So this Sata[n] guy is now Zambian president. But we can see where this is going. He is the “opposition” guy who during this presidential bid slammed the “opposition” guy of another country, and we obviously wondered what his priorities were, whether he had run out epithets for Rupiah Banda, the then Zimbabwean Zambia president. And we obviously have to ask what this will mean about Tsvangirai trying to rally or engage other SADC leaders in his long stand-off with Mugabe. Can we expect Tsvangirai to have Sata’s ear? Maybe he will have it [the ear] for a bit of wringing like they do those bratty kindergarten kids, for that’s exactly how the new president was behaving in the run-up! But then it must be remembered this Sata guy was being advised not to stand for election because of his apparently failing health.

It’s already being asked about the political implications of voting for a guy whose “tenure” on earth is already under close scrutiny not by his opponents but his physicians! But then the history of post-independence African politics has plenty of these ailing old men who imagine themselves to be agile Herculeses imagining they can withstand the rigours of the rough political terrain known in these rather cruel parts. Recall that old fool Kamuzu Banda falling and failing to use his reflexes that had been slowed by old age and hitting his mouth on the hard earth? He still insisted he was raring to go, “the people still want me,” he said, like someone we know, despite plenty evidence to the contrary even among his very own comrades!

I ain’t no clairvoyant nor a tsikamutanda, but Zambians – and indeed the world – are obviously watching this Sata guy and will soon be asking themselves why the heck they voted for a sick guy for president.

Perhaps you connect to the Internet using Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN), you own a Cisco Systems router, or Netfirms is your web hosting company. According to a new report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), these companies and many other technology heavyweights are collaborating with dictatorships that jail bloggers and censor the Internet – and they deserve to be sanctioned. More from IFEX

Watch, Be Inspired and Learn: a series of short films to inspire and entertain

Kubatana.net has compiled a series of short clips and interviews with change makers from around the world. This DVD includes motivating ideas and stories that will encourage you to think, act and help shake things up!

Amongst others we bring you:

* Wael Ghonim on how Facebook helped the revolution in Egypt
* Patrick Awuah on educating a new generation of African leaders
* Chris Abani tells stories of shared humanity
* Joseph Lekuton tells a parable from Kenya

and … at home

* Comrade Fatso & Chakvondoka ft. Outspoken share their feelings about trying to make a living in MaStreets
* Amanda Atwood shaves her head illustrating a personal act of solidarity
* Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) show how street action can be necessary to draw attention to what’s wrong

ACTION: If you would like a copy of this free DVD email your name and postal address to products [at] kubatana [dot] net with Watch and Learn in the subject line.

Please note, if you’ve already requested this DVD via SMS, thank you for your request! We’ve made a note of your address and your DVD is on its way to you.

Either way, once you’ve received it, please remember to Share It.

Thanks

The Kubatana team

Chickenshed present …

The Rain That Washes

At Chickenshed

Tuesday 29th September 2011 – Saturday 8th October

An epic journey through Zimbabwe’s turbulent history. A true story that is poignant, political and personal, this beautifully realised one-man show brings to life the human drama behind the history and the headlines.

Following the dream of majority rule, one man sees Ian Smith’s Rhodesia become Robert Mugabe’s Zimbabwe.

From refugee camps in Botswana to air strikes in Zambia via Marxism in Bulgaria, he returns to Zimbabwe, only to witness the greatest betrayal of all.

Age Recommendation: 12 plus
Running Time: Approx. 60 minutes
Tickets: £8 (£6 concs)

Venue: Chickenshed Theatre (Studio)
Address: Chase Side, Southgate,London, N14 4PE

Box Office: 020 8292 9222

Nearest Tube: Oakwood/Cockfosters.

More here

Protection Intern  – United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Deadline: 21 September 2011

Location: Harare, Zimbabwe with some travel within Zimbabwe.

Duration of assignment: 3-6 months, starting end of November 2011.

Compensation: PLEASE NOTE THIS IS AN UNPAID INTERNSHIP. There is no possibility of compensation or reimbursement of expenses. Interns are expected to cover all travel costs to and from Zimbabwe (if based abroad) as well accommodation, living, and other related costs once they are in the country. The Office will provide documentation of the Internship to educational institutions and other appropriate bodies, as needed.

Note Well: There should be no expectation of employment at the end of the Internship, and per UNHCR rules, an intern may not apply for a position with UNHCR until six months have elapsed from the end of their internship.

Supervision: The Intern will be supervised by an international staff member in UNHCR’s Protection Unit in the Branch Office Harare.

Duties and Responsibilities

To support the Office in implementing the UNHCR protection and durable solution activities in Zimbabwe for refugees, IDP’s and refugee returnees by:

* Assisting UNHCR staff with individual counseling of urban refugees and ensuring appropriate follow-up after counseling sessions;
* Assisting in updating files and profiles in UNHCR computerized database system;
* Drafting relevant communications with UNHCR partners and government counterparts under the direction of UNHCR staff;
* Conducting visits to Waterfalls Transit Center in Harare to follow-up on cases of refugees with special protection needs;
* Assisting with durable solutions reviews of and recommendations for refugees’ cases;
* Assisting with legal review of individual refugee claims;
* Assisting with identification of refugees with special needs and profiling exercises;
* Occasionally undertaking field missions to the Tongogara Refugee Camp;
* Assisting the office with training for beneficiaries, authorities and partners on Refugee Law, Human Rights, Resettlement and other related topics;
* Assisting with IDP issues as required and
* Performing other duties as may be required by the Office.

Qualifications

Required:

* A university degree in Law, Human Rights, Forced Migration/Refugee studies or other related field, including social sciences.
* A basic working knowledge of Refugee law;
* Fluency in spoken and written English, including excellent English-language writing skills;
* The adaptability to work in an international and multicultural environment;
* The ability to work with vulnerable and victimized individuals;
* The ability to act professionally and to deal with confidential and sensitive information; and
* The availability to work in Zimbabwe for a minimum of three (3) months.

Desired:

* Advanced degree in a relevant field;
* Work experience with refugees and/or IDPs;
* Knowledge of French, Swahili, or languages from the Great Lakes Region and local Zimbabwean languages.
* Female candidates are encouraged to apply

To Apply: Please send an updated CV, a current writing sample (maximum 5 pages), and a cover letter stating your reasons for applying for the internship to DAUN [at] unhcr [dot] org

Please note that only complete applications will be considered and only candidate(s) selected for interviews will be contacted.

Deadline: The deadline for applications is 21 September 2011. No applications after this date will be considered.