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ZIFF main screen moves from Harare Gardens to Kensington

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Wednesday, October 5th, 2011 by Amanda Atwood

If you’re trying to catch a non-rained-out ZIFF film this week, note this update from ZIFF:

Please be advised that due to the unexpected change in weather we are unable to continue screening in our main screen venue, Harare Gardens. All main screen films will as from tonight Tuesday, 4  October be screened at the Zimbabwe International Film Festival Trust offices at 2 Canterbury Road Kensington, Avondale Harare. A tent will be provided to cover audiences from possible rain. All band performance have however been cancelled, but we will have Ceaser Kajura to play the saxophone every night after the screenings.



NGO Job Vacancies in Zimbabwe

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Tuesday, October 4th, 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: National Council of Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe
Deadline: 7 October 2011

National Council of Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe, NCDPZ seeks to employ the services of an Agronomist and Project Manager with relevant professional qualifications and experience on a three year fixed term contract. National Council of Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe (NCDPZ) is an organisation of persons (men, women, boys and girls) with disabilities.

1. Project Manager

Reports to the Executive Director.

This is a senior position that requires a mature professional of high integrity.

Duties
-Oversee the implementation of the project and ensure that stated goals and objectives are met
-Prepare program work plans, budgets in co-ordination with the agronomist
-Work with the agronomist to ensure that the project is implemented in conformity with the project goal
-Regular monitoring of the project budget to ensure the budget is spent on time with no overspending
-Preparation of periodic project reports relating to the progress of the project
-The Project manager should be able to liaise and communicate with the Agronomist on updates, developments and any information considered relevant to the project

Qualifications attributes and Relevant work experience
-Degree or Diploma in Social Sciences
-At least 3 years experience at senior level in project management in development work
-Excellent English writing and communication skills
-Good analytical and project management skills
-Experience in working with people with disabilities

2. Agronomist: Based in Zezani, Beitbridge

Reports to the Project Manager

Duties
-Provide regular reports on the project activity implementation status against the project goals and objectives
-Document all project activities and reports
-Organize and conduct training in horticulture, technical agronomic skills and conservation farming for 200 households
-Prepare and produce training materials
-Facilitate linkages between agro dealers, potential markets and farmers

Qualifications, attributes and relevant experience
-University Degree in Agriculture or relevant discipline from a recognized institution
-A minimum of 3 years experience managing a sustainable agricultural programme
-Excellent agricultural skills including the ability to manage time, set priorities and meet deadlines
-Class 4 Driver’s License a must
-Understanding of food security programmes, disability and gender issues
-Be computer literate
-A readiness of working with people with disabilities

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should email a cover letter, Curriculum Vitae (including referees) and copies of University degrees and professional certificates to: ncdzim [at] mweb [dot] co [dot] zw or hand deliver to: Freedom House, Opposite Mpilo OI Clinic, Old Victoria Falls Road, Bulawayo

Please note that only the highest quality applications will be considered. In the case of a successful candidate being found, NCDPZ will perform reference & background checks. NCDPZ is an equal opportunity employer. It particularly encourages applications from people with disabilities, women and previously disadvantaged people.

Programme Manager
Deadline: 7 October 2011

Two international organisations are partnering in Zimbabwe to implement a programme that will facilitate the creation of employment through self-help and practical tools which strengthen the individual and society for sustainable development. The programme is being implemented in 10 districts across Zimbabwe.

We are seeking applications from appropriately qualified and experienced people for the position of Programme Manager Zimbabwe.

Work base: Harare, Zimbabwe
Position details: 2 year fixed term contract
Salary: Negotiable

Job purpose: To lead the national implementation of the programme and managing the programme team and resources to deliver agreed results within the set timeframes and budgets. The Programme Manager, who will be fully responsible for the implementation of the programme, will report to the Steering Committee comprising SCC and HIH senior managers.

Key Responsibilities

-Responsible for managing the implementation of the foundational and growth phases of the job creation processes, including Self-Help Group formation, training, access to finance, markets, skills and promotion of small, micro enterprises.
-Provision of leadership to staff
-Recruitment and performance evaluation of programme staff
-Management of the programme budget
-Monitoring and evaluation
-Responsible for stakeholder engagement and management
-Responsible for representing the programme
-Co-ordination of the progress on the field
-Builds relationships and develops networks

Key requirements

-Senior management experience in leading the development and ensuring the delivery of programme strategy
-Proven analytical skills and ability to think strategically
-Experience in leading and motivating multi disciplinary, geographically remote teams, a high degree of self-awareness
-Experience in representing an organization with partners, government agencies, private sector organizations and donors
-High level financial management skills to steer the operational budget
-Excellent written and verbal communication skills to motivate, influence and negotiate
-An advanced degree in Development Studies or Economics or Social Science or Businesses Management is required
-A valid driver’s licence
-Fluency in English and at least one local language
-Computer literacy
-Over 10 years’ experience in senior management position

To apply, please send a brief motivational letter and CV to both of the following email addresses: recruitzim [at] yahoo [dot] com and jwara.lungile [at] gmail [dot] com

Country Controller: SNV
Deadline: 7 October 2011

SNV Netherlands Development Organisation is working in over 33 developing countries across the world in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe. The emphasis of our work is on poverty reduction and promotion of good governance through (1) increasing production, income and employment and (2) increasing access to basic services in the sectors of water, sanitation & hygiene, education, health and renewable energy. The East and Southern Africa (ESA) Region of the SNV includes Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

This position is located in Harare, Zimbabwe. The Country Controller is a member of the Country Management Team; s/he functionally and hierarchically reports to the ESA Regional Controller while providing finance and control services to the Country Director, SNV Zimbabwe and the Country Management Team.

Purpose

The Country Controller position exists to provide support for all SNV Zimbabwe based activities. S/he implements (Finance) policies along the five pillars (Finance and administration, planning and control, audit, ICT and procurement) for the country and functionally carries out supervision of Portfolio Administrators located in the portfolio offices. In addition, s/he provides (financial) advice to the Country Director and Portfolio Co-ordinators. S/he is responsible for adherence to compliance and in this capacity the guardian of SNV rules and regulations. S/he oversees all Key Qualitative Indicators (KQIs) and reports on a monthly basis to the Regional Controller and CMT.

Major responsibilities

Financial strategy
-Contribute to the formulation of the Financial and ICT strategy of the region
-Develop Country Finance strategy as well as contribute to development of the Country strategy

Financial Management and Control
-Establishing procedures, guidelines and work instructions concerning administration of portfolios within the country
-Monitoring procedures, administrations and data of portfolios on quality, compliance, consistency and effectiveness and taking action if necessary
-Overseeing the budget preparation process by budget holders, monitoring budgets, ensuring compliance to budget procedures and providing timely feedback reports

Financial Accounting and Administration
-Carrying out accounting at country level
-Checking and consolidating data of portfolios, preparing monthly, quarterly and annual budgets and monitor progress and exhaustion on monthly basis
-Carrying out necessary reconciliations and adjustments between existing administrations
-Responsible for liquidity Management within the country
-Archiving all relevant documents, monitoring reporting by portfolios
-Responsible for payment to suppliers and monitoring actual delivery
-Being in charge of salary and tax related issues at country level
-Being in charge of Fixed Assets Management from a financial and economic perspective
-Manage logistics & purchasing for the Zimbabwe office

Information Services
-Providing financial and administrative reports, ensuring quality of outsourced ICT services
-Checking financial and non-financial data on accuracy, completeness and timeliness
-Supporting Human Resources reporting to country offices, portfolio offices and Finance

Resource Mobilisation
-Coordinate risk assessments, contract signing, budget formulation and funds flow for resource mobilisation initiatives in line with the Partnership and Resource Mobilisation guideline. Ensure revenue accruals are done on a monthly basis
-Provide monthly financial reports to management and lead advisors on partner funds exhaustion
-Provide financial reports to partners on the agreed dates in line with the partnership agreements

Financial Training Partners
-Provide support to SNV clients on financial issues as and when required by the advisory practice

Human Resource Management
-Assist in recruitment of Finance staff
-Coach junior employees for optimal performance

Qualifications

Education
-Degree in Accounting, Financial Management or related fields (MBA preferably)
-Professional accounting qualifications (CPA, ACCA, CIMA, etc)
-Qualifications in information systems and especially SPA an added advantage

Work experience and knowledge
-Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience in a similar position
-Fluency in written and spoken English
-Computer literate, proficient with MS Word, Excel and financial applications

Personality
-Proactive personally
-Good communicator who is a critical thinker and has a strong personality
-A professional orientation to work
-Impeccable integrity

Applications should be emailed to: Zimbabwe [at] snvworld [dot] org and rshamu [at] snvworld [dot] org

SNV is dedicated to a society where all people enjoy the freedom to pursue their own sustainable development. For more information visit the website: www.snvworld.org

Country Directors: VSO
Deadline: 13 October 2011

VSO has a new strategy and we’re looking for country directors in Africa to help us breathe life into it. This is your chance to play a decisive role in shaping the way our operations in Africa look for years to come. Are you ready for the challenge?

The jobs
We want people to head up our programme offices and we have a number of vacancies in countries across Africa. Working together with a highly motivated team, you’ll translate our new strategy into lasting, meaningful improvements in the lives of the country’s poorest people. You’ll work with our strategic partners to shape our goals, create national strategy, raise our profile, network with government agencies, donors and other international agencies, and generally be a walking, talking embodiment of our values and vision. You’ll also support our volunteers, manage our people, take responsibility for financial and resource management and legal compliance. Easy, right?

You
You’re an experienced senior manager and you’ve successfully managed development or humanitarian programmes at a country level before. You have excellent leadership, negotiation and relationship-building skills. And your project-management skills need to be second to none, because you’ll be using them to plan, resource and implement our innovative programmes Oh, and you’ll need to find the cash to run some of those programmes too, so experience securing external funding and grants is essential.

Us
We’re a development organisations that’s been working through volunteers to fight poverty for more than fifty years. We blush when we admit it, but we’re the leading organisation in the field. We work in almost 50 countries and we’re constantly exploring new ways to use the time, energy and skills of people to make a difference. Even if you know us, it’s worth checking out our website – we might not be the organisation you think we are.

The package
OK, so nobody works for an NGO to make a fortune, but you still deserve to be paid properly. As well as a competitive salary, the package includes comprehensive health benefits, accommodation, children’s education and relocation costs, plus we’ll match pension contributions up to 5% of your salary.

Ready to apply?
Find out more

Deputy Logistics Sub-Unit Manage: JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc
Deadline: 14 October 2011

Key functions

The overall purpose of the Deputy Logistics Sub-Unit Manager is to work closely with the Logistics Sub-Unit (LSU) Manager, Upstream Logistics Co-ordinator and Data Analyst to highlight any gaps in supply and work to ensure these gaps are filled. As a member of the LSU, work to ensure the continuous supply of essential medicines including HIV & AIDS commodities wherever they are needed in the MOHCW public sector.

The Deputy LSU Manager will:
-Deputize the LSU Manager
-Supervise HIV & AIDS and Essential Medicines Logistics Officers and PMTCT Focal Person

Specific responsibilities/tasks

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
-Carry out duties of the LSU Manager in his/her absence
-Work with the LSU Manager to develop annual work plans for the LSU
-Work closely with NatPharm to co-ordinate health commodities distribution systems and logistics management information systems
-Provide pharmaceutical technical advice to the LSU team
-Forecast and quantify essential medicines and HIV related commodity needs
-Prepare technical and status/progress reports on logistics system performance and implementation activities
-Monitor the timelines and completeness of deliveries of commodities within the country
-Generate regular stock status and logistics system progress reports to be presented to programme managers, donors and other stakeholders
-Conduct a regular pipeline analyses and monitoring of commodity supplies at the national and facility levels
-Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with NatPharm, PMDS, ZNFPC, HIV & AIDS commodity donors, NGOs, NAC and other agencies
-Assist in conducting logistics management training and other related trainings and workshops
-Serve on donor co-ordination and commodity management committees as requested
-Perform any other duties as necessary

Qualifications
-Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy (preferred), Public Administration, Logistics or related field
-Five years’ progressively responsible experience in logistics management
-Very good reporting and writing skills in English
-Ability to conduct effective public presentations
-Demonstrated skills in representation, liaison and collaboration with government, private and non-governmental organizations
-Demonstrated skills in word processing and use of spreadsheets
-Demonstrated knowledge of the Zimbabwe public health sector
-HIV & AIDS work experience
-Police clearance
-Good physical and mental health

Competitive salary and benefits. Interested applicants please submit application letter and complete resume and contactable references to: JSI Country Director, Southwest Wing, Room SW 07, Agriculture House, No. 1 Adylinn Road, Corner Marlborough Drive, Marlborough, Harare. Fax: +263-4-309830. Email: info [at] jsizim [dot] co [dot] zw

Only short listed candidates will be notified.


Information Officer: local NGO
Deadline: 20 October 2011

Background
A non-profit making local non-governmental organization in Zimbabwe working on capacity building and advocacy with youth at national level seeks to employ an Information Officer to start 1st November 2011.  The Information Officer will support the organization for its information management and internal & external communications functions. The Information Officer will support programme departments and will be responsible for developing effective information exchange and communication, collecting and disseminating documentation about program impact. The officer will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager.

Responsibilities

* Develop communication materials and coordinate the organization’s publications while maintaining quality standards: writes and edits reports, brochures, newsletters, website content etc.
* Set up and manage the organization’s resource centre;
* Develop and manage internal information resources and networks
* Conducting research
* Develop a strategy and policy for the utilization of new media (including social media) for the organization’s information and advocacy activities;
* Support the organization’s information and advocacy activities through maintaining a database of partner organizations and communicating with these regularly ;
* Ensure the handling of external requests for information;
* Develop and implement an effective communication strategy for YET;
* Assist in distribution of YET publications;
* Assist in development of project proposals, organizing and facilitating  training workshops and monitoring of activities for effective communication of results;
* Perform any other relevant tasks/duties as assigned by the Programme Manager or Director

Qualifications and Experience

* A degree in Journalism, Information Management or any other Social Science degree plus post-graduate studies in a communications related field
* At least 3 years experience working in youth development work and understands the dynamics of the youth sector in Zimbabwe
* Excellent English writing and communication skills
* Ability to work in a youthful and dynamic team
* Effective planning and organisation skills
* Good project management skills
* Excellent computer skills
* Ability to work under pressure

Prospective applicants should email their CV and cover letter to: yetrecruitment [at] gmail [dot] com

Managing Editor: Journal Of Public Policy In Africa (JoPPA)
Deadline: 31 October 2011

The Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA) and Institute of Peace, Governance and Leadership (IPLG) based at the Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe has an exciting position for an energetic Managing Editor. The two organisations are in the process of developing a uniquely African Journal on Public Policy to be known as the Journal of Public Policy in Africa (JoPPA). The Journal will play a catalyst role on the continent in the generation and dissemination of new ideas in developing public policy for democratic development.

Overview of Key Responsibilities

The Managing Editor will report to the Editor-in-Chief, who in turn reports to an Advisory Board made up of a panel eminent African scholars and academics. The Managing Editor will be responsible for:

1. Overseeing all phases of the production process ensuring production and distribution of the JoPPA in a timely manner, coordinating efforts with other editors and with authors.
2. The Managing Editor is responsible for developing and/or implementing and maintaining sound business procedures consistent with prevailing Africa University policies pertaining to overseeing and coordinating the production and publication of the Journal.
3. Procedures for efficiently coordinating all logistics pertaining to publication of journal articles.
4. Procedures for efficiently coordinating all logistics pertaining to book reviews for eventual publication in the Journal.
5. Procedures for maintaining accurate, auditable records for interactions with contributors, copy editor(s), and subscribers to the Journal.
6. Administration of all contracted relations with publishers, printers, subscription management services, and other vendors/service providers.
7. Coordination of the compilation and preparation of accepted materials for copyediting;
8. Proofreading of copyedited materials as required at various stages of the publication process.
9. Supervision of such part-time student personnel as may be hired by the Journal for specific purposes and of such IPLG clerical staff as may be temporarily assigned.

Qualifications:

Master’s degree and five years relevant publishing experience in proofreading academic prose and in-house production editing. Must be proficient in APA style documentation. Must be proficient in Word, Excel, and Acrobat. Excellent communication skills including scholarly vocabulary, knowledge of academic footnoting and bibliography form, ability to enter corrections in foreign languages (French and Portuguese) with correct accents and presentation of translated material.

Previous experience in marketing and subscription management will be beneficial.

The position will be based in Mutare, Zimbabwe. An attractive remuneration package, commensurate with experience applies. The job is offered on a two-year (renewable) contract.

Interested applicants should forward a letter of interest and a detailed CV to:

The Assistant Registrar Personnel and Administration
Africa University, Box 1320, Mutare, Zimbabwe
c/o Mrs. Susan V. Musiyiwa
Secretary to Director
Institute of Peace, Leadership and Governance
Africa University
Iplgsec [at] africau [dot] ac [dot] zw

The role of the middlemen at Beitbridge border post

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Tuesday, October 4th, 2011 by Lenard Kamwendo

It has now become the norm of the day that if you want a service or a product and you don’t know exactly where to get it from, someone quickly chips in and tell you that he/she can help you – for a fee of course. The fee can be high especially if the service or product you are looking for is scarce. One can earn a living in Zimbabwe by charging people just to show them where to get a service or a product fast without enduring long queues. I came across some of these people at Beitbridge border post recently when I wanted to clear some stuff.  I met these well dressed young men whom you can mistakenly think are the real Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) officers because of the way they entice you with the knowledge they have of clearing goods at the border post.

These people have so many names. The most popular ones are “clearing agent”, “runner” “go-between” or “middlemen”. So many names for this unofficialised profession hey! From my own under understanding the service, which was being sold, was to speed up the paper work involved in clearing goods. After telling me about their jobs, and in order to convince me, I was even taken to the help desk where to my surprise the officer commanding the desk actually recognised the guys. After rejecting the offer for the service I was told to be prepared for long waits, delays and high import duty charges, which made me wonder how possible was it for me to get low import duty charges from ordinary guys like these.  The fact that these people operate in the vicinity of the ZIMRA officials’ makes one wonder whether the services being offered by these unscrupulous people is now official.

Police stories: Cops and robbers

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Tuesday, October 4th, 2011 by Upenyu Makoni-Muchemwa

While getting food with my other this weekend I spotted some policemen patrolling the Pomona food court area and I commented how much safer I felt seeing the familiar neon green vest over khakis milling about.

“Ah! They’re useless.’ He said. ‘But their presence will scare people into behaving.”

His cynicism was well founded. He had been robbed the previous weekend. His roommate had been asleep, while the thieves pried the front door open. By the looks of the place the next day, it seemed as though they had taken their time. They took every valuable thing they could find including the kettle. I suppose they were humanist robbers, because they were decent enough to leave the radio, and return his roommates passport, which had been in the same bag as a laptop and several hundred dollars. Being an avid fan of CSI Miami, my other hoped a Zimbabwean version of Horatio would show up (sunglasses optional), to dust for prints, check for DNA and solve the crime.  He didn’t. Instead a crack team of barely interested CID officers came. They dusted for prints and filed a report as a formality, and succeeded in scaring him into considering buying a gun.

A few nights after the robbery, the police set up a road block a hundred metres away from my other’s flat. He stopped to jokingly shout at them for being too late to stop the robbery at his place. They laughed, but in the conversation he had with them, they complained about a lack of respect from the public. People did not want to stop at roadblocks.

Telling me about it later he remarked, ‘It’s their own fault; they should stop asking for bribes and just do their jobs. At least the roadblock will scare the robbers from coming back for some time, so we can make the house more secure.’

Money for marriage

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Tuesday, October 4th, 2011 by Elizabeth Nyamuda

Last week in the Mail & Guardian a South Africa paper, I read a story on wedding contributions titled, “I’m getting married, please send money” which has become a culture in Tanzania. In a nutshell this means that when one is getting married they send out an invitation asking for contributions from friends, relatives and colleagues. Erick Mchome, who wrote the article from Dar es Salaam, quoted this text from a card:

“The family of so-and-so is happy to inform you that their beloved son/daughter is getting married in October. We have a pleasure to ask you for your participation by contributing some money and moral support. Please give the money to the one who gave you this card or contact the phone numbers below.”

I found this shocking, but I then recalled it’s their culture. In my mind I quickly brushed it off and said not in Zimbabwe! I just found it outrageous to be asking everyone for ‘financial’ support for a wedding. Just when I thought it wouldn’t happen in my country, I got the shock of my life! A guy walked past our office and gave me a paper saying please contribute towards this … I hesitantly took the paper thinking its one of those church building, school function donation forms, only to read PLEASE CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS OUR WEDDING! I just gazed at the paper horrified.

I am now sitting in the office, and saying to myself that Tanzanians do the contribution stuff better than the Zimbabwean I met, who literally asks for something from anyone! Having a big, colourful wedding is everyone’s dream, but if you cant afford one, should you then go around ‘begging’ for a wedding contribution? My Pastor at church, who is a marriage officer, always tells us that money should not stop people from getting married legally. He actually says that those who can’t afford to have the big ‘white wedding’ can bring in their witnesses, and parents to his office, get married and celebrate eating home baked scones! My sister had a court wedding. They went to court with their witnesses and a few relatives, came home and we celebrated and blessed them! Its almost 15 years later now but we still marvel at the pictures and even though I was still in primary school I can remember her gown. It didn’t cost much but at least it was something that they and the immediate family could afford to have.

My friends and relatives, I am not expecting to receive a card inviting me to contribute towards your wedding! I would rather support you any way I can even if it means me merely hooking you up with the best florist in town…and of course I wont forget to bring that traditional wedding gift for you and your loved one to bless you on your day.

Police stories: Chioko muhomwe

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Monday, October 3rd, 2011 by Upenyu Makoni-Muchemwa

My purse, along with my Zimbabwean National ID card, driver’s license and some money was stolen on a night out a few months ago. Dutifully, I went to my nearest police station to report it. The officer in charge wrote down the details of what had happened in a big book. He then wrote a reference number on a torn slip of paper. When I went to the Central Vehicle Registry to get a replacement driver’s license, the woman at the window rudely told me that my reference number was not sufficient, and they needed an actual form.  When I went back to the police station to request it, I was informed that they didn’t have it, but whichever officer I was talking to could find it, provided I gave him $5 or $10 for his trouble.  I didn’t want to pay a bribe; I’d stop occasionally to find out if the forms had come. Finally I gave up.

The police have stopped me on several occasions, and when they find nothing wrong with my car, they usually ask for my driver’s license. At some roadblocks, they’ve asked for my ID number then called CVR to verify. At others they’ve taken my details and given me a ticket to be paid later. This morning I encountered one where a police officer demanded I make payment immediately.

He was an arrogant, swaggering sort of policeman, anozvinzwa shuga. Having done a cursory inspection of my car, he asked for my license. I gave him a certified copy of my passport and told him what happened at the CVR. He delivered a condescending monologue on police procedure, and what he understood of the law.

‘That’s great’, I replied,’ but in my case that’s not what happened.’

‘Saka todii?’ he asked.

I told him the law said that I had seven days to present my license or pay a fine at nearest police station and that since I had neither a license nor money on my person he should write me a ticket. He replied that I was lying. I lost my temper and shouted at him. He said that if I wanted to leave I would have to pay $20.

The men in my life, my other included, have always accused me of being volatile, particularly when I’m angry. My brothers always say ‘Zvako zve marights ako zvicha kurovesa’ when they have to get me out of trouble.

When I shoved my purse in the officer’s face to shown him it was empty, he said, Imi amai, regai kuita naro. Kana tichida tino gona kuimpounda mota yenyu. Asi murikuda kusungwa?’ (Look lady stop arguing. We can impound your vehicle if we want to. Are you trying to get arrested?)

I got even angrier and told him that I pay taxes and therefore do not pay bribes, and of course shouted some more:

‘You’re a police officer; your job is to help the public!’

‘Handina basa naizvozvo amai, fonerai munhu auye nemari.’ (I don’t care about any of that; call someone to bring the money for you).

Thankfully, he walked away, and I had enough presence of mind not get out of my car and really lay into him.

Finding that I was not going to pay, and had made myself somewhat comfortable at the roadblock, the police eventually let me go. I think most times people do pay the bribe because they are in a hurry to get where they are going. Not everyone is angry enough to sit in simmering protest at a roadblock. But imagine if we did, and we stopped letting misinformed police officers break the laws they are supposed to uphold.

A different officer finally came to my car and heard me out. He even helped me get the form I needed to take to the CVR. As I drove away he said, ‘Musaore moyo amai, mapurisa ese haana kufanana.’ (Don’t be bitter, not all police officers are the same.)