Kubatana.net ~ an online community of Zimbabwean activists

Wikileaks exposes leaders weaknesses

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Tuesday, September 6th, 2011 by Bev Clark

Pouring your heart out at an embassy or with embassy officials is not politics, its merely a demonstration of subservience. Whether they expected the American government to solve our problems we might never know, but the fact that they indeed went out of their way to brief them betrays a simplistic understanding of state politics and power.  Proximity to the American government is not necessarily proximity to the people of Zimbabwe. All the briefings that Zanu Pf and MDC politicians gave the diplomats, in their lucidity, have never been given to the people of Zimbabwe. Instead we have had media blackouts on what is transpiring in the inclusive government or in the parties that comprise it. When we are lucky we get half baked briefings in the run up to some  SADC summit while diplomats are spoilt for choice regularly. It would therefore be expected that from now on, our political leaders will begin to explain themselves more to us, the citizens of Zimbabwe as much if not more than they generally prostrated themselves before diplomats. Read more from Takura Zhangazha

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

Sifting through the propaganda

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Tuesday, August 30th, 2011 by Michael Laban

First stunning thing this week. Information that the Zimbabwe government may deport the Libyan Ambassador for flying the rebel flag.

Stunning!

I mean, denial is a wonderful place. I go there often. ‘In denial’ is usually the note that goes with my blank stare and far away look. However, I think this really takes the cake for life with your head up your ass! They are almost as ‘lost in space’ as Gadaffi himself, the man of the HUGE floor mural that people are now pissing on in Tripoli! And who issues radio statements that he is going to fight to the last against the cockroaches, and die in Libya, and … he is nowhere to be found. Even the cockroaches do not know where he is. But he is defiant! From some safe hole where he is doing his Saddam/Gbago impersonation. While he lets others die for him. And it appears he let others kill, (in great numbers) for him too.

Now there is a real man for you!

And the second stunning bit from that same information. The GNU has ‘unified’ and come to a decision to deport someone! This must be a first – a government decision! But I suspect someone gave out the wrong information. Who actually said this? I really do not think the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the Prime Minister, (the government) made any statement. Some ignorant hack in the President’s office (living in denial, and in the past, with his head up his ass), or some other executive type person (army or police), may have said something, but not ‘the government’.

First off, the government is the majority party in parliament, headed by the Prime Minister. They make the laws of Zimbabwe. And I suspect they made no law about deporting ambassadors. The President is the head of the Executive, the chief civil servant. And the Executive is the body of people that implement, or carry out, the laws of Zimbabwe. They do not make them. They are bound by them, and must do what the Government tells them to do. They must enforce the law. (Or be lawless, undisciplined, warlords.) And they do not make policy. Let alone ‘deport’ other people’s ambassador’s.

Then, more stunning (but ‘slow burn’) information. 100 prominent South Africans sign some letter protesting NATO’s bombing of Libyan killers (tanks, and other mechanisms of ‘civilian’ control). Why? Who are they (and don’t tell me the names, I can find that myself)? They cannot sign any letter 10 years ago to say, “please help the people suffering under this evil murdering dictator most foul”. But now they can sign a letter against the ‘will bomb for oil’ boys. So who are these people who can only see what they want to see? But seem quite incapable of looking around and calling out evil wherever they see it. The can only look around and call out evil when it suits them. So who are they, and why should we listen to them? Seems their ‘values’ are a bit suspect.

And the Africa Union (that organisation founded and consisting of Heads of State and Government) wonders why it has been ‘marginalised’? Well, what did happen to the peer review mechanism? Are you also unable to see and deal with evil? Except when it suits you. Or are you really only a body to represent African heads of State, and have nothing to do with African people.

Dear AU. You are marginalised because you only deal with marginal issues, and even then, at the margins. If you took a stance, had some values, and pursued them, you would not be a marginal (holiday trip) body.

On doublespeak, I hear on the BBC, interviews with foreigners in Libya and Tripoli, wanting to get out. Why? The new power in Libya is killing Africans (or might kill) people who are suspected as being Gadaffi mercenaries. But hang on, Libyans are Africans! After all, Libya is in Africa, and Gadaffi is one of the main founders/movers of the African Union. Oh, does the BBC mean ‘blacks’? It seems quite clear that all blacks are not Africans, and all Africans are not black. So why can we not speak properly?

And Zapiro’s cartoon also had me laughing and smiling for some time. His, “Signs of Libya”. NATO planes over head with banners, ‘Will bomb for oil concessions’. His Zuma character on the street corner with the sign, ‘No coherent foreign policy, Please help’, and the wall poster behind him ‘lost, road map’ and to contact the AU.

And now, big (but not really) scandal on Shell Oil spills in the Niger delta. Over the past 20 years, or more. Compare this to the small spill, over months, in the Gulf of Mexico. I have no desire to go back to my earlier blog on the USA, their gross oil over consumption, and how their backyard contrasts with our backyard. And the one response I got, “fuck you”. But I would like to ask, “was I right?”, or “was I right?”. The ‘will bomb for oil boys’ are, without doubt, a bad bunch. But where does the buck stop? At producers, or consumers? They will bomb for oil, and poison whole nations of people, but not in their back yard.

Two cheers for two patriots?

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Monday, August 29th, 2011 by Marko Phiri

It was always going to be difficult to run with the hares and hunt with the dogs, and the indigenisation drive is just one of those things that show how this has become more than real if this metaphor is to be located in the country’s body politic. The fact that “a moderate” like Gono has attempted to steer Minister Kasukuwere away from a bank takeover drive that is a patently kamikaze-inspired policy but has still met the very obduracy that has landed the country in this mess ought to tell us something about the extent the Prime Minister’s MDC is emasculated.

We read the other day that Minister Biti was to meet Minister Kasukuwere over this bank takeover after some tough talk from Gono who himself has never found favour with Biti. It becomes a convoluted matrix of politics meets economics, and we can be sure that these power games have no ordinary Zimbabwean at the centre of indigenisation or economic reconstruction. It is dumb even to imagine that Gono would agree on anything with the MDC based on what we already know, and just what is it that can be read in the public spat with Kasukuwere? Are we seeing an overt emergence of moderates who have no place in the Zanu PF scheme of radicalism?

Zimbabweans have long been conditioned to read developments here in very emotive binaries because of the polarised politics of our post-independence history, and it will take some leap of faith for anyone to believe that “God’s banker” is reading from the same hymn sheet with men who have labelled him a terrorist. So are we now expected to see Gono and Biti punching from the same corner and cheer that indeed we have made that turn for the common good, or just dismiss this as another episode of the protracted battle for the control of the country’s resources by a group of people who still have to prove themselves that it is the Zimbabwean people who matter?  You just have to have your ear on the streets to understand how Zimbabweans think.

Armies aren’t meant to fight their own people

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Thursday, August 25th, 2011 by Michael Laban

What is the job of an army anymore? Traditionally – defend a countries’ borders against invasion by another country. Fair enough role. But seems every army these days is fighting their own civilians.

India: (maybe not the army, but the government) vs. anti-corruption hunger striker. Gone are the days when he would be accused of being a Pakistani agent, enemy of the people, foreign sympathizer, etc. Now, it seems he can be nothing but a pissed off local boy. One of the common people fighting the government, which, while ‘elected’ does not seem to be ‘of the people’.

Syria: the army is busy in a war against Homs. Which is a Syrian city! Back when I was student, we read about how the Israelis ran rings around the Syrians and took the Golan Heights. Now, the Syrian tanks no longer have to go to the border to be surrendered. They just drive to a nearby town and surrender their tanks there!

Israelis too! The Israeli Air Force is busy flying missions against its own people. (If the Israelis will not let the Palestinians be a separate country, then the Palestinians must be part of Israel, and bombing Palestinians must therefore be bombing their own people.) Even if their ‘own’ people are next door in Egypt, and five Egyptian soldiers get killed along the way. And the Israelis seem no longer interesting in fighting a war against any army in any mountains or on any of their borders.

Libya: there is a case of the Libyan army fighting the Libyan people. Certainly no NATO jets seem to come under threat from the Libyan ‘Defense’ forces. And the Libyan Army seems to be losing, most likely lost, to the Libyan civilians.

The DRC: well, whatever. Who really knows what is going on there, even the DRC citizens and residents! To many countries on the borders. Each with their own cross border opposition forces. The Lord’s Resistance. The Interhamwe. The ZNA diamond mines. The Angolans. The Katangese. One of the best roads I drove on in DRC was built by the Zambians, so Zambians could get from one part of Zambia to another part of Zambia the quickest way!

Cote D’Ivoire: But since Laurent Gbagbo was winkled out of his country – which turned out to be a hole in the ground (underground bunker) in a military camp, (but he still thought of it as ‘his’ country, talk about living with your head up your ass!) – that army is not longer fighting its own civilians. And now that Gbagbo is gone from his hole in the ground, who is the army? Who belongs to the army, or who does the army belong to?

Sudan: finally! Now that South Sudan is a country, there really is an external threat across the border!

So here, it makes you wonder, if Tsvangirai is a threat to national security… who are invading us? The Chinese? Botswana? Or, what is ‘National’ security? Who exactly are the ‘nation’ (he is also a Zimbabwean, isn’t he?) he is making insecure?

So what is role of the ZNA? Why is it any bigger than 15000? Or even that big? The Foreign Ministry keeps us safe from threat of invasion – we are at peace with all our neighbours. Aren’t we? We even had to send the army two countries away to lose a war, in the DRC. And who was the enemy there, what foreign country was invading them? And threatening the ZNA diamond mines?

Which brings to mind a sight, going to the range (The Gun Range, Harare Shooting Sport Complex). To get there, enter though the entrance gate of the Cleveland Ranges, Arcturas Road. The military 1000 meter range. The president’s medal has been held every year, probably going back to Southern Rhodesia days. And since Zimbabwe, RG Mugabe has been handing it out to the best rifle shot in the military.

Suddenly, for the first time since I came here in 1971, and started shooting there in 1976 there is a gate and a boom and gate house and presentation platforms and flags and flag poles (and the HSSC sign has been pushed flat so no one can see it). All this suddenly at President’s medal time, for presentation and all the rest. Who is trying to impress who? Is the Army trying to make Bob feel ‘elevated’, or is Bob throwing money and works at the army to make them feel like they really have anything to do? Or are the Generals throwing stuff at the ranks to make them feel they are part of the ‘big bucks’ going around?