UN Human Rights Council Resolution (A/HRC/20/L.13, July 5, 2012)  “affirms the same rights that people have offline must also be protected online, in particular freedom of expression, which is applicable regardless of frontiers and through any media of one’s choice, in accordance with articles 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. “

Most governments and private companies are increasingly violating this resolution by perpetrating human rights violations online, either through content censoring, intimidation, denying access to information and selling individual’s private data. The reason why the Internet grew so fast is based on the fact that the libertarian engineers who created it thought governments were not going to control it. Currently Africa has an Internet penetration rate of 57 percent and it is predicted that by the year 2020 every African will have a mobile phone.

The recent Arab spring really caught most governments off guard in terms of realizing the power of Internet. As technology moves fast authoritarian governments are now investing a lot in trying to control the Internet rather than making the service available to every citizen. Governments are now using all methods of censorship in trying to limit freedom of expression on the Internet. The recent story of an Ethiopian blogger who was sentenced to 18 years in prison is just one example of how governments are working to suppress independent voices. The rise in Internet censorship calls for urgent action to broaden the constituencies involved in the promotion of human rights including media, communication, and human rights actors.

Civil society has a role to play through engaging governments to ensure that the same rights that people have offline are also protected online, in particular freedom of expression, which is being constantly violated. Liberalized telecommunications markets also play an important role through the provision of affordable Internet to people. Competition, independent ownership of infrastructure and liberalized telecommunications markets should be promoted to ensure an open, affordable and net neutrality.

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.

WASH Project Manager: Zvitambo
Deadline: 20 July 2012 (5pm)

Exciting position for a highly motivated, self-driven, WASH professional with excellent analytical problem-solving skills, strong reporting and budget management skills, and is a great team player especially working closely with district-level WASH officials. Research experience and availability to begin 1st August are advantages.

Submitted CV must include:

Relevant information and credentials, years of relevant experience, current employment status, salary history, size of budgets previously managed; and a writing example (a report or article). All information submitted will be held in strict confidence and we will not contact employers without candidate’s permission.

Send CVs to: applynow [at] zvitambo [dot] co [dot] zw

Programme Officer: Local NGO
Deadline: 20 July 2012

The post will be based in Harare with extensive traveling and visiting project sites. The Programme Officer will report to the National Coordinator.

Responsibilities
-Spearheading the information management and research component of the organisation’s program
-Developing, coordinating and implementing innovative, high quality and policy relevant advocacy strategies
-Managing the organisation’s key communication channels (website, media contacts, data base, press wall and library)
-Designing and maintaining a functional M&E system to enable regular monitoring and evaluation of projects

Qualifications and experience
-A Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Media Studies, Social Sciences or qualification in a related field
-Proven experience in project management and implementation
-Experience in the media
-Experience working in local communities

Personal attributes
-Demonstrated strategic and analytical thinking
-Excellent oral and written communication skills
-Holder of a clean class four driver’s license
-Ability to effectively communicate technical material to both expert and lay audiences

Interested individuals are advised to submit their CV and motivational letter describing interest, qualifications and salary requirements to programmesofficer2012 [at] gmail [dot] com

Please be advised that only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Supply Officer: MSF-Spain
Deadline: 22 July 2012

Based in Harare

-Diploma in Purchasing and Supply or similar qualification
-Minimum 3 years experience in a similar role in the NGO sector
-Excellent knowledge in Inventory Control ensuring high stock accuracy
-Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office
-Experience in maintenance and update of supply software
-Experience in customs clearing
-Proven ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
-Able to work under pressure and in a changing environment
-Willingness to work in a ‘hands on’ position
-Fluent in English and local languages
-Ability to work in a multicultural environment
-Responsible and flexible

Send CV to: HR Admin, MSF-Spain, 3 Natal Road, Belgravia, Harare, Zimbabwe or email: Msfe-harare-hr [at] Barcelona [dot] msf [dot] org

Finance Assistant: Catholic Relief Services
Deadline: 23 July 2012

Location: Bulawayo

Catholic Relief Services – Zimbabwe Program (PVO: 6/2002), an international humanitarian and development organization.

The Finance Assistant is responsible for assisting in ensuring that the sub office adheres to good financial accounting systems that enable the office to accurately report on the funds allocated to it. The main focus will be to assist in ensuring that the sub office is in compliance with CRS policies as well as any applicable external donor requirements. S/he ensures that the sub office submits reports to CRS Finance timely.

Qualifications & Experience
-Diploma in Accounting or studying towards a Bachelor of Accounting Degree, CIMA, ACCA, or CIS
-Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a similar position
-NGO exposure critical/essential
-High level of practical accounting knowledge
-Extremely detail oriented and with special attention to accuracy and timely reporting
-Very high level of computer literacy, especially MS Office applications including email
-Excellent oral and written communication skills
-Excellent interpersonal skills and an orientation to service
-Ability to meet deadlines under pressure
-Willingness to learn

Those who meet the above criteria are invited to submit their applications together with a cover letter and detailed Curriculum Vitae that includes the names and contact details (plus email addresses) of three traceable references.

Applications should be clearly marked “Finance Assistant Bulawayo”. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Please submit to: The Country Representative, 95 Park Lane, Harare or 33A Duncan Road Suburbs Bulawayo or P.O. Box CY 1111, Causeway, Harare, or to taurai.musakaruka [at] crs [dot] org

With all things being equal for one to pass through the stages indicated in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs they need support from family, community and the government. When a child is born, they are provided with all basic needs by their parents or guardians and in some cases the government. They go to school when they reach school going age and proceed to university or college where later they find a job or venture into their own projects. This enables them to attain a social standing within the community thus they then move to the last stage of self-actualisation, which at times can be realised after a long period of time. In some communities every child is given the ability to go through these stages. This however, is not the case for young boys and girls in Zimbabwe’s ‘illegal’ settlement at Hatcliffe Extension.

The community has witnessed a number of evictions under Operation Murambatsvina, which has left the lives of young people marginalized. The lives of people are at threat due little or no access to basic needs such as shelter, food, education, clothing, health and sanitation. Young people growing up in such a community face various challenges. Speaking at a Food for Thought Session at the US Public Affairs Section this week, Petros Chatiza, the Programmes Coordinator of Young Achievement Sports for Development (YASD) highlighted that, when they pay fees for a pupil, the pupil can fail to make it to school because they have no access to proper food and proper health care. This shows that the challenges faced by young people interlace with each other. His organisation is thus embarking on bringing lasting change to the lives of the youths in the Hatcliffe Extension community through unconventional approaches.

The organisation states that is uses ‘unconventional approaches to move members from biological (basic) aspirations to self realisation’.  This is done through sports and arts among other activities. They provide a platform for young people to find their potential and makes use of their talents and in so doing find some level of self fulfilment. Street soccer is a main component, which they use to engage the community. As evident in any displaced community isolation can be a challenge faced by members. Hence street soccer tries to bring together every member of the community regardless of age and gender. This was a justification provided by YASD’s Information and Communication officer on why they chose soccer. The organisation now participates at the Homeless World Cup, which seeks to energise homeless people to change their lives.

Also speaking at the event were two participants from the community. Gwauya has ventured into theatre through taking part in YASD programmes in his community. He has also been privileged enough to take part in international activities representing homeless people. Emily, through her engagement in YASD’s sports programmes has undergone soccer coaching provided by one of Zimbabwe’s international based soccer players, Joel Lupahla. Today she is a coach at a local school. YASD was applauded for these testimonies. Such programmes that enable children growing up in vulnerable situations should be emulated. Thus through the work of YASD hundreds of Hatcliffe Extension’s young boys and girls are today inspired to change their lives, to live a better life and to develop their community!

Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships Programme – Invitation for Applications

The Fellowships offer the opportunity to work in the executive offices of either the African Development Bank, the UN Economic Commission for Africa or the World Trade Organization, and an annual stipend of $100 000.

The Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships Programme will help to prepare the next generation of outstanding African leaders by providing them with unique mentoring opportunities.

The three organisations will each host an Ibrahim Leadership Fellow for a 12 month fellowship supporting senior management. The Fellows will support the work of the institutions to further promote the economic development of the continent.

The Fellowships are open to young professionals, mid-career and new executives up to the age of forty, or forty-five for women with children. The Fellows will be nationals of an African country with 7-10 years of relevant work experience and a Master’s Degree.

For more information about the Fellowships, eligibility and the application process please visit: www.moibrahimfoundation.org/fellowships

Closing date for applications is 16 July 2012.

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation aims to support good governance and great leadership in Africa.

www.moibrahimfoundation.org

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.

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