Kubatana.net ~ an online community of Zimbabwean activists

NGO job vacancies in Zimbabwe

del.icio.us TRACK TOP
Tuesday, August 2nd, 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.

Twenty two (22) jobs: local NGO
Deadline: 5 August 2011

An NGO is looking for the following personnel:

6 posts: Assistant Field Officers
3-year project
District based (Chimanimani, Guruve, Lupane, Wedza, Zvimba)

10 posts: Assistant Field Officers
1-year project
District based (Chimanimani, Hwange, Lupane)

Qualifications: Degree or Diploma in Agriculture, Horticulture or Environmental Management

Duties:

Train communities, partners and staff on sustainable development and related themes. Provide technical advice to stakeholders and communities on beekeeping, nutrition gardening, conservation farming, cash transfers, ISALs, borehole rehabilitation and market linkages. Coordinate, promote and assist with implementation of community projects and utilization of resources. Liaise with stakeholders, communities and relevant authorities on programme activities. Report writing on project activities. Monitor and evaluate project implementation.

Relevant work experience:

-2 years work experience as a Field Assistant.
-Training experience with communities.
-Ability to ride a motorcycle mandatory.

3 posts: Field Officers
1-year project
District based (Harare, Lupane, Mutare)

3 posts: Field Officers
3-year project
District based (Lupane, Mutare, Victoria Falls)

Qualifications: Degree or Diploma in Agriculture, Horticulture or Environmental Management.

Duties:

Provide technical advice /guidance to stakeholders and communities in bee keeping, nutrition gardening, conservation farming, cash transfers, ISALs and borehole rehabilitation. Assist in project field activities. Organize and prepare community trainings and visits. Prepare training programmes, materials, facilitate trainings, meetings, workshops and information sharing forums. Provide technical guidance and support to target groups. Supervise Assistant Field Officers. Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual reports. Monitor project implementation. Liaise with stakeholders, communities and relevant authorities on programme activities.

Relevant work experience:

-2 years work experience as a Field Officer.
-Training experience with communities.
-Clean Class 4 driver’s licence mandatory.

If you qualify and are interested, please email Application letter, Motivation letter and CV, indicating district of interest, to jobs071.11 [at] gmail [dot] com

Information Technology Assistant: CARE
Deadline: 5 August 2011

Area of operation: Masvingo

Job summary:

Reporting to the IT Admin Manager, the IT Assistant will be responsible for the administration of IT systems and co-ordination of all IT related issues at the CARE Masvingo sub-office. S/he will be responsible for general systems analysis, integration and optimisation, configuration and maintenance of network equipment, monitoring of network usage and traffic patterns. Administration of Windows based server systems, Active Directory, Exchange and SQL server. In addition, the IT Assistant will ensure maintenance of network security, management of anti-malware systems, assessments of security risks, malware infection prevention and removal, maintenance of network OS update services. The IT Assistant will also train users on applications use (OSes, Office suite, Email and internet technologies), computer hardware handling and IT policies.

Minimum qualifications and experience:

-Diploma in computer science or equivalent
-Technical, network or system certification highly desirable
-3 years’ post qualification experience working with similar technologies preferably in NGO environment
-Must be bale to work under pressure with minimum supervision

Interested and well qualified candidates should submit applications and updated Curriculum Vitae to vacancies [at] carezimbabwe [dot] org or the HR and Legal Co-ordinator, 8 Ross Avenue, Belgravia, Harare.

Two (2) positions: Zimbabwe AIDS Prevention Project, Department Of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe
Deadline: 5 August 2011

Positions to start as soon as possible

The Zimbabwe AIDS Prevention Project, a Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe project has funding to conduct baseline research prior to expanding its National Sex Worker Programme. The Programme is aimed at reducing HIV acquisition among sex workers thereby reducing HIV transmission to their clients. Sex workers are one of the key populations currently targeted through the National Behaviour Change Strategy as part of the recommendations of the Zimbabwe National HIV Strategic Plan. The GIZ (formerly GTZ) has funded the programme to run a baseline survey whose overall goal is to describe the characteristics of sex work populations in Mutare, Hwange and Victoria Falls in order to determine the risk factors for HIV infection among the women and, in particular to explore how structural and contextual factors influence this risk.

We are therefore looking for the following positions to start working with the team immediately. The positions will be for two months based in Hwange and Victoria Falls. Candidates should be Ndebele speakers.

1. Outreach Worker

The post holder will be responsible for ensuring good communication with programme communities, and assisting with recruitment of sex workers to the research programme.  This will involve working closely with the communities, district and provincial officials to introduce the programme and keeping them well informed about the progress of the research.

Reporting to the Programme Coordinator, the Outreach Worker’s duties will include:

-Working with the sex worker peer educators to identify and recruit sex workers for inclusion in the baseline research according to GCP and Ethics guidelines.
-Working with sex worker peer educators to identify all the various communities working in a given geographic location.
-Assist in mobilization of sex workers to come for the survey.
-Dissemination of programme related information.
-Participate and represent the programme in related Provincial and Districts HIV forums

Qualifications and experience:

-A professional Diploma in a relevant field, preferably teaching, social sciences or nursing.
-Counselling diploma and experience in HIV/AIDS counselling and added advantage.
-Demonstrable experience and interest in community outreach work, ability to do community mobilization, create rapport with personnel from collaborating or associate institutions and work independently but within a team framework.
-Current and valid certificate in GCP and Ethics an advantage.
-Training experience an advantage.
-Experience working with vulnerable populations (sex workers) an added advantage.
-Fluency in English and Ndebele.

2. Assistant Social Scientist

Duties:

The post holder will be responsible for all qualitative data collection activities within the survey, transcription and translation of data in a timely fashion and data analysis and report writing of the final results. The assistant social scientist will be involved in writing up the results for peer-reviewed publication. The assistant social scientist will work closely with the lead social scientist to ensure that interview quality is maintained.

Reporting to the Programme Coordinator the following will be Assistant Social Scientist core duties:

-Conduct in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with sex workers according to GCP guidelines.
-Transcribing and translations of all data collected from focus group discussions and in-depth interviews.
-Data entry, coding and analysis using NVivo 8 (QSR International Ltd, Melbourne, Australia) and Stata 10 (Stata Corporation, Texas, USA).
-Report writing on the results

Applicants wishing to be considered for these positions should submit full curriculum vitae with a cover letter stating clearly which position you’d like to be considered for, copies of certificates and the names/contact information for three referees to:

The Programme Coordinator (Sex Worker Programme)
Zimbabwe AIDS Prevention Project (ZAPP)
21 Rowland Square
Milton Park
Harare

Email: admin.rds [at] gmail [dot] com

Only short listed applicants will be contacted.


Programme Officer – People & Culture
Deadline: 6 August 2011

Purpose of position:

Responsible for writing funding proposals and provision of technical oversight in planning, implementation, evaluation and reporting of respective programme operations.

Major accountabilities/responsibilities:

1.Identifying and soliciting for funding opportunities with the donor community (such as UN agencies, USAID, DFID, EC) and other support offices
2.Designing programme proposals, implementation frameworks that are in line with donor and other support offices requirements
3.Establishing and maintaining networking partnerships with like minded organisations
4.Conducting field visits, for the purpose of assessing if and ensuring that programmes are managed in accordance wit internal procedures and principles as well a sin a manner that will promote good practice and maximise programme impact
5.Ensuring good relationships with donor community and international support offices through ensuring that the organisation meets all contractual obligations and achieves high quality planning and implementation levels
6.Liaise with the M&E team and knowledge centre in conducting monitoring and evaluation, research and documentation
7.Developing monthly, quarterly progress and annual programme reports

Knowledge and skills:

-In depth knowledge and skill in project design and proposal writing
-At least three years experience working in an NGO sector
-Good understanding of the workings of major donors, such as USAID, UN, CIDA, AusAid, DFID, ECHO, WFP, etc
-Good understanding of Humanitarian Standards such as Sphere relief standards, Humanitarian Accountability Standards, Red Cross and NGO Code of Conduct
-Ability to pursue thoroughness and appropriate attention to detail under pressure

NB: Please indicate the position being applied for

All applications should be addressed to:

The Manager, People & Culture, No. 7 Birkenhead Road, Belmont, Bulawayo
Email to relief_recruitment [at] wvi [dot] org

Four (4) Programme Research Assistants: AFRODAD
Deadline: 8 August 2011

A Regional Research and Advocacy organisation is looking for career -minded Research Assistants who are self-motivated and results oriented.

The successful candidate will, among other duties, be responsible for the following:

-Assist the Programme Officer to initiate, commission, and analyse desk and field researches on debt and development related issues. This includes drafting research concepts, proposals for funding and drawing terms of references.
-Review existing material on the subject, such as books, newspapers and journal articles, Internet resources, published data and creating summarized reports.
-Analyse the data gathered and compile summarized reports, graphs and tables.
-Assist the Programme Officer to analyse, synthesise and disseminate research findings and other information from a range of sources on debt and development related issues.
-Assist the Programme Officer to plan and organize validation meetings and policy dialogue events with stakeholders such as workshops, conferences, meetings and seminars on related debt and development issues.
-Assist the Programme Officer to maintain up-to-date information and data systems on research themes.
-Perform any other duties assigned by superiors.

Skills and requirements:

-Have completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences with strong research abilities.
-In depth knowledge of economic, debt, aid, trade issues and how they affect development in Africa.
-Superior computer and data analysis skills.
-Analytical and reasoning skills are essential.
-Able to carry out research with competence in both qualitative and quantitative methods

Job Location:

AFRODAD Offices
31 Atkinson Drive, Hillside
Harare, Zimbabwe

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Email your applications to: afrodad [at] afrodad [dot] co [dot] zw


Office Clerk/ Driver: Zimbabwe AIDS Prevention Project
Deadline: 9 August 2011

Reporting to Administrative Assistant

Zimbabwe AIDS Prevention Project, a Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe project is looking for a suitably qualified and motivated individual to fill a position that has arisen in our Administration Department.

Duties and responsibilities:

-Compiling, copying, sorting and filing records of office activities, business transactions and human resources.
-Delivering messages and running errands.
-Banking duties.
-Ensuring vehicles are in good working condition.
-Controlling stock of stationery and other office consumables using the approved system.
-Providing clerical support for the Administrative Assistant.

Qualifications and experience:

-Must have Certificate in Accounting/Business Studies/ Human Resources.
-At least 2 years working experience.
-Clean class 4 driver’s licence.

Skills:

-Good interpersonal and communication skills.
-Computer literacy in Microsoft word and excel.

Deadline and Application Procedures:

Applications, quoting the position being applied for, including CV with three referees should be received at the address below:

The Administrative Assistant, ZAPP-UZ 92 Prince Edward Street, Milton Park, Harare or email: hr [at] zappuz [dot] co [dot] zw

Only short listed candidates will be notified.


Finance Assistant (HACT): UNICEF
Deadline: 14 August 2011

Vacancy Notice No. Zim/2011:19
GS6 Level based in Harare, Zimbabwe (Fixed Term Post)

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 Job:

Under the supervision of Finance Officer (HACT), the successful candidate will maintain financial records and monitoring systems to record and reconcile expenditures, balances, payments, statements and other data for day-to-day transactions and reports, vouchers, to ensure accuracy of computation and completeness of documents. Ensure that all payment requests for Cash Transfers to Implementing Partners are properly and correctly prepared including training to UNICEF staff and Implementing Partners.

The candidate will also ensure payment request, cash transfer requests and all supporting documents prepared by Programme Section and IPs are in accordance to the Programme Operations Guidelines. He or she will prepare necessary database to conduct the assessment of implementing partner’s financial management capacity. The role also involves proposing appropriate procedure for the provision of cash transfer to address the findings and risks management.

Qualifications and Competencies:

-Completion of secondary education. Additional commercial training in bookkeeping, business or accounting at diploma or degree level is desirable.
-Six years of general accounting clerical experience.
-Initiative, passion and commitment to UNICEF’s mission and professional values.
-Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment

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. 19: Zim-2011)
UNICEF, 6 Fairbridge Avenue,
P O Box 1250
Belgravia, Harare

Or email: hararevacancies [at] gmail [dot] com

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Finance Assistant: United Nations Children’s Fund
Deadline: 14 August 2011

Vacancy Notice No. Zim/2011:18
GS5 Level based in Harare, Zimbabwe (Fixed Term Post)

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 Job:

Under the supervision of Finance Officer, the successful candidate will perform moderately specialized tasks in the accounting and finance functions. The candidate will maintain financial records for projects or other office. The Finance Assistant will be responsible for codes and records receipts and payments whilst assuring accuracy of computation and completeness of documents, and maintains continuing status of allotments against obligations.

The Finance Assistant will prepare recurring reports on assigned accounts, noting problems resulting from excess cost or less-than-expected receipts.  This role also involves calculating and compiling cost estimates and projected budget requirements and assists in preparation of budget statements. They will also brief and assist newly arrived international staff, experts and consultants on basic financial procedures and requirements with respect to payments, entitlements, banking and currency provisions and other requirements relating to accounts and finance.

Qualifications and Competencies:

-Completion of secondary education. Additional commercial training in bookkeeping, business or accounting at diploma or degree level is desirable.
-Five years of general accounting clerical experience.
-Initiative, passion and commitment to UNICEF’s mission and professional values.
-Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment

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. 18: Zim-2011)
UNICEF, 6 Fairbridge Avenue,
P O Box 1250
Belgravia, Harare

Or email: hararevacancies [at] gmail [dot] com

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Operations Specialist (Quality Assurance): UNICEF
Deadline: 14 August 2011

Vacancy Notice No. Zim/2011:20
NOC Level based in Harare, Zimbabwe (Fixed Term Post)

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 Job:

The post holders will work closely with the Operations Chief to update office’s standard operating procedures, ensure staff understands them, and subsequently to test a sample of transactions to verify that the procedures are being properly implemented. They will support various office committees in reviewing relevant documentation against financial guidelines and work processes as well as provide assurance follow up in the implementation of recommendations.

This Quality Assurance role will have substantive scope, providing training and orientation to newly recruited and exiting staff on UNICEF’s policies and procedures, review of contracts etc, prior to the commitment of UNICEF’s funds. They will also manage various internal databases relating to contracts and agreements. They will assist in the follow-up on the implementation of the audit recommendations.

Qualifications and Competencies:

-Advanced University degree in accounting, business administration, economics or financial management and membership – or enrolled for membership – of recognized professional accountancy body
-At least five years of relevant professional work experience in office management, finance, accounting, ICT, human resources, supply and administration and/or other related fields.
-Initiative, passion and commitment to UNICEF’s mission and professional values.
-Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment

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. 20: Zim-2011)
UNICEF, 6 Fairbridge Avenue,
P O Box 1250
Belgravia, Harare

Or email: hararevacancies [at] gmail [dot] com

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Reports Officer: UNICEF
Deadline: 14 August 2011

Vacancy Notice No. Zim/2011:21
NOB Level based in Harare, Zimbabwe (Fixed Term Post)

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 Job:

The successful candidate will be under the supervision of the Reports Officer (L2), and will assist in the monitoring and writing of all Donor Reports for Programme funds. He or she will assist to ensure that all donor reports are submitted in a timely and accurate way as per donor and UNICEF reporting requirements. This includes gathering of information, writing, editing and production of interim and final reports. The person will also assist in updating and maintaining information on all the donor and programme reporting requirements. The role also ensures Section Heads and field offices are updated on these requirements and follow up as required.

In collaboration with the Reports Officer, the person will develop fundraising proposals for Harare Programme in line with the overall fundraising strategy. The role also ensures contribution to the compilation and editing of humanitarian and programmatic updates. This also involves compiling and editing monthly programmatic updates based on inputs from sections.

Qualifications and Competencies:

-An advanced university degree in social sciences or related technical field.
-Two years of progressively responsible professional work experience, preferably with a humanitarian organization.
-Initiative, passion and commitment to UNICEF’s mission and professional values.
-Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment

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. 21: Zim-2011)
UNICEF, 6 Fairbridge Avenue,
P O Box 1250
Belgravia, Harare

Or email: hararevacancies [at] gmail [dot] com

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Mentor Nurse Midwife: Clinton health Access Initiative
Find out more

Mentor Doctor: Clinton health Access Initiative
Find out more

Zimbabwe Country Director: International Medical Corps

International Medical Corps is a global, humanitarian, non-profit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs.

Established in 1984 by volunteer doctors and nurses, International Medical Corps is a private, voluntary, non-political, non-sectarian organization. Its mission is to improve the quality of life through health interventions and related activities that build local capacity in underserved communities worldwide. By offering training and health care to local populations and medical assistance to people at highest risk, and with the flexibility to respond rapidly to emergency situations, International Medical Corps rehabilitates devastated health care systems and helps bring them back to self-reliance.

Program Background:

Since the start of its operations in 2009 in Zimbabwe, International Medical Corps has established a community-based emergency health and water and sanitation (WASH) program that benefits more than 220,000 people living in Mashonaland Central Province.

Job Summary:

The primary function of the Country Director is to source funding and ensure appropriate coordination of in-country activities and effective program implementation. S/he will spend a significant portion of time on business development and expansion. S/he will also act as the major liaison with donor organizations, other international and national coordination mechanisms, and government bodies.

Find out more

Media Freedom in Zimbabwe

del.icio.us TRACK TOP
Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011 by Upenyu Makoni-Muchemwa

I recently attended Joburg Radio Days, a conference which brings together radio practitioners from across the continent to share ideas and their work with each other. One of the issues under discussion was the prospect of broadcasting reform in Zimbabwe, while another session was devoted to community radio.

The Zimbabwean speakers described the legislative framework, which based on the guarantee to freedom of expression as enunciated in clause 20 and amendment 19 of the current constitution should allow for a multiplicity of voices on the airwaves. Zenzele Ndebele from Radio Dialogue was passionate in making his case for the need for community radio. State media, he said, did not allow space for Zimbabwe’s cultural diversity; neither did it represent the interests of small communities. Rather ZBC gave a platform to political interests and because of its limited capacity to broadcast to all Zimbabweans left much of the population without any access to information.

Having attended several conferences and workshops with this theme, I am a little weary of talking about it. The inclusive government of which ZANU PF has the lion’s share of power has reneged on amendment 19 of the constitution and has failed to implement broadcasting reform. This is undeniable.  There is still much work to be done in creating an environment that is conducive to the creation of a free and independent media. I feel that we should spend more time figuring out either alternative ways to get information to those without access, or finding middle ground with ZANU PF policy makers in order to make media freedom a reality.

Not that the policymakers themselves are much help. Confronted with questions about why media freedom was so slow in coming to Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Media Commissions representative to the Forum, Ambassador Chris Mutsvangwa could not give a definitive answer. Instead he gave us his war credentials and insisted he was a highly educated Constitutional lawyer.

His response is typical of the party line; where supposedly educated policy makers sidestep the issue at hand and foaming at the mouth reiterate that they freed us from colonialism and we are an ungrateful lot for daring to question our elders. We as a nation are unable to move forward because they as leaders are caught in a time trap of justifying an untenable grip on power. It’s all very well to have liberated the country from Western imperialists, but that revolution, the creation of a successful and proud Zimbabwean nation, is not over yet.

The Sunday Mail stinks

del.icio.us TRACK TOP
Monday, August 1st, 2011 by Bev Clark

Zimbabwe’s Sunday Mail, the nation’s so-called leading family newspaper, has yet again proved how insensitive and unprofessional it is. Choosing to ignore vociferous criticism for carrying a horrendous photograph of one of the victims of the recent fuel tanker accident, they went on to republish the same photograph on page 5 of their newspaper this weekend. Clearly the Sunday Mail is keen to publicise charred human remains. How do you like your corpse? Medium, well done or scorched. Just ask the Sunday Mail.

When the bus dies

del.icio.us TRACK TOP
Monday, August 1st, 2011 by Bev Clark

With yet another horrific Zimbabwean traffic accident, Chris Kabwato’s most recent piece carries extra weight. Make yourself a cup of coffee and read his fine writing:

AS ONE drives on our country’s highways (highway here being a polite term for those dangerous pot-holed paths that connect our cities) there is one thing that one gets used to: the sight of a broken down bus. As one who literally grew up plying the Mutare-Harare route on a Tenda or Kukura Kurerwa bus, I know the pain and despair when the bus gives up the ghost. But it seems to be happening just too often nowadays.

In 1992, because of my mad love for soccer, I used to take the first bus out on a Sunday morning and do the 265km journey to Harare to watch Reinhard Fabisch’s Warriors slaughteringTruck/bus other national teams. At one time the bus of choice for us was called “Scud Mabasa” and it was driven by an equally crazy man who wore a permanent huge grin which pretty much resembled the front grill of his blue and white machine. Serious.

Immediately after the game it was a mad rush to Msasa to try to catch the last Tenda bus. If you missed that then it was the gonyeti ­– long-distance trucks. Believe me these were a nightmare in themselves – the drivers were always garrulous, slow and overly keen on stopping and piling more passengers into that small cabin. One time I jumped onto a gonyeti driven by a man who had a severe tummy problem. I will spare you the details but you can imagine how many times we had to stop and the driver would rush into the nearby bush…

Now where am I going with this road tale? Each week we are buffeted by events that bring contradictory emotions in us – the economy is re-bounding we are told and at the same time some people behave like Nazi blackshirts and storm parliament. The result can be that feeling of uncertainty that comes whenever you jump on any of our “chicken” buses.

To get a perspective on uncertainties our country throws at us, let’s go on a journey on the Pungwe Star bus from Mabiya to Chigodora. You board the bus – not because that is the one you really want – but the touts at the terminus do not give you a choice. They seize your bag and the next thing your Monarch suitcase is on the roof being bundled with other luggage. For that involuntary service the “hwindi” will demand a tip or else… Ask yourself if this is too different from being frog-marched to an election booth and being told where to place your “X”.

Once on the bus you will discover that the bus is like a mini-country – there are all sorts of people there – women, men, children…But like in the real world you will be forced to cohabit with strange characters – the young boy who opens his “skaf-tin” to take out two boiled eggs and salt wrapped in khaki paper. The woman who buys mealie cobs, misses the window as she tries to throws the sheaves and messes up your Michael Jackson red and black leather jacket. The drunkard who piles in sorghum beer, washes it down with some lagers and forgets there is no loo on the bus (he will later shout himself hoarse for “Recess, driver!”)

The bus conductor is a greasy character that all passengers are in awe of (very much a mini-Joseph Chinotimba or Jabulani Sibanda). He has not given anyone their change – he has written what’s due to you on your ticket and he will sort out the change when he feels like. Should you complain rather loudly he threatens to stop the bus and chuck you out – right there in the middle of the msasa bush.

There will be roadblocks – countless stops by officers asking for the same things over and over again. For the bus crew roadblocks are like toll-gates…

The inevitable tyre puncture happens (could this be the equivalent of inflation?) It is discovered that the spare tyre has no pressure and also it is a “snake” (it is worn out). Worse still, the hydraulic jack is missing. The wait begins. The povo does not have a clue if a spare bus will be sent. No one knows if the driver has called for help after all he had said his cellphone had no airtime… Just like a country there is no plan B.

All that people can say on their phones to anxious relatives is the dramatic – “Bhazi rafa” (literally, the bus has died). When the bus dies no one gets a refund. It’s like contributing to a public housing fund and the next thing you know some clever folk have swindled you of your money and built themselves mansions.

But it could be worse – an accident could happen. At one time we seemed to be on a mission to kill our farmers – think Dande Bus Disaster 1982 (61 farmers killed), Chivake Bus Disaster 1989 (78 farmers perished) and we had to add schoolchildren too with 80 killed in the 1991 Nyanga Bus Disaster (the overall total was 87).

Can we safely declare 2008 to be our worst year in living memory –the year of when the locust ate the economy and politics contrived to deny the will of the people? Was this our Nyanga Bus Disaster?

Or maybe we avoided a total disaster but we have the unique arrangement of three drivers who constantly argue about who should be at the wheel and where the bus should be going? The third driver is content to be just called a driver.

In any case the Zimbabwe bus is heading towards an uncertain destination. Maybe one day the passengers shall take matters into their own hands and demand to be delivered home – safe and kenge? For now the bus croaks on…

That language thing again

del.icio.us TRACK TOP
Monday, August 1st, 2011 by Marko Phiri

I heard the other a man say to another: “Don’t speak to me in Shona. When you are here in Bulawayo speak to me in Ndebele.” The other guy said, “Okay, let’s speak in English then,” to which the first guy retorted, “How can you expect me to speak English that comes all the way from Britain when I cannot speak Shona here in Zimbabwe.”

I couldn’t figure whether this was just buddy-based banter or this was indeed a no nonsense exchange, yet it raised once again the emotions that surround the issue of language in Bulawayo where there is an increasing outcry by Ndebele-speakers concerning how the language is being decimated. The first guy’s response was exactly what got senior Zanu PF official Joshua Malinga into trouble when he told off a cop who had addressed him in Shona. Malinga fumed and told the cop that he had no business addressing him in that language here in Bulawayo.  He was promptly arrested.

The other day, a letter writer to one of the dailies complained about the wrong Ndebele spellings on the Zimbabwean passport. Again the other day, one was complaining about place names carried in street signs about the appalling misspellings. Inevitably for many here, this has been interpreted as part of a grand agenda to render the Ndebele language second class and this among other things is what no doubt has given “secessionists” here ammunition to call for self-rule or whatever. Yet you just have to ask yourself what is simmering underneath because we know what has happened elsewhere based on violated tribal and ethnic sensibilities.

The next question of course is how are the country’s political leaders themselves reading this obviously divisive issue of language especially at a time when we already know that some of them have traded barbs labeling each other tribalists.  You do get the sense that this is an extension of the troubles of the 1980s which the government men who choose to explain “salutes” instead are so reluctant to address. Touché.

Politicians and Change

del.icio.us TRACK TOP
Monday, August 1st, 2011 by Bev Clark

A photograph from a street in America. Similar graffiti in Zimbabwe please, to remind us that those in power are taking us for a ride.
From: Dangerous Minds