in Bindura. The organization is inviting applications from suitably qualified individuals to assume the position of a Finance Officer within the organization. The successful applicant will be based at the head office in Bindura.

Duties and Responsibilities

*Preparing accurate financial statements.
*Preparing and providing financial reports as at and when required by board   and partners.
*Maintaining a fixed asset register and being the custodian of the organisations assets.
*Preparing and monitoring budgets and their operationalisation.
*Ensure proper reconciliations of all ledger accounts.
*Assist with audit schedules as required by partners and external auditors.
*Being conversant at all times with the liquidity position of the organisation’s different programs and accounts.
*Any other tasks as maybe assigned by the Director

The incumbent together with the Director shall be the custodian of the organization’s Finance and Administration Policies and ensuring sound corporate governance within the organization.

Qualifications and skills:

*Minimum of a Degree in Accounting or related fields
*Basic knowledge of accounting packages
*Previous experience in development work
*Good communication skills
*Strong organizing, planning and management skills
*Computer proficiency

If you meet the above criteria, please forward your current CV and relevant certificates via e-mail to hr.iywd2011 [at] gmail [dot] com or alternatively submit hard copies to Institute for Young Women Development, 9 Matuka Building, Chenjerai Hunzvi Street, Bindura.

Child Protection Officer: United Nations Children’s Fund
Deadline: 11 September 2011

Vacancy Notice No. 2011:23
NO-B Level based in Harare

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

Purpose of the post

The successful candidate will be reporting to the Child Protection Specialist and will be accountable for technical contribution to project design, planning, administration, monitoring and evaluation of the Child Protection programme activities. This includes data analysis, progress reporting and capacity building in support of achievement of planned objectives of the work plan aligned with the country programme goals and strategy. The role requires ensuring availability of accurate, complete and up to date information required for effective Child Protection programme and drafting sound Child Protection programme budgets. The candidate will be required to ensure the appropriateness of financial, administrative and supply documentation, verify that Child Protection project expenditures are within allotments and that data is consistent with the project information.

He or she will also be responsible for compiling Child Protection project implementation training and orientation materials to promote knowledge sharing with donors and media. The candidate will collaborate with local counterparts to exchange information on Child Protection project implementation and status as well as movement and distribution of supplies. This also includes coordinating with members of the development community and bilateral agencies in the exchange of information relating to Child Protection sector.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience Required

-Advanced University Degree in Social Sciences, law, child development or a related field.
-At least 2 years of professional work experience in the UN or other international development organization/ private sector, national government or fieldwork experience.
-Demonstrated analytical ability, and the capacity to develop strategies while working under pressure.
-Good project management and coordination skills.

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 together with resume quoting vacancy notice number to the following address.

HR Specialist
(Vacancy Notice No. Zim2011/23)
UNICEF, 6 Fairbridge Avenue,
P O Box 1250
Belgravia, Harare

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

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.


Child Protection Specialist: United Nations Children’s Fund
Deadline: 11 September 2011

Vacancy Notice No. 2011:24
NO-C Level based in Harare

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

Purpose of the post

A unique opportunity has arisen for a qualified and experienced individual who will have ample scope to directly impact women’s and children’s rights in Zimbabwe The successful candidate will be reporting to the Child Protection Specialist and accountable for effective engagement in child sensitive social protection policy and programme dialogue with the Government including the development of a social protection policy framework that is child and HIV/AIDS sensitive. This also includes implementing a national child-sensitive social protection programme of social cash transfers to the poorest and most vulnerable children and households.

Key result areas for this post include:

-Manage external baselines and follow up surveys to collect data on the efficiency, effectiveness and impact of the cash transfer programme under the NAP for OVC II.
-Monitoring state budget resources for social protection.
-Conduct routine output monitoring linked to the cash transfer programme under the NAP for OVC II together with relevant stakeholders.
-Support Government to implement a national case management system linked to the delivery of social cash to enable children affected by violence, exploitation and abuse and in receipt of social cash transfers, are effectively referred and followed up in line with national and international child protection standards.
-Ensures that the social protection efforts facilitate policy dialogue, planning, supervision, technical advice, management, training, research and support; and that the monitoring and evaluation component strengthens monitoring and evaluation of the social protection and child protection sectors.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience Required:

-Advanced University Degree in Social Sciences, law, child development or a related field.
-At least five years of professional work experience in the UN or other international development organization/ private sector, national government or fieldwork experience.
-Fieldwork experience in social protection of at least 3 years.
-Demonstrated analytical ability, and the capacity to develop strategies while working under pressure.
-Specific programming expertise related to child and/or social protection an asset.
-Good project management and coordination skills.

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 together with resume quoting vacancy notice number to the following address.

HR Specialist
(Vacancy Notice No. Zim2011/24)
UNICEF, 6 Fairbridge Avenue
P O Box 1250
Belgravia, Harare

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

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Essential Drugs Officer: United Nations Children’s Fund
Deadline: 11 September 2011

Vacancy Notice No. 2011:21
NO-B Level based in Harare

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

Purpose of the post

The successful candidate will report to the Essential Drugs Specialist and will be responsible for the provision of effective and efficient programmatic support by the UNICEF Harare office to procurement of all health related commodities and equipment. He or she will be responsible for effective planning, procurement, distribution, and inventory management of UNICEF’s Health supplies, in support of the Country Programmes and operations. The role involves provision of technical support in preparation of appropriate documents, and input on specifications and supply & logistics arrangements.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the preparation and compilation of the supply status reports required for donor reports, budget reviews, programme analysis, annual reports and appeals. This includes supporting UNICEF as well as Government capacity-building in order to enhance efficient, effective and timely supply delivery, plan, design and conduct training for UNICEF’s counterparts in supply management, distribution and inventory of supplies and equipment in order to improve programme implementation.

The role also entails the effective procurement at local, regional and or offshore of health and nutrition commodities, with a goal to attain lowest cost without sacrificing quality as applicable. The incumbent will undertake field visits to project sites and monitor inventory and supply inputs and proposes corrective actions to improve logistical procedures and enhance programme implementation.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience Required:

-Advanced University Degree in public health, public administration, logistics, pharmacy, or related field.
-At least 2 years of professional work experience in the UN or other international development organization/ private sector, national government or fieldwork experience.
-Work experience in SWAP SWAP framework and arrangements for procurement services and supply chain management.
-Demonstrated analytical ability, and the capacity to develop strategies while working under pressure.
-Good project management and coordination skills.

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 No. Zim2011/21)
UNICEF, 6 Fairbridge Avenue,
P O Box 1250
Belgravia, Harare

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

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.


WASH Officer – Emergency & Logistics: United Nations Children’s Fund
Deadline: 11 September 2011

Vacancy Notice No. 2011:18
NO-B Level based in Harare

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

Purpose of the post

The successful candidate will report to the WASH Manager, and will be accountable for professional technical contribution to programme, project design, planning, administration, monitoring and evaluation of WASH programme/project activities, data analysis and progress reporting, and 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 candidate will ensure the availability of accurate information required for effective WASH programme design, implementation, management, monitoring and evaluation. This includes drafting programme budgets inclusive of concrete steps to enhance emergency preparedness and response.

The role also requires enhancing programme efficiency and effectiveness through evidence base approach & implementation follow-ups, including monitoring UNICEF inputs, flow of supply and non-supply and emergency assistance. The person will analyze collected data and information and prepare progress reports, drafting any changes in WASH project work plans assisting in resource identification and allocation. S/he will ensure the appropriateness of financial, administrative and supply documentation and verify that WASH programme expenditures are within allotments.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience Required:

-Advanced university degree in following disciplines: Public Health, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Geology, Hydrology, Sanitation Engineering, or a field relevant to international WASH related development assistance.
-Additional training in Health Education or Communication for development would be an asset.
-Two years of relevant professional work experience in the UN or other international development organization, private sector, national government or fieldwork experience.
-Background/familiarity with Emergency preparedness and response (IASC Cluster approach).

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 No. Zim2011/18)
UNICEF, 6 Fairbridge Avenue,
P O Box 1250
Belgravia, Harare

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

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

WASH Officer – Emergency & Recovery: United Nations Children’s Fund
Deadline: 11 September 2011

Vacancy Notice No. 2011:19
(NO-B) Level based in Harare

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

Purpose of the post

The successful candidate will report to the WASH Manager, and will be accountable for professional technical contribution to programme, project design, planning, administration, monitoring and evaluation of WASH programme/project activities, data analysis and progress reporting, and 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 candidate will ensure the availability of accurate information required for effective WASH programme design, implementation, management, monitoring and evaluation. This includes drafting programme budgets inclusive of concrete steps to enhance emergency preparedness and response.

The role also requires enhancing programme efficiency and effectiveness through evidence base approach & implementation follow-ups, including monitoring UNICEF inputs, flow of supply and non-supply and emergency assistance. The person will analyze collected data and information and prepare progress reports, drafting any changes in WASH project work plans assisting in resource identification and allocation. S/he will ensure the appropriateness of financial, administrative and supply documentation and verify that WASH programme expenditures are within allotments.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience Required:

-Advanced university degree in following disciplines: Public Health, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Geology, Hydrology, Sanitation Engineering, or a field relevant to international WASH related development assistance.
-Additional training in Health Education or Communication for development, an asset.
-Two years of relevant professional work experience in the UN or other international development organization, private sector, national government or fieldwork experience.
-Background/familiarity with Emergency preparedness and response (IASC Cluster approach).

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 No. Zim2011/19)
UNICEF, 6 Fairbridge Avenue,
P O Box 1250
Belgravia, Harare

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

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Programme Funding Officer, Southern Africa: Christian Aid
Deadline: 15 September 2011 (4pm)

We are working with partners across Central and Southern Africa on programmes that are addressing a range of issues, from conflict and governance to food insecurity and HIV. You’ll lead the funding work for all of these sectors.

This will involve getting a real grassroots understanding of our work, identifying potential donors, preparing funding applications and managing a range of complex technical and financial reporting. You’ll spend time with programme teams across the region to develop your knowledge of priority areas, which will mean travelling regularly across the region for up to 30 days a year. It will then be down to you to translate that into successful proposals that improve the funding capacity of our NGO partners and country offices. We’ll expect you to identify funding opportunities for this region with institutional donors and governments and build the kind of positive relationships that will enable you to leverage those opportunities.

It’s essential that you are fluent in written and spoken English and have experience of preparing reports and proposals for donors such as the EC, ECHO, DFID and UN. We’ll expect you to demonstrate a proven success at securing funds as well as experience of narrative and financial reporting. Your background will have given you a real understanding of development issues and chances are you’ll also have a relevant degree and some field experience in high-risk, high-security contexts. On top of your excellent communication and presentation skills, you’ll be highly numerate and have a real analytical ability. You’ll be the kind of person who has the knowledge, qualities and skills to be a real influence on this area and someone who’s a great addition to any team.

More than half the world lives in poverty. We aim to put a stop to that. So we campaign against the inequalities that keep people poor and we work with local organisations to give people strength to find their own solutions to the problems they face, irrespective of their religion. If you’re as determined as we are to end poverty and injustice across the world, work with us to make change happen.

Find out more

Hiphop ‘War Child’ Emmanuel Jal visits Zimbabwe

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Friday, September 2nd, 2011 by Bev Clark

The Book Café Carpark, Harare
Friday 9 September, 6-11.30pm

This week Sudanese hiphop star EMMANUEL JAL lands in Harare for a whirlwind hiphop collaboration with Zimbabwe.  A mega performance in the Book Café car park on Friday 9 September from 6pm will headline Jal and his 6-piece band, following a star line-up of some of Zimbabwe’s best – feisty mbira star Chiwoniso Maraire, ‘Comrade Fatso’ and Chabvondoka, and ‘Outspoken’ and The Essence.

Emerging from a vicious background of child-soldiering in Southern Sudan, and after escaping to Kenya, Jal fell in love with hiphop and felt it could provide the easiest and most effective vehicle to express his story.  Emmanuel Jal’s music grew in Kenya, reached the word through the airwaves, and he is now an internationally renowned hiphop artist, with a strong message of peace for the world.  “Jal set the hip-hop bar higher,” wrote the Washington Post in 2008.

Despite his accomplishments in music, Jal’s biggest passion is for Gua Africa, a charity that he founded. Besides building schools, the nonprofit provides scholarships for Sudanese war survivors in refugee camps, and sponsors education for children in the most deprived slum areas in Nairobi.

Jal, whose own childhood was robbed from him, aims to protect the childhood of others through music. “Music is powerful.  It is the only thing that can speak into your mind, your heart and your soul without your permission” he said.

Jal will be making powerful music on Friday 9 September, alongside Zimbabwean artists who also have a story to tell, gifted young musicians, songwriters and poets who have achieved some acclaim in the world, also gracing stages from New York to Berlin and Capetown to Zanzibar.  The open air concert kicks off with the Zimbabwean artists, followed by Emmanuel Jal at 10pm.

‘War Child’
A documentary film about Emmanuel Jal called ‘War Child’ was made in 2008 by C. Karim Chrobog.  It made its international debut at the Berlin Film Festival and its North American debut at the Tribeca Film Festival, where it won the Cadillac Audience Award, and an autobiography under the same name was released in 2009.

As part of the Emmanuel Jal programme, ‘War Child’ will be screened on Thursday 8 September, at the Mannenberg Film Club

Share your books

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Thursday, September 1st, 2011 by Bev Clark

A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never failing spring in the desert.
Andrew Carnegie

At Kubatana we use the corridor outside our office as a makeshift library. We put books or videos or pens or newspapers on the ground with a note saying take one if you like. Do something similar. Share your stuff.

Disgusting whichever way you look at it

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Thursday, September 1st, 2011 by Bev Clark

I drove past a Herald newspaper billboard today. The headline was something like “Prisoners gobble $1.7 a month”. Well first off the majority of Zimbabwean prisoners are starving. They don’t even get to gobble fresh air. Then there’s the issue that the reason why a great many of our prisoners are incarcerated, is because our economy has been so trashed by the political hierarchy, that stealing has become the one of the most common forms of “employment”. And then there’s our failed judicial system that keeps people in prison for much longer that they need to be because of the lack of capacity to take them to trial, on time. Never mind our prison population is really large so if you actually divide the $1.7 over the number of prisoners it would come as no surprise that this amount is no where near what’s needed to keep people from becoming ill or starving. Meanwhile a few ministers get $20 million to purchase luxury vehicles. Now that’s gobbling.

The MDC continues to betray the people of Zimbabwe

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Thursday, September 1st, 2011 by Bev Clark

Here’s a pertinent piece from the ‘rebel journalist’ Tabani Moyo. Aren’t the MDC ministers having a swell time …

Luxurygate and the MDC’s false sense of ‘arrival’

By Tabani Moyo

The dust of the government’s hollywood lifestyle is refusing to settle down. It cannot settle down especially when the people are living in such a sea of poverty. However, the development has shown beyond reasonable doubt that the MDCs are stuck in an omnibus syndrome to governance. The mimicry politics have taken over the voice of reason as the so called ‘democratic change merchants’ stampede for the gravy train.

I happened to bump into three ministers one from the MDC and two from the MDC-T riding in their new filthy lucre. The windows where lowered, music loud as if to attract attention from the public in the exhibition of a newly acquired status. The status of a polished league of gentlemen/women I guess. I said god forbid. These are not business people who have the leeway to do whatever they want with their profits, but public officials ridding on the poor taxpayers’ hard earned income. What happened to the so called paragons of virtue, those who saw everything wrong about public officials abusing state funds on luxuries? The virtue seems to have sublimated during the ‘opposition’ times, as the train gets more gravy laced, the elements of virtue are crucified on the altar of public suffrage. As we stand no single minister has declined the offer of these fuel guzzlers, their consciences are clean and their declaration of intent manifest that they are still in a struggle for a better Zimbabwe!

Personally, I don’t have a problem with ZANU PF being implicated in this bangle, we as a people know of its heinous deeds. That’s why the people of Zimbabwe risked limb and life in forming and supporting an alternative vehicle to rid the rot in ZANU PF. It becomes confusing when the line between ZANU PF’s actions and those of the MDCs becomes blurred.

20 million on luxuries!

The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) is set to increase the utility cost of delivering energy. The public hospitals have collapsed, children this summer shall die of mosquito bites, the industry performing below 30%, women failing access basic sanitary facilities and our education system turning into an elitist platform among other things.

With the above cacophony of problems, we have learnt that ZANU PF and the MDCs can actually unite in ‘looting’ from the poor. The current blame shifts between Minister of Transport, Infrastructure Development and Communication Nicholas Goche and the Minister of Finance Tendai Biti should not be tolerated to continue stealing our intellectual space in the papers.  The decision to purchase the goodies is a collective one from the cabinet which the three parties are represented.

In this process there is no room for afterthought. The three parties could not agree at cabinet level on the need to increase civil servants salaries but unanimously agreed to squeeze harder the drying pockets of the taxpayers.

As I stated before such are the pitfalls of proximity to state power it exposes the cravings which were going to manifest themselves soon after the ‘opposition’ takes total control of state power. We are better off with some of these happenings are unfolding at this juncture of our cultivation as a people. The MDCs only got into office two years ago; they are already leaving the lives of movie stars or the English premier soccer stars.

One can only remind the MDCs of the calamity of approaching this ‘struggle’ with omnibus gloves. It gives the impression of a false sense of ‘arrival’, a false sense of destiny. The ministers believe, their yearnings have been achieved, hence the need to amass as much as they can before sporadic cabinet reshuffles. These state trappings are dangerous for the same people who came up with these platforms or movements can still do the same and push aside primitive ‘accumulativists’ into political dustbins.

Tabani Moyo can be contacted at rebeljournalist [at] yahoo [dot] com