It’s a new year and it’s that period when people say all kinds of silly things and expect to be taken seriously. From ordinary Jacks to extraordinary Dicks, you hear them mouthing crap and you wonder what inspires this specialisation in crapology. Then you think, maybe they are exhibiting unbound elation that they made into the New Year when other people were not so fortunate. But then, is being alive reason to say silly things? So, imagine the response to the question, “Why are you being silly,” “Because I’m alive!” I am not just talking about the so-called resolutions for the fresh year which history has shown have become fashionable empty proclamations of nonexistent faith, but perhaps importantly I am inevitably referencing the political.

I heard the other day a Zanu PF (who else?) mandarin going on and on about how his party would open up the primary election contests where every Jack and Dick would throw in their hat. He obviously did not include himself, for if he did, it would mean he would also be welcoming challengers within the party to vie for the representation of the rural folk where voters have been taken for granted for 30 something years. But knowing these people and their history of violence where they have indeed become career politicians through means nefarious, the sincerity is suspect as rejection in primary polls automatically means “ABCya” to being part of that plutocracy that knows no shame. So why dice with “economic death” as it were if you can afford not to?

A spook or former spook, whatever his “official” title is, was reported to be challenging a scion of Zimbabwe politics, alleging the nephew of the president had done jack for the people. Predictably, the dreadlocked one struck back with the usual foul language, betraying his aversion for popular democracy. It would be interesting then if the guy fingered for “invading” Kuimba Shiri last year was rejected by the people during the primaries. Would he blame the MDC-T for his loss? He would he blame sanctions? I strongly suspect he would blame it on vote buying, himself knowing only too well of course how this works!

Then I also read the other day another day the MDC-N national organising secretary claiming the MDC-T was bent on turning the city of Bulawayo into some kind of Gehenna, citing policy proclamations by the MDC-T leadership in the city. He proffered all kinds of silly case examples, and I wondered why he was vesting the MDC-T with so much powers, the omnipotency of the gods. It was as if the MDC-T says jump and the people merely ask how high? Surely, does the MDC-T wield that much power over the people of Bulawayo that at the behest of Tabitha Khumalo and others, the city risks being turned into a sinner’s paradise? In any case, all Zimbabwean cities are faced with the same bloody issues whose authors are already known. Yet we have a chap who should know better seeing that he himself has no constituency he represents going on with the crappy political rhetoric “made popular” by such compatriots as Gabriel Chaibva, Jonathan Moyo, Chris Mutsvangwa, Godwin Nguni and many others who have made very self-righteous comments about the PM when they themselves have failed to call Mugabe’s bluff about extra-marital affairs and living with HIV within Zanu PF apparatchiks.

And you can bet your butt that as elections approach, we shall be subjected to even more silly crap from educated men and women in politics. But then hey, politics is by its nature elitist, excluding the voices of the ordinary folks, that’s why we have these petite bourgeoisie intellectuals saying all this kind of nonsense and expecting to be taken seriously.

It is the New Year and I believe most of you celebrated the New Year with a party with your loved ones. It is time to realign your energy. Start the new year by loving yourself because you cannot love others if you don’t start by loving yourself.  Learn to forgive others though sometimes it is difficult to let go of grudges. Sometimes you have to let go off the past and renew your vision. If you were not talking to your neighbour in the previous year because his dog gave you sleepless nights its time to surprise him with a morning greeting. Make your health your first priority every morning because if you fall sick all your plans for the year will fail.

Set your New Year resolutions correctly and be positive, don’t be like me … I have already broken one my New Year resolutions! Choose to be a leader in 2012 and not to always be in the background. If the elections being planned in this country are going to be held this year surprise people by throwing in your name to be voted for, be it for council, parliament or presidential elections. Create an opportunity for yourself in 2012 when others are complaining of economic down turns – who knows maybe you may hit the jackpot!

Have hope that everything will be fine in 2012 and make your dreams come alive.

Happy New Year!

As it is and as the year 2011 comes to a closure Zimbabwe and its citizens are running the risk of continuing with a political cycle that has become less about the people and more about the people in government. Their disputes and actions have largely been partisan not only on behalf of their political parties but also on behalf of their ‘comfort zones’( to which they have demonstrated an unfortunate sense of entitlement to via their purchase of luxury vehicles, unclear mineral and iron production deals, numerous trips abroad). And as the new year approaches, it is hoped that civil society, members of the public shall at some point begin to hold the inclusive government to account with regards to its performance legitimacy, and not just the politics of elections. – Takura Zhangazha more here

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.

3 (Three) Training Officers (HRE, BYO & MASVINGO)
Deadline: 30 December 2011

Overall Responsibilities
-Plan for and conduct palliative care and related home based care training activities for organisations participating in the Global Fund project
-Provide information whenever necessary, to trainers and caregivers
-Plan, coordinate and hold regular mentoring and support meetings/ visits with Global Fund partners on HIV treatment, care and support
-Facilitate linkages and information sharing between organizations participating in Global Fund round 8 within the district
-Ensure maintenance of accurate records
-Prepare and present comprehensive progress and activity reports timeously
-Participate in activities to disseminate programme evaluation findings

Minimum Qualifications and Experience
Nursing Diploma/Degree
A minimum of five years’ experience in nursing
Experience in training and facilitation in home-based care issues
A clean class four driver’s licence

Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant
Deadline: 30 December 2011

Overall Responsibilities
-Undertake the monitoring and evaluation activities in support of other team members
-Ensure maintenance of accurate records by the organisation and participating organisations
-Monitors the implementation of the Global Fund planned activities
-Collects, reviews, analyses and interpret data for planning purposes
-Formulates, reviews and maintains a sound and effective reporting system
-Provides technical support for monitoring and evaluation of the project
-Contribute to the organisational learning by preparing and disseminating data on lessons learned, good practices and statistical evidence of the program achievements
-Participate in activities to disseminate programme evaluation findings
-Prepares and compiles progress reports monthly and quarterly for Global Fund activities.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience
-First degree in development studies, social sciences, or a relevant field
-Diploma in M&E, experience in home based care or palliative care an added advantage
-A minimum of five years’ experience in community work, two of which should be in monitoring and evaluation and/or operational research
-Excellent documentation and data analysis skills of both quantitative and qualitative nature
-Highly computer literate in Excel spreadsheet, PowerPoint, SPSS, EPI Info or any other statistical tools
-A clean class four driver’s licence

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements can submit their applications and detailed CVs to email: programs13 [at] hotmail [dot] com with the position being applied clearly indicated by no later than Friday December 30, 2011.

ActionAid is an international anti-poverty agency formed in 1972. We are a partnership between people in poor and rich countries working together to end poverty and injustice. Today we are working with over 13 million of the world’s poorest and excluded people in over 40 countries worldwide to secure their rights to a life free of poverty and injustice, and with the support of half a million donors and supporters.

ActionAid Zimbabwe: COUNTRY DIRECTOR
Deadline: 20 December 2011

Based in Harare, Zimbabwe

Salary – £40,289 per annum

ActionAid International Zimbabwe is looking for a committed and inspirational leader to lead, guide and strengthen our work with poor and excluded people and communities so as to advance their rights, entitlements, and social justice in Zimbabwe.

ActionAid has had a presence in Zimbabwe since 1999 and became a full country programme in 2005 and is part of ActionAid International, a federation of national organizations working in over 40 countries in Africa, Asia, Americas and Europe regions.

The candidate must have a proven track record in leading and managing large development programs in national and international organizations, and have experience of either being part of social movements or being an active member of the civil society. S/He will adopt empowering management practices to expand and deepen our partnerships, programmes and accountability in Zimbabwe. Actively committed to women’s rights and gender equity, the Country Director will also be value driven and a team player/organizer possessing high level of people related skills as well as strong financial management and control skills. S/He will have the perspectives and competencies for rights-based programme and policy advocacy work; fundraising and donor relations; regional and international linkages and a sound basis of organizational development. Courage of conviction in taking public stands against issues of injustice and experience of dealing with governance issues would be an asset. This is a senior position based in Harare with frequent travel to the field and internationally. The candidate must have excellent written and verbal communication skills in the English language.

To apply submit your curriculum vitae with a motivation letter to Vacancies.Africa [at] actionaid [dot] org

Closing date: 20th December 2011. While we value all applications, we can only respond to short listed candidates. Whilst all applicants will be assessed strictly on their individual merits, qualified women are especially encouraged to apply.

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.

Diocesan Coordinator /Governance Officer: The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace in Zimbabwe (CCJPZ)
Deadline: 16 December 2011

Based in Gweru, Gweru Diocese, Zimbabwe
One year placement (with the possibility of renewal based on performance)

Please note that for this placement we are only able to consider applicants who are fluent in English, Shona and/or Ndebele.

The Diocesan Coordinator/ Governance Officer will work with the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace in Zimbabwe (CCJPZ). S/he will strengthen the diocesan CCJP in promoting public education and facilitating the engagement of members of the Catholic Church in promoting accountable and responsive governance at the local and national level. The DC/GO will also facilitate the design and implementation of trainings for church leaders, to enable them to carry out similar trainings and lead dialogue on governance issues at the diocesan and parish levels.

The successful candidate should have a Master degree level qualification in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Public Administration, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or related fields.

A minimum of three years’ experience of advocacy work as well as relevant work experience in national policy reform issues are essential, as are previous experience working with, NGOs/faith based organisations in an organisational development capacity; developing and delivering training materials and group sessions/workshops on the themes of this placement, and working with the Catholic Social Teachings.

You should have a sound understanding of the Catholic Church structures and its Social Teachings; the fundamentals of good governance and human rights as development issues; capacity building techniques and methods, with the ability to share skills/mentor staff, and an understanding of gender implications in programme design and management

Maturity, sound political judgement, negotiation and mediation skills, and the ability to work and act under pressure and with discretion in a politically sensitive and rapidly evolving environment; effective interpersonal, communication and networking skills, and an ability to promote good working relationships; excellent research and analytical skills; excellent project management, self-organising and prioritising skills, and the ability to explore potential donors for governance-related work and to support fundraising efforts are also key.

You also need to have initiative and proactivity; excellent command of both spoken and written English; a preparedness to work and engage with people from different Christian denominations with a variety of theological backgrounds and understandings, and demonstrable commitment towards the aims and objectives of CCJPZ.

It is essential that you complete the application form in full, as very specific information is required and will be used to decide whether or not you will be short-listed for an interview.

Please note that CVs/resumes and certified copies both academic and professional qualifications must accompany your application.

For further information and form email: natdirccjjp [at] zcbc [dot] co [dot] zw

Closing date:  16 December 2011
Interviews:  Week of 19 December 2011

Please return the completed application form to: natdirccjp [at] zcbc [dot] co [dot] zw

CCJPZ is an equal opportunity employer and female candidates are encouraged to apply. The Diocese has the right not to appoint anyone to this post.