Waiting for the ATM this morning I heard a priceless bit of dialogue on the security guard’s over over (walkie talkie).

Control: Zero One, please confirm your fuel level, over.
01: I have no fuel, over.
Control: Zero One, please repeat. What is your current fuel level, over.
01: I have no fuel, over.
Control: Zero One, please repeat. How much fuel do you have, over.
01: Control. I have zero zero zero point zero zero point zero zero fuel. Nothing. Finish. Over.

Art by Tafadzwa Gwetai.

Morehouse College, one of the oldest American colleges, has awarded an honorary doctorate to Zimbabwe’s richest man, Econet Wireless Holdings founder, Strive Masiyiwa in recognition for his philanthropic and humanitarian work across the African continent. Masiyiwa is ranked 34 on the Forbes’ list of Africa’s 40 Richest. The Econet Wireless mobile telecommunications company brand has spread from Zimbabwe to conquer Africa and has also moved to the UK and New Zealand. Apart from running the company Strive Masiyiwa is involved in the Capernaum Trust, a charity organization that sponsors children from disadvantaged families with scholarships.

Art by Gareth Nyandoro – From the Open Studio event held in Athlone recently. Contact theeckximstudios [at] gmail [dot] com for more information.

From Lloyd in Harare:

Note that I sent you a FIX THIS PLEASE photo about an open ditch with water in it at the corner of Sam Nujoma (Second Street) and Downie Avenue in Belgravia, Harare. I highlighted in the email that if not closed there is a danger of vehicles falling into the ditch since its not covered or hedged off to vehicles.

On 30 May 2012 a vehicle nearly fell into the ditch when avoiding a commuter omnibus that cut it off. Find attached a photo of the vehicle. If authorities had done something this wouldn’t have happened.

May authorities do something about this please.

We asked the Kubatana community to share their reflections on what Africa Day means to them – here is some of what we got …

Africa day symbolises unity of African countries, which was initiated by great leaders such as Nyerere and Nkurumah although it is now characterised by conflicts, war and despotic leaders. – Clive

It continues to sicken thinking minds that new civil conflicts are prevalent. The mere fact that only four African countries consider Africa day, as a public holiday is indicative of strained African relations! Gross violation of human rights, poor governance, corruption and lack of political will all continue to ridicule the maxim of Africa day. Africa day that never was! – Raymond

What else would it mean? It’s just another passing day for Africans. Despite numerous pledges and noises made by African states in the African Union, no solidarity is shown when it comes to the suffering of fellow states. There is pretence of Brotherhood when in actual fact it’s, each man for himself and God shine on us all!  – Shephard

African Day is a great day for each and every African, and those who wish the continent the greatest of success! This day should always open our eyes and give us the joy of fighting for what we are, who we are and what we believe in. Together as Africans we fought the out-side common enemy – colonialism but now we are fighting the enemy within – poverty, racism, xenophobia, ethnicity, civil wars, authoritarian regimes, human rights abuses, etc… It has been more than a decade since OAU, now African Union was formed but the enemy within us is still strong! The enemy within has divided Africans; it has brought in another strong enemy – Neo-colonialism. It has widened the economic gaps between the poor and the rich. My fellow Africans, is this what we fought for in the name of liberation? How liberated are we as Africans? I believe this day should open up our minds and eyes, to reflect on these issues as Africans. What are we celebrating? Are we celebrating the formation of OAU as an organisation or the purpose why it was formed? Either way, what is important is for us to remember that we need to develop strategies of defeating the enemy within. Let us help the OAU/AU in defeating the common enemy. – Twambi

Though we speak different languages and live in different countries, the big issue is unity. Black or white we should share. That’s Africa day for to me. – Kenneth

It was supposed to mean a time to reflect on peace, food security and technological advancement on the continent. Unfortunately, we are always chewing our humble pie where conflicts are the order of the day, and corruption is at centre stage. Basically the meaning is getting to be negative for us the youths. – Francis