“Man must be able to think freely
and he must be able to express his thoughts freely! He who is against this is
not only fascist and primitive but at the same time is a very great coward
also! Only the brave and the honourable men are never afraid of freedom of
thought and freedom of expression of ideas! Just like the cockroaches do not
like the light, evil minds also do not like the freedom of thoughts!” ― Mehmet Murat
Ildan
BE CONSCIOUS: Our government doesn’t want opposition.
Citizens have been suppressed using various strategies but however, as some
speaker said that, “none can suppress an idea whose time has come”. There has
been theatre in Zimbabwe which has been deemed to be not “correct” by the state and
has been banned. It was fascinating to note that there is Theatre that can actually get you
arrested, it is not only one play but many and not limited to: The Good
President by Cont Mhlanga, Super Patriots and Super Morons a Roof Top
Production, Final Push by Vhitori Entertainment, 1983-The years before and
After which was penned by Bhekumusa Moyo- http://bit.ly/1SZsgv3 and
recently $15 Billion- https://goo.gl/pJkyJd
by Vhitori.
ARE
YOU AWARE: It was INDEPENDENCE DAY on the 18th of April like
in the past 36 years? We managed to
savage an interview done with Msipa from his Midlands base by Taurai Shava. He said, “I know speeches will be made,
promises will be made but life is getting tougher for our people. Before
independence we were giving people the hope that our country will be one full
of milk and honey, meaning there would be enough to eat and people would be
happy. But all that is not happening. The speeches we hear on Independence Day
are just platitudes.” You can get the complete stories of In-Dependence from http://goo.gl/Rsv6Xa .
ON
A FASCINATING SPORTY NAUGHTY NOTE: Bulawayo Giants Highlanders
went to play their home boys in Harare while Harare giants played their rivals
in Bulawayo. The BIG catch was for the Chicken Inn Boys who withdrew the
feeding spoon from their brothers Highlanders at a closely contested feature on
In-Dependence Day where Itai Dzamara’s Brother had a one man standoff.
He
was later manhandled by the boys in dark glasses and we hear he was given some
physical counselling before he got admitted in hospital. His crime was to
demand the whereabouts of his young brother who was abducted over 13 months
ago. http://goo.gl/m7lDoY . In the same stadium, a woman is said to have
openly demanded her share of $15 billion which is said to be missing. She only
demanded that she be given only a thousand dollar share of it. The state boys were not
amused so they had to use their training and prove to their pay master
that they can handle any national security threatening figure like a hungry
woman.
WORDS AND GOVERNANCE: Poets
have proven that they are a force to reckon with and their words may change
environments. Thomas Love Peacock wrote to his friend Percy Bysshe Shelley in
Italy narrating disturbances in his city. Shelley was so moved by Peacock's
description of the events that he responded by penning The Masque of Anarchy, a poem that
advocates both radical social action and non-violent resistance: "Shake
your chains to earth like dew / Which in sleep had fallen on you- / Ye are many
— they are few". Bulawayo was brought to some poetic still on the 19th of
April where poets commemorated 400 years of Shakespeare’s life through poetry. Two ladies who contested had to go on for 4th Round
as they were just too good on each other. Tinashe was the lucky poet while
Fungai was the runner up. It is the poems which were so pregnant with meaning,
angry of love or lack of it and the ever deteriorating political, economic and
social environment in Zimbabwe which moved us. The more than thirteen poets were just as good as
echoes of the million suppressed voices of Zimbabwean youths.
Then she lay down in the street,
Right before the horses' feet,
Expecting with a patient eye,
Murder, Fraud, and Anarchy.
Right before the horses' feet,
Expecting with a patient eye,
Murder, Fraud, and Anarchy.
Excerpt from: THE MASQUE OF ANARCHY (http://goo.gl/DC7fgM )
ZIMBABWE
NEEDS A PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT: National Peace and Reconciliation
Commission (NPRC) bill consultative meetings were going on during the past
weeks. Below are some views from our team and friends.
BULAWAYO
a)
The idea of a Commission is a good idea but the Bill says nothing about post
conflict Justice.
b)
As long as this commission is funded by government, then it’s a waste of time. Fiscus
resources are not enough.
c) Gukurahundi, Murambatsvina and the 2008
violence should be clearly stated as violations that need to be addressed by
the bill.
d) If Gukurahundi was a moment of madness then
the Bill should tell us how to deal with the madness.
e)
Some government official said Gukurahundi is a closed chapter, can this Bill
open it?
f)
We know that the current government officials have a hand in past violations,
how can they investigate themselves. The bill seems like a second Gukurahundi
prescription.
g)
The madness in this bill is gross.
h)
Devolution is what matters for the people of Matabeleland. Everything is a
waste of time
i)
The Minister responsible for national healing is unqualified to lead the
institution.
j)
The Bill is a perpetuation of the Gukurahundi ideology. What happened to other
commissions on Gukurahundi?
k)
Chihambakwe and Dumbutshena reports should be classified as the basis for truth
telling
l)
Why provide for legal representation in a Peace and reconciliation process? The
idea should not be to defend oneself but tell the truth.
m)
No forgiveness for murder. Perpetrators must be brought to justice.
n)
Minister should not decide how to deal with recommendations of the commission
o)
The Commission should have financial autonomy
p)
This important issue requires parliament to move out of towns and go to
Tsholotsho and other rural areas to speak to the most affected.
q)
This Bill should state clearly who wronged who and where. What wounds does it
seek to heal? It should be truthful.
r)
With this kind of Bill we remain where we are .This is a Ministers’ personal Commission.
As villagers we will continue to suffer and cry for peace
s)
There is no guarantee of safety of the victims. Nowhere in the bill is safety
after giving evidence of violation
t)
We are wasting time; this Bill is just another useless piece of law. It has no
power to bring justice. We reject it.
u)
The Ministerial appointments will not work as long as alleged violators have
state power and the power of the minister hinders independence of Commission.
CHINHOYI
a)
The Unity Accord is enough, no need for further reconciliation. So there isn't
need for the NPRC.
b)
Forgiveness is needed but should come with the truth.
c)
The Commission should have more powers than giving too much power the Minister.
d)
Protection of victims and witnesses must be clear in the Bill
e)
The Bill must clearly outline what can be done to have your case heard by the
NPRC if it is before the court
f)
Reconciliation to start with the Smith regime era
Lupane
a)
There should be no time limit to the life of the Commission. Ten years is not
enough.
b)
How can my own evidence be regarded as false? Who knows my own ordeal? All the
penalties are on victims.
c)
Youths need closure to our past like Gukurahundi. The State is not serious
about addressing Gukurahundi.
d)
People should be the owners of the Bill, we want the truth on Gukurahundi.
e)
We no longer trust government processes.
f)
The Bill does not guarantee protection of the Victims
g)
The seal of the Commission can be abused. It should be protected by an
authorized signature for Accountability
h)
The Bill should be clear on how compensation will be done instead of punish the
victim for falsehoods.
i)
The Commission needs Independence from manipulation by politicians.
j)
If the Minister decides not to take donations where can government get the
money. The commission needs funding.
k)
The powers of the minister are too much
CONSCIOUS OPPORTUNITIES
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: IDAHOT 2016 WATCHDOG
Recognizing
May 17 as the International Day Against
Homophobia,
Transphobia & Biphobia (IDAHOT), the
Youth
Coalition for Sexual and Reproductive Rights is Calling on all young activists
to speak up for LGBTQI rights!
Submit
Your Art and Writing:
Youth Coalition invites all young people under
30 years of age to submit original artwork (posters, info-graphics, pictures,
postcards, videos, etc.) and original writing (articles, stories, poetry) on the theme of “LGBTQI Young People, Mental Health and Well Being” for the IDAHOT
2016 Watchdog publication!
Selected
artistic submissions will also be featured on the YCSRR website and used during
the YCSRR social media campaign during IDAHOT. While we strongly encourage
participants to submit work on the theme of Mental Health and Well Being, any
work on the experiences of LGBTQI young people is welcome.
Please
send submissions to watchdog@youthcoalition.org with “IDAHOT Submission” in the subject line
no later than Monday, April 25, 2016.
See
the full call for submissions (attached) or at http://goo.gl/xbC3a9
for further details
#ZimbabweAt36 DISCUSSION
You
are invited to a discussion and tweetable on '#ZimbaweAt36-Perspectives on economic,
social and political independence".
Venue:
Quill Club, New Ambassador Hotel (Harare), this Thursday 21 April at 1730hrs.
Organised
by: FES Alumni Association and AfricaFightNow.org.
Hashtag:
#ZimbabweAt36
ADMISSION:
Free
MANDELA RHODES
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICANTS
The opening date for 2017 Scholarship
applications is 11 March 2016.
The
closing date is 2 May 2016.
All
Mandela Rhodes Scholarship applicants are to apply online via the Embark
application system: https//campus.embarkapply.com/mandela/2017/login new.asx/
(LAWA) FELLOWSHIP
Georgetown
University’s law school has a great fellowship program for women lawyers from
Africa called the Leadership and Advocacy for Women in Africa (LAWA) fellowship.
It is designed for women human rights lawyers. You can find out more about the
fellowship program here: https://goo.gl/oVS08P
MINDS CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
2016 Annual Youth Dialogue on Elections and
Governance MINDS Call for Applications: 2016 Annual Youth Dialogue on Elections
and Governance
Deadline:
6 May 2016
The
Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) is accepting applications
from all regions of Africa for its 2016 Annual Youth Dialogue on Elections and
Governance to be held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on the 3rd and 4th of August
2016.
The
MINDS Youth Dialogue is an annual gathering of young African leaders who have
demonstrated a commitment to the development of Africa, practical involvement
in elections and governance and the ability to mobilize other youth towards a
set goal. The Program facilitates conversations between 100 youth, drawn from
across the continent and experienced African leaders with the aim of exploring
the kind of Africa the youth can aspire to create for themselves.
Eligibility
Criteria
Participants
between the ages of 18-45 will be drawn from all regions of Africa (North,
West, Central, East and Southern Africa) using set criteria.
MINDS
is interested in identifying participants doing significant work in the
respective countries and communities.
How
to Apply
Applicants
must fill the application form via given website.
Note:
Successful applicants will receive further correspondence from MINDS by Friday
the 3rd of June 2016.
Eligible
Countries:
Algeria,
Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central
African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Republic of the, Congo, Democratic
Republic of the, Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea,
Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia,
Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique,
Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles,
Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania,
Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
👇
THIS WEEK’S CONSCIOUS SHOWS
NAC
Bulawayo is inviting you all to the HIV prevention musical gala scheduled for
the 23rd April 2016 at Stanley Square at 0900 hours to 1900 hours. The artist
are Clement Magwaza, Calvin Nhliziyo, Iyasa, Jays Marabini, Killer-T.
MLOM’WAKHO: Join the Two Man Poetry Slam featuring
Scribe the Healer & the Protest Poet. The two poets have performed at Shoko
Festival, HIFA & many other acclaimed platforms, in & outside Zimbabwe.
Friday,
22 April 2016
Admission:
US$5 @ 6pm
National
Gallery of Bulawayo
LIMITED
TICKETS AVAILABLE @ the Gallery & at the DOOR.
CONSCIOUS VACANCIES
ACCOUNTS CLERK
Deadline:
ASAP
Requirements:
• Accounting qualifications
• 1 year of experience
Email:
benignachikava@gmail.com
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Deadline:
ASAP
Requirements:
• Energetic and task oriented
•
Good communication skills, written
& oral
• Able to take ownership, manage specific
tasks from initial briefing to completion while also giving the account
director regular updates with minimum supervision
CV
& photograph to: amanager214@gmail.com
SALES PERSON
Deadline:
ASAP
Requirements:
• To sell computer consumables
• Preferably ladies
CV
to: makeitnow9@gmail.com
ARTISANS AND DESIGNERS
Deadline:
ASAP
Requirements:
• Creative and talented
• Experience in making leather goods such
as handbags, accessories or shoes
Email:
zimleatherz@gmail.com
CALL CENTRE REPRESENTATIVE
Deadline:
ASAP
Requirements:
• Advanced First Aid certification and/or
ambulance technician
• Multilingual
• Computer literate
• Good communication and speaking skills’
• Customer care management, experience in
call centre
Email:
innovationtoday515@gmail.com
WORKSHOP MECHANIC/SUPERVISOR
Deadline:
ASAP
Requirements:
• 5 O’ Levels
• Relevant qualifications and experience
in Tipper, Grader, Front Loader &
Bowser
mechanics
UNICEF ZIMBABWE IS LOOKING FOR A COMMUNICATION INTERN FOR THE U-Report
(4 months)
Internship
Terms of Reference
Background
U-Report
uses mobile technology through SMS to provide a forum of opinion and information
sharing for youth and children in Zimbabwe. Using a crowd-sourcing approach to
initiate a SMS dialogue with members (‘U-Reporters’) the ultimate aim of the
program is to stimulate citizen-led and youth-led development. The members are
engaged via SMS polls to solicit opinions and information on development issues
that are important to Zimbabwean youth and children, such as; early marriage,
justice for children, children’s rights, violence against women, human rights, employment,
health, education, water availability and quality. Data from the responses is
analyzed and used in advocacy efforts surrounding a number of key areas in line
with UNICEF programming including but not limited to improving education,
improving health care and ensuring children receive the protection they need.
Rationale
and context of the assignment
The
communication element of the program is fundamental to the success of the
U-Report and as such UNICEF Zimbabwe seeks to recruit an Intern to assist and
support in the development and implementation of U-Report’s communication
activities in 2016.
Internship
assignment and tasks
UNICEF
Zimbabwe requires an enthusiastic, hard-working, determined communications
Intern to ensure that reporting on the various U-Report platforms is reliable,
actionable and of a high standard and quality. Under the guidance of Chief of
Communication, the Intern will assist in the following tasks:
•
Develop content for the U-Report website and post updates on social media
(Facebook and Twitter) and/or blog
•
Provide feedback to U-Reporters on questions raised on the U-Report Platform
•
Participate in the U-Report Steering Committee meetings
•
Provide support during outreach meetings and events
•
Communicate relevant international days to U-Reporters
•
Any other tasks required to ensure the success of the U-Report programme in
Zimbabwe
Entry
requirements
•
Studying towards a post-graduate degree in Media Studies and Communication,
Journalism, Social Media,
Qualitative
Research or any related technical field
•
Experience working with youth organization in youth programming or youth
engagement is an added advantage
•
Excellent communication skills in English
•
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact with multidisciplinary
teams.
Submission
of applications
If
you meet the above entry requirements and are interested to undertake this
internship assignment, please email your CV and application letter to: hararevacancies@unicef.org by 22 April 2016.
