Matabeleland chiefs to conduct a cleansing ceremony at Njelele,

 

• 

  MATABELELAND South chiefs yesterday resolved to conduct a cleansing ceremony at Njelele, saying recent unsanctioned visits by a group of war veterans had defiled the shrine.
  
  About 16 chiefs from the province and political leaders met in Esigodini to deliberate on how the issue, which has caused a furore in the province, should be dealt with.
  
  Emerging from the marathon meeting, the chiefs said Njelele should be cleansed to retain its status.
  
  The chiefs said they were committed to rectifying the wrongs that had been done on the sacred shrine.
  
  Chief Malaba of Kezi, who is the provincial chiefs' council chairperson, said the meeting had resolved to start preparing for a cleansing ceremony.
  
  He said chiefs would go back to their areas of jurisdiction and consult spirit mediums and other traditional leaders such as village heads and headmen before a date is set for the ceremony.
  
  "The meeting was meant to discuss what could be done about Njelele. We agreed that as traditional leaders, we should cleanse the place following the recent events where some people conducted unsanctioned rituals. We are going to work in partnership with traditionalists who are in charge of cultural shrines in the province," said Chief Malaba.
  
  "We are going to look at the time that is relevant to conduct such a ritual. We are going back to consult spirit mediums and traditionalists but the truth is that the province is not happy at all. Anyone is allowed to visit Njelele but whoever visits should not do it the way those people did. It was as if they intended to provoke us into a fight."
  
  Chief Malaba said people should respect local leaders in any area.
  
  Chief Mathe from Gwanda District said they would not tolerate anyone from other areas who dictates issues to them.
  
  "We are not happy, which is why we are meeting as traditional leaders. These people have never seen us going to their areas the way they did, that is bad. As leaders, we should ensure no-one messes with our region or tells us what to do because we are able to solve our own issues," she said.
  
  Chief Nhlamba from Guyu in Gwanda District said the unsanctioned visit was "rubbish" and the shrine should be cleansed.
  
  "We do not want that to happen again. These people defiled a sacred place and it is time we tell them to stay away," said Chief Nhlamba.
  
  Governor Masuku, who left the meeting earlier, said her office was happy with the efforts being made by traditional leaders to correct the situation.
  
  "The chiefs are the best people to talk to because it was their meeting, but what I can say is that in their last meeting, they agreed that they would arrange for the cleansing of Njelele to clear the ‘mess' made by those unsanctioned visitors. Today's meeting was all about mapping on how to deal with the issue," said Governor Masuku.
  
  "I am satisfied with the deliberations by chiefs so far and the fact that chiefs are prioritising issues to do with our culture. The province is not happy about how Njelele has been reduced to an ordinary place and people should understand that isizwe yisizwe ngabantu."
  
  She said she was happy traditional leaders in the province had realised it was their duty as custodians of the land to safeguard the interests of the province.
  
  Traditional and political leaders in the province held a series of meetings recently where they condemned the visit to the shrine without their approval as custodians of cultural values.
  
  The issue started when on three occasions, a group of unknown people numbering about 750, 650 and 150 surreptitiously visited Njelele shrine and forced their way in and conducted cleansing ceremonies without the knowledge and approval of the local traditional leadership.
  
  It is alleged that the group of visitors who claimed to be war veterans went to Mozambique sometime ago where they toured places where liberation war fighters died and were buried during the liberation war.
  
  The group reportedly picked up some stones from the mass graves, which they brought to Njelele intending to conduct cleansing rituals as they claimed to be haunted by the spirits of the dead.
  
  Meanwhile, on the issue of the balancing rock that fell off one of Matopos National Park hills, the traditional leaders resolved that it would not be moved from the site until some rituals have been performed.

World tourism summit in Zimbabwe uncertain

Zimbabwe is yet to secure a US$1 billion loan for the construction of a venue to host a world tourism indaba to be held in August 2013, throwing the country's preparations into disarray.

 

The southern African nation and its neighbour Zambia are due to host a United Nations World Tourism summit, but Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, where the meeting will be held, does not have conference facilities big enough to host the delegates, meaning a new one has to be built.

Tourism Minister, Walter Mzembi conceded that the country was yet to come up with funding to build the ambitious conference centre and shopping mall.

"[The] government is considering $1 billion projects through Build-Own-Transfer, Build-Own-Operate Transfer and private sector participation," Mzembi said, while updating parliament on progress made towards hosting the summit.

"It is consistent with our own desire to declare Victoria Falls a tourism hub but we are still to secure investors".

Zimbabwe hopes to use the summit as a spring board for its faltering tourism industry and to show that the country was on the mend after a decade of negative publicity and a political and economic meltdown, but failure to have adequate facilities might tarnish the country's image even further.

China had pledged to build the conference centre, but on condition that tenders for construction were awarded to Chinese companies, a contentious issue in Zimbabwe.

Minister of Public Works, Gabuza Joel Gabbuza, says negotiations with China for loans were in progress, as they had engaged the Chinese, with the hope that locals would be sub-contracted for upgrading projects or to supply the bulk of the building materials.

In its 2012 budget, Zimbabwe only set aside $1 million for the construction of the convention centre in Victoria Falls, but this has been described as a drop in the ocean.

Hardly any work has been done on the construction site, with barely 14 months to go to the UN summit, raising fears that this could be another missed opportunity for Zimbabwe.

So far only an environment impact assessment has just begun. (by J Shoko)

Ndebele slang words during my days as youth

These are some of the few that came to my mind.

Emavinki - ivinkili: store/stores

Itopi/ Ithayima - ubaba : my father

Etoni - edolobheni: town

Inyuku- Imali: money

Inxabano- Imali: money or cash

 Itsheli / incaza -Intombazana : girl or girl friend


Zwakala - buya lapha : come here
Masalu - umama : mother
 Ugogo  - igogasi

Tshayisa or kwanshta / reya - hamba : go or leave
Ngiyakunchanywa- Ngiyakuthanda : I love you

Tshaya ulwandle- geza : take a bath

Sakubona- Usharp- greeting (Zikhupahini)  came late when I  was aready an old man

Emadeni - ekhaya : at home

Amathwathi- okuncane - small

Igame - umdlalo webhola : soccer

Ngizibambile - ngikhonjiwe :engaged to a girl

Uqgu - isinkwa : bread

Vintshile- sengiqedile :done or finished

Ncuka lapha - thatha : take this

Mjida/ member- jaha : young man

Tshomi - mgane : friend

Isgidla- iskolo : school

Amabhuku- ingwalo: books

Mtabeleland groups demands affirmitive action at NUST?

                                   

                        Written by Bhekuzulu Tshima                                                     
                

YOUTHS leaders from political and civic society organizations in Bulawayo have confronted National University of Science and Technology Registrar Fidelis Mhlanga demanding a list of students who were both accepted and rejected for the August 2012 intake, sparking further controversy over the institution’s entry list.

The group is composed of members from ZAPU, Ibhetshu Likazulu, ZAPU FP, PUMA and Umhlahlo Wesizwe sikaMthwakazi.

Ndondana Moyo a member of the group said that they have given Mhlanga up to Thursday to respond to their demands “before taking necessary measures.”

“We have noted with great concern the tribal list of students accepted into the August intake. Further, following comments of the spokesperson of the university saying students from Matebeleland do not qualify in the institute, as young leaders from different political parties and civic society of Matebeleland sat down on the 18^th of June and decided to make an enquiry into the matter,” reads part of the letter that was forwarded to the registrar.

Moyo said they are demanded to be furnished with a list of both students who were accepted and rejected and the criteria used during the screening process.

“Please respond to our request as soon as possible, preferably by the 21^st of June as we have a critical meeting later that day where the response will be needed,” read the letter.

Contacted for comment, the office of the registrar confirmed receiving such a letter but said they were still working on the responses.

Failure by students from Matebeleland to enroll at NUST has in recent years sparked debate by leaders in the region who are accusing the institution of furthering the marginalization of the region.

Source: Zimdiaspora

Mthwakazian poem

I am a Mthwakaian

I walk through the sands of Silobela on barefoot, drowning my feet and my sorrows. I am in touch with the surface of my land,the hot air of my dry region is what I breath in still I am satisfied

The piece of land I own,I till with my hands,bare hands.The yields,though not enough,bless my soul as I commence the search for firewood

Underneath the shadow of the marula tree,I reminisce Reminiscing on the glory days and the dark days Memories of Inxwala, memories of the missionary, memories of gukurahundi. My cheeks become a free way for my tears. It is not only the mourning, it is the cry for freedom And lady lizard falls from the tree,reminding me to take action and weep no more

The language of my ancestors faces extinction. The language of my murderer infiltrates my homeland be or not to be, I shall overcome The dry land I shall defend I am a Mthwakazian
written by Miffs Prodigious Gugulethu Eish

Officials in Harare block a local donation to Mbizingwe clinic

MZINGWANE: In a move that will shock villagers of uMzingwane, today (Saturday), the officials at Mbizingwe Clinic in Esigodini rejected donations of blankets and baby wrappers from the MDC. The officials said they are working on the instructions of the officials from the higher offices in Harare.

Nurses at the hospital who refused to be named for fear of victimisation said that the instruction they received was clear that they can only receive the donation on their own peril. They however told the MDC Secretary General Priscilla Misihairabwi Mushonga who was due to hand over the donation that they were saddened by the instructions as they were aware of the urgent needs of the community that include blankets and bedding.

“we are scared for our jobs, they told us that we can receive these blankets at our own peril, we plead with you not to leave these blankets here because we will stand to lose our jobs” a nurse said in tears.

The Secretary General however insisted that she is leaving the blankets at the clinic as she and the party had received numerous reports of people that were desperately in need of them especially the mothers that have given birth in the clinic.

“ We brought these blankets for the women that are tormented by cold especially after giving birth in this season, we are aware that this clinic and other hospitals are poorly equipped, we have in mind the patients that are coming to the hospital to receive care yet the face cold nights. The rejection of this gift is an insult not only to the people of the area but Matabeleland, how can someone in Harare reject a gift for the people of Mzingwane, we are leaving these blankets here.” said Mrs Misihairabwi Mushonga who was visibly angry and shocked.

Leaving the clinic the party leadership proceeded to a rally in Sibomvu Business Centre where over 800 MDC supporters were gathered and were addressed by the MDC President Welshman Ncube.

Banana's family breaks the silence at last

The political history of a Great Statesman [The family version]

They say when trying to deal with certain issues from the past It's important to vent and share your pain and sadness, and it's equally important to show your interest in other people's lives. Letting go of painful memories from the past, should mean letting go of ones-self.

In my case perhaps that of my family members too, being related to a prominent figure in society [former President of Zimbabwe] now only remembered for one negative allegation from what may have been a politically motivated creation made to smear his career achievements, it becomes even more difficult to let go of the past as members of the public continually cherry pick on that one event to make examples of various public debates.

The fact that fight for and against Gay Rights has also become a global topic of debate has not made any attempts to forget the past any easier. I personally asked him a year before he died of cancer, when he came for a medical check-up in the U.K about the whole episode of the charges that were levelled against him and he told me that ‘politics is a dirty game, if ever you decide to play do not expect any fairness as there will always be dirty politicians trying to rub some dirt on you so that they can continue manipulating the people’s trust for their own selfish ends. I asked him to be more specific as the statement was more like an analogy than a direct response; he then told me he suspected that because of the close nature of the relationship he had developed with the MDC leader Morgan Tswangirai the CIO personnel who normally accompanied him may have made some false reports to some ZANU PF officials and his relationship with the opposition was not being taken kindly by his former colleagues in ZANU PF. He said that his reasons for continually engaging all political players in Zimbabwe was just to try and get another opportunity to bring them to discuss a more peaceful way forward like he had done in the 1987 Unity agreement. Canaan Banana's name was put forward as a possible broker in peace talks between Mugabe and the MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai, but the Zanu-PF leader pulled out when Tsvangirai launched a court challenge to Mugabe's disputed victory in the March 2002 presidential elections.

I had personally known Jefta Dube during the time he worked at State House and played as a midfielder for Tornados Football Club, a lot of other officials and football players, not once did I hear of any stories related to what came out almost 12 years after Banana had left Office. As Canaan Banana was a God fearing person and my dad, I trusted whatever he told me as the reason for the alleged charges and sentence[Canaan Banana denied being Gay in Court]. Looking from outside inside and based from some statements from the court case, it is possible however that he may have had consensual relationships with most of those who later came forward to claim compensation for the various alleged abuses but it’s difficult to 'conclusively state' so as 'he personally denied all allegations in court'. What remains is people will always make their own judgements based on the information they read from various public authors; well this is the version from a family member who was raised by this great son of the soil.

So let’s look at the good things people have forgotten about the first President of Zimbabwe. Firstly not many Zimbabweans know that Mugabe was once a Prime Minister and Canaan Banana the President of Zimbabwe, the Presidents role was largely ceremonial with the Prime Minister being the head of government and making most of the important governance decisions occasionally consulting the President for the endorsement of new laws. Canaan Banana accepted the position of President after the late Joshua M Nkomo had turned it down as an ineffective position in the new government. Nkomo was also not very happy with the Home Affairs portfolio that he was given for a short period of time, before being moved to Ministry of Public Service and then later became Minister without Portfolio before being dropped in a cabinet reshuffle in 1982.

The Patriotic Front alliance for national unity collapsed and attempts to revive it through the government of national unity floundered after the discovery of arms caches at properties owned by ZAPU. All ZAPU members were expelled from government. The rift between these two parties directly led to the Gukurahundi killings in Matabeleland in which thousands of innocent lives were lost, thousands were raped, maimed, hundreds detained and yet others jailed for collaborating with dissidents. This became a national tragedy. Let me point out at this stage the President at the time Canaan Banana may have been informed about operations in Matabeleland but did not give any orders or receive any detailed operational activities from the commanders the Zimbabwean Army, they reported directly to the head of government in consultation with the Minister of Defence. Banana had no idea of the barbaric levels being perpetrated by army until he was informed by relatives who had been directly affected by the operations. The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace, the Catholic Bishops Conference, Amnesty International and the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, all pointed out that the security forces had abused their powers in operations in Matabeleland.

Canaan Banana is credited by all sides with having brokered peace talks which brought about the merger of Joshua Nkomo's Zapu into Mugabe's Zanu-PF. The unity accord of 1987 brought peace to Matabeleland. Canaan Banana then led the World Council of Churches [WCC], Eminent Church persons on sanctions against South Africa in January 1989 and was also co-chairman of the UN Panel of Eminent Persons conducting public hearings on the operations of transnational corporations in South Africa in September 1989. He later became the Organisation of African Unity's special envoy to civil war-torn Liberia.

Outside of the political roles, Canaan Banana was a people leader who spent most of his time amongst members of various Zimbabwean communities. He became known as Zimbabwe’s number one Soccer Fan because of his love for the sport. Sadly some of our international football heroes never mention his name as reasons behind their success. Peter Ndlovu’s move to Coventry City in England was engineered by the late former President so was Benjani Mwariwari’s move to International Football from the University of Zimbabwe where Canaan Banana linked him to his close friend Jomo Sono of South Africa. Many Zimbabwean players can testify that they got their opportunities to play professional football outside Zimbabwe through this great lover of football.

In the early 80’s Canaan Banana and several other political leaders purchased farms from fleeing former Rhodesian farmers, the move was criticised as not conforming to socialist policy in parliament and officials were asked to sell the newly acquired assets. Canaan Banana decided to donate his farm to government, before doing so he converted the farm into an Agricultural College “Kushinga Phikelela”. Apparently it is now called Kushinga Phikelela Polytechnic with little being mentioned about the founder.

Former President Canaan Banana and his family were excluded from the amended Presidential Bill of 1992 that covers benefits for a retired President and his family. Up to this day the Banana Estate still open as there are outstanding amounts that were owed to the former President in terms of back dated pay due to the neglected retirement benefits for the former President and his family. The former First Lady Janet Banana has not been treated as a respectable member of the Zimbabwean society from such a high office, compared to her neighbours Zimbabwe has not been fair in the treatment and welfare of individuals who served in high office and fought for the independence of Zimbabwe. One sometimes wonder’s if it’s a tribal issue that Banana was from the Ndebele clan or perhaps all these benefits currently afforded to the families of former Vice Presidents are based on a special criteria. Is it because of the alleged offence that such constitutional rights had to be removed?

Canaan Banana is the only Zimbabwean President to resign from his official position in government and did not use his position to enrich himself and his family. This is the story of a true and sincere patriot of Zimbabwe, now only remembered for one alleged offence that he became the first to be ever charged for in the history of Zimbabwe. I plead to Zimbabweans and Africans to respect the dead. This story first appeared on Nathan Banana's blog.

Halimana leads drive to develop Mat-South

Most Diaspora-based Zimbabweans believe that they have a vital role to play in contributing to the economic success of their country and have moved quickly to act.

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Bongani Halimana - charity begins at home.

In South Africa, the UK and the USA in particular, organizations have been formed that seek to pull resources together for channelling to various developmental initiatives back home.
One such initiative is the Matabeleland South Ideas Development Centre, recently launched in Johannesburg, whose aim is to develop the downtrodden province in southern Zimbabwe.
Key to the MSIDC initiative is the need to empower local communities with basic resources, which they can use to develop their areas and make the province a better place to live in.
“We have over the years been complaining that our province lags behind in development, but done nothing to change that,” said Bongani Halimana (40), the project’s Executive Director in a recent interview with The Zimbabwean.
“Our aim is to pool our resources, through both personal contributions from members and requesting donations from various donor organizations and businesses that might be interested in assisting the province.”
He has identified the main issues pulling the province down as lack of proper schools, with the few available ones being both under-resourced and under-staffed, lack of proper health care facilities and a very bad road network.
“We envision a province that is the model for not only Zimbabwe, but the whole of Africa. This can only be done by equipping it with proper social infrastructure and addressing the education gap and the food situation,” said the Gwanda-born Halimana.
“We will not dictate how things will be done, but ask for input from our members, community leaders, residents and various administrative set-ups in the province. We are not interested in who is ruling the province, but how we can help them develop it for the good of its people.
“Children should not have to travel 30km to get education, people should not travel to Bulawayo or Gwanda for health care and Gwanda residents should not have to go via Bulawayo if they want to go to Plumtree,” he added.
A website has been set up to facilitate communication between members and the community – see www.msidc.org. Books and other basics will be acquired and donated to under-funded schools in the region. Charity dinners and fundraising galas will be held to source funds. The province will be marketed as having some of the best tourist resorts and business destinations in Zimbabwe.
“We have complained a lot because we put all our hope in politicians, but we have now decided that it istime to do things on our own. Pulling together, we will not fail and I call upon people from the province to join us in this initiative,” said Halimana.
 Mxolisi Moyo

Woza Devolution awareness for Byo motorists!

Woza Devolution Road Blitz                                                

Bulawayo-Women of Zimbabwe Arise (Woza) activists in Bulawayo yesterday blocked major city roads, disrupting traffic while demanding that devolution of power be included in the new constitution.

Several women were seen lying prostrate on the roads, forcing motorists to stop at the intersection of Main Street and 8th Avenue. They were demanding that motorists blow their horns in support of devolution.

Woza leader Jenni Williams confirmed the development and said seven of the women were arrested.

Police could, however, not confirm the arrests. Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Mandla Moyo said he was out of town and could therefore not confirm the incident.

“I cannot confirm that,” he said. “I wouldn’t know. I am on the outskirts of town.”

Williams told NewsDay in an interview that the protests, held under the code name “Die-in”, saw members of her pressure group “faking death” as a symbol that “Bulawayo is dying and residents will soon become refugees in their own city”.

“Two of the three planned protests took place whilst the third was stopped by riot police who followed the activists for over 30 minutes as they tried to regroup,” Williams said.

According to Williams, yesterday’s “street occupation” was part of a long-drawn campaign to push for a devolved governance system.

“We not only want devolution of power to be enshrined in the constitution but to be implemented as well,” she said.

The placard-waving activists also marched across the city streets, distributing leaflets.

Most motorists supported the campaign, blowing their horns as they drove along the streets.

“Woza feels that the reason the economy and cities like Bulawayo are being left to die lies in the political culture of centralised power and resource control,” she said. “Woza is of the view that a key way to change this destructive culture is through a devolved system of government which must be adopted as a principle in the new constitution.”

Some of the posters read: “We demand an end to police and military occupation of our streets, they are our streets! We will occupy them; “exercising our right to peaceful protests, freedom of assembly and expression”, “Bulawayo and Matabeleland are dying. The elite have killed Bulawayo”.

Police were also seen manning various street corners around the city soon after the Woza demonstrations.

Amangwe people of Matabeleland welcome King Zwane(11)

ZIKODE! Wenawenge! Ngwenyama! A praise recital that was being sung by hundreds of people on Saturday for the king of the Amangwe, King Ntshosho Zwane II, as he entered Chief Wasi’s homestead during the Annual Amangwe Celebrations held in Matabeleland South Province. King Ntshosho Zwane II was inaugurated in October last year in Durban. His visit coincided with the annual Amangwe clan cultural celebrations. The Amangwe are found in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique. Clad in a leopard skin cap and matching head gear called umqhele, King Ntshosho Zwane II, accompanied by a royal entourage, finally arrived to see his subjects that had been separated from him for more 180 years. The monarch travelled from his kingdom in eNtshenteka near Vryheid a coal mining and cattle ranching town in northern KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, and was guest of honour at the celebrations. Accompanied by local chiefs, Wasi and Mpini amid cheers and ululations from the crowd, King Ntshosho Zwane II made his way into an enclosure outside Chief Wasi’s homestead, where he sat on a chair that was prepared for him. After being introduced and pictures taken of him, King Ntshosho Zwane II made his way to a tent in Chief Wasi’s homestead where proud dignitaries from Zimbabwe welcomed him. Governor of Matabeleland South Province Angeline Masuku, National Arts Council of Zimbabwe director, Elvas Mari, provincial education director Tumisang Thabela, Reverend Paul Damasane, Pathisa Nyathi and Jamelinqaba Ndiweni, representing the Amangwe clan in Zimbabwe, were part of the dignitaries at the celebrations. The Amangwe clan from Swaziland led by Themba Zwane were clothed in their traditional Swazi wrap overs and had also made their way to Zimbabwe to be part of the celebrations. During his keynote speech, King Ntshosho Zwane II gave advice to the youth to keep away from wayward behaviour. He said the Amangwe people should be united to preserve their culture and heritage. “Let us be united as long as we are still alive. We should be proud of our culture and guard jealously our heritage as the Mangwes and continue in the spirit of Ubuntu,” said King Ntshosho Zwane II. He said his wish was to see young women in the Amangwe clan get married and build homes with their husbands. “I want to bless the Amangwe in Zimbabwe. May all the single women be married and their homes be built on a solid foundation. May the young man in the Amangwe clan rise up and marry and work hard for their families. These are the blessings I leave with you in Zimbabwe,” said King Ntshosho Zwane II. He urged grandparents to support young couples to build marriages so as to ensure they did not break down. “Grandparents strengthen these marriages of the young so that they do not break down. You are the only ones who can give advice to the young couples,” said King Ntshosho Zwane II amid cheers and ululations from the crowd. He said the youth should respect their elders because they know what was best for them. “Let us respect our elders as they want us to live life to the fullest. Their wise words are a guide for us so that we can avoid diseases such as the deadly HIV and Aids,” said King Ntshosho Zwane II. He invited all the Amangwe to South Africa, Entshenteka near Vryheid for the international celebrations to be held from 23 to 24 September. As King Ntshosho said this he returned to his seat amid song and dance that praised him. Chief Wasi said it was a great honour to have the king at his homestead. He said the day would be remembered for a long time as a great day for his people. Governor Masuku said it was great to be a part of culture and Zimbabwe had diverse cul tures. She said the observance of culture was important and preserving such celebrations helped in preserving it. Renowned historian Pathisa Nyathi gave a brief history of the link between the Amangwes and the Ndebele kingship. He said Cikose Ndiweni was King Mzilikazi’s mother hence their link with the Ndebele nation. “You will find the surnames Ndiweni, Mbambo and Zwane; these people are brothers. That is why you do not find the three marrying each other. This is because of the relationship,” said Nyathi. The day was filled with song and dance as Bulawayo imbube group Black Umfolosi gave a polished performance with their rendition of Lady Smith Black Mambazo’s song Shosholoza. Not to be outdone, another Bulawayo group Pelandaba Choir thrilled the crowd when they danced ingquzu. Praise poets showed the Ndebele linguistic skill as they played with Ndebele words much to the pleasure of King Ntshosho Zwane II and the dignitaries.  This stoy was first published by the Chronicle

We must never forget our heroes!

'Visitors experience bad customer service in most Zim shops"

experience

( For record this story has nothing to do with this great place Cape to Cairo bar)

After having visited my home country about two years back. I encountered a disturbing trend in most grocery shops. Most shop keepers were rude and not polite to customers. I posed question to my friends on face book who were there recently to see if things have gone better now!

 Gwa said: "It is still same or worse, I went to a store with my niece and she purchased two loaves of bread, the bread-attendant had not closed the bread paper correctly, so slices of bread fell off at the cash out counter, my niece took the bread back to the attendant to get a replacement. 5 minutes later my niece was still inside the store, I went to check, and found that the attendant was trying to repackage the bread slices that fell to the floor to give to my niece. I asked what the issue was,. To cut the story short, I asked for replacement loaves and at first they were reluctant to give us"

 

Nodden Manduku said: Sorry guys but its not unique to zim only , most businesses are like that these days world over. Wanted to buy bread in one southern African country and the lady who served me pick it with bare hands and l left.

 

Sibonginkosi Dube said; It's worse!

Crown Mqhele Ncube said: Ubuntu in general bufuna invuselelo...'

 

Busi Sibanda Mkwananzi. Its worse Mandla, they will be on mobiles and chewing a gum, shouting in their native language in Lupane of all the areas!!

Bee Sibanda said. Oh yes 70% of the shops have zero customer care .Most Spars are better but oh how i hate poor customer service

Mandla Mkwananzi: I went to a shop in Gwanda trying to get some basic things, they told me they have no charge for $20, my stuff had costed something like $12. So I had to get more things that I needed, yet in the first place I wanted to get charge and give a transport vendor who was waiting for me out side. So my whole purpose was defeated. And worse still they wanted me to leave my briefcase un attended in the front at my own risk. This brief case had my whole life documents but I was supposed to leave it because they thought I might sneak in some groceries in there!

Bee Sibanda a business owner specializing in beauty products further said: Its pathetic i just cant stand it .but one thing i have taught myself is I am not going to keep quiet and let them do as they please with as long as i ma their customer they will do things my way for that moment. coz i give my customers the best service

Losing BCC landmarks will be too hard for residents

The vanishing picture

Above on the reflection is a tourist taking picture of the City famous landmark

 

It is our position that for Bulawayo city council to lose its most recognizable landmark the Tower Block and revenue Hall will be too hard for the residents. The cash stripped City council is on the verge of losing the Tower block to of the city banks after failing to pay for the cars they loaned sometime last year. Not much details have been realized over this matter, but it is a well known fact that the bank has began legal proceedings to recover their money from BCC. Apparently the only surety they had was the two buildings, the Revenue Hall and the Tower block. This is a sad situation especially considering that the BCC is the one of the biggest contributors to the Reserve bank of Zimbabwe and its to  bound to lose property. It makes no sense!

Zimbabwean man opens an Immigration law firm in Dallas USA

 

Proud of our own son /brother and homeboy Emannuel Socks Ncube Amhlophe mafanekhaya!


Socks Law Associates, PLLC is a law firm that will represent individuals and small businesses in a
variety of matters ranging from Deceptive Trade Practices Act violations to Tax Controversy. SLA intends to establish a record of distinguished and zealous representation of individuals and small businesses that seek the value and personalized service of small-firm attorneys.

Emmanuel Ncube Socks graduated from Texas Wesleyan Law School (Fort Worth, TX) in May, 2011 with a J.D. In May 2012, Emmanuel graduated from SMU Dedman School of Law (Dallas, TX) with an LL.M. in Tax Law. Emmanuel also has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (University of Zimbabwe), and an MBA in Finance (University of Indianapolis). Emmanuel would be glad to receive referrals in the following areas:

• IRS representation and tax litigation (tax audits, collections, & criminal tax)
• Entity formation, real estate partnerships, and structuring of joint ventures
• Commercial lease and contract disputes
• Wills, trusts, estate planning, and asset protection
• OVDI and dual citizenship issues
• Transactional tax matters including international tax matters
• Immigration (adjustment of status, asylum, and citizenship)
• Consumer law (violations of DTPA and Fair Debt Collection laws)
• Personal injury
• Employment law
• Family law (divorce, custody, and child support)

Emmanuel Ncube Socks has advanced training in various areas of taxation, business administration, and finance. He understands both the procedural issues in tax controversy as well as the substantive issues of contention in business taxation. Emmanuel's understanding of the real estate leasing and development transactions enables him to provide added value strategy advice in real estate joint ventures. Emmanuel attended law school after working for over ten years in various mid-level and senior accounting roles in insurance, fast foods, Real Estate Investment Trusts, and mortgage servicing companies.

EDUCATION
SMU Dedman School of Law, Dallas, TX

Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation, May 2012

Texas Wesleyan School of Law, Fort Worth, TX

Juris Doctor

•Technology Editor, Texas Wesleyan Law Review
•Moot Court Honor Society

University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN

MBA (Finance)

University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe

Bachelor of Accountancy (Honors)

With an undergraduate degree in Accounting from the University of Zimbabwe, an MBA in Finance from the University of Indianapolis and a Juris Doctorate from Texas Wesleyan Law School, Emmanuel has combined the practice of law with his education and experience in corporate accounting and finance

Victoria Falls among top travel destinations in Africa

Regarded by many as one of the most beautiful countries in Africa, Zimbabwe is emerging once again as a prime tourism destination.

The magnificent Victoria Falls, the largest sheet of falling water in the world, are definitely the highlight of any trip to Zimbabwe. Millions of gallons of water crash into the chasm 360 ft below, creating a "cloud" of spray that can reach as high as 1,300 feet, and let to the locals calling the falls Mosi-oa-Tunya or "the Smoke that Thunders".

Beyond the falls lies a country with a rich diversity to attract weary travellers. The country offers some of the finest wilderness areas in southern Africa, and none more so than the World Heritage site of Mana Pools, this is true, untouched wilderness. Hwange, closer to Victoria Falls offers a more accessible but equally thrilling wildlife experience with great herds of game regularly seen.
Further afield lie the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, relics of a once great civilization, that flourished and traded throughout the region. The spectacular scenery of the Matopos Hills are a must for nature and history lovers alike, boasting some 3,000 rock art sites
The Victoria falls are a must-see site in Africa because of their unusual form, and the diverse wildlife in their vicinity. On the Zambian side, it is possible to swim in relatively safe natural pools at the top of the falls. Vic fall is ranked third after  Kenya and Eygpt. Online surveys.

Can Zimbabwe be among the leading economies world wide?

ZIMBABWE is set to become one of the fastest-growing economies in the world within the next decade on the back of the country’s vast mineral resources, a recent study by the Harvard University has revealed.

According to the study, which forecasts the economic growth prospects of 128 countries and is titled the Atlas of Economic Complexity: Mapping Paths to Prosperity, the country’s economy will become the sixth fastest-growing in the world despite the effects of the illegal sanctions imposed on it by the United States of America and its Western allies.
The research’s authors, who are drawn from the university’s Kennedy Centre for International Development, claim that they are 10 times more accurate in predicting economic growth over a decade than the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index.
“China (1), India (2) and Thailand (3) top the rankings for per capita growth potential followed by Belarus (4), Moldova (5), Zimbabwe (6), Ukraine (7), Bosnia and Herzegovina (8), Panama (9), and Mexico (10).
“For these countries, the current level of productive knowledge is unusually high for their level of income which should allow them to catch up faster than other nations.
“Seven Eastern European countries rank in the top 20 in terms of expected growth in income per capita while only two Latin American countries (Panama and Mexico) are in that group,” reads part of the research.
Economic analyst Mr Jonathan Kadzura said there are clear signs that the country is going to be among the fastest-growing economies in the world in the coming years.
“It is an undisputable fact that the country will be a force to reckon with in the next decade,” he said.
Mr Kadzura added that apart from having one of the fastest-growing economies, Zimbabwe is making giant strides towards being economically independent.
“If we have managed to resist the Western embargo for more than a decade, there is no reason to doubt that we are poised for remarkable growth,” he said.
In a recent interview, Comesa’s chief economic advisor Dr Moses Tekere noted that Zimbabwe’s economy will grow as the country boasts of both human and natural resources which are key to industrialisation and economic growth.
“What we need to do is to boost inter-Africa trade and to add value to our products and make them competitive,” he said.
Commenting on the research on the sidelines of a Sapes policy dialogue meeting in Harare last week, Finance Minister Tendai Biti conceded that it was possible for the economy to be rated among the fastest-growing economies in the world in light of its mineral resources.
“Yes, it is possible. There is nothing that can stop us because we have got everything we need as a country. We only need to do the right thing at the right time,” he said

Inkulumo ezenza abantu bangamenywa emtshadweni!

Ungalingi umeme iNdebele emtshadweni wakho...kuzanyenyezwa njalo...

'So umntwana lo uzimisele ukutshada lexhegu?'
'Phela umakoti yenowu wake wakhipha isisu emithiswe ngumfundisi.'
'Indoda yakhona ungathi iyakhwehlekhwehlela.'
... ... 'Maye kungangcono ngife ngilahlwe legundwane....yindoda mhloboni
yoneyi.'
'Ungathi akula kudla lapha.'
'Umakoti mubi shemu wehlula iveyili.'
'Isalukazi sonke lesi sitshada losane lolu.'
'Angikhungi fokolo, hantsho basincitshe ukudla.'
'Ikhekhe lakhona ungathi balithenge koTM.'
'Ubusithi ungalifaka emlonyeni ikhekhe lakhona bekungathi udla igwinya.'
'Bayithethe ngaphi imali yokutshada......lonyaka bazahamba nqunu.'
'Sicela lisithathe ikhamera.'
'Vele kuthengwe amakrethi amangaki.'
'Khangela ihair sytle kasisi lowana.....tjoe.'
'Khangela imota yabomakoti, ayisiyo yini leyana edilivela ikhabitshi
emaketi?'
'Ubonile ukuthi usihle ube egida njani shuwa?'
'Ubaba wakhona ukhunge ngenkukhu shemu.'
'Wena ukhuphe malini.....i50rand yami ihambe ikhala shemu.'
'So yiso isalukazi ujoji atshona embuluza ngaso lesi.'
'Kathi umkhwenyana wakhona usebenza ngaphi?'
'Hawu umama wendoda aze aqgoke okuhawulisayo so?'
'Ukudla konke kuya kuhigh table.'
'Umakoti ulele phakathi kwegabha lemake up.....usengumaqanda phokolo.'
'Mbani oboleke uMusa isudu bantu.'
'Bahaye imota nganti ngabe baqale bathenga eyabo bengakatshadi.'
'Indoda yakhona liwar vet yini?'
'Umbuluziswa yimota yomsebenzi.'
'Bubuso bani bonobu obulamapimpluzi so.
'Lapha sokunuka ikhwapha.'
Isiqgoko lesi sokungathi yinyufomu yemtshadweni....last time wayesiqgokile!

Pimps exploiting Zimbabwen girls in SA

By Crime Reporter
PROSTITUTION among Zimbabweans living in South Africa has reached dramatic levels with some men being blamed for pimping their home girls for financial gains, The ZimDiaspora has found out.
These men, most of whom are also Zimbabweans have found their illicit activities to be lucrative such that they now don’t bother searching for jobs anymore, preferring to market bodies of their home girls at a time when South Africa ranks as the world’s second highest country devastated by the deadly HIV, AIDS .

A Zimbabwean prostitute in Hilbrow: Photo Sowetan.
Our investigations have revealed that a sizeable number of Zimbabwean women were flocking to South Africa to find themselves in the hands of their fellow countrymen who pimp them out. The women are now eking-out a living through marketing their bodies against the scourge of HIV Aids which has claimed millions of lives around the world.
A concerned Zimbabwean woman in South Africa, Thembi Khumalo said: “It’s very sad, but almost all of them they are doing it because they have no choice and you'll find out that they are breadwinners in their families and yet can’t get decent jobs and then end up resorting to such a life. Then how do we help them to get out of this because debating this is not the solution”.
Details are extremely disturbing. It is reported that the first day a Zimbabwean woman arrives in South Africa, particularly those who don’t have steady accommodation are handed over to Zimbabwean pimps who then advertise her to their clients as being “fresh from Zimbabwe”.
The woman will then spend different nights with different men in some cases engaging in unprotected sex. The sex fee is often determined by the pimps who know the South African sex market very well. The pimps are reportedly rewarded a quarter of the amount paid by the client. At times, during short-time sexual encounters, the pimp will wait for his spoils outside the hotel door, wherever it’s happening for the client to finish-up and make a payment to the woman. It’s cash on delivery.
While some women often find the pimps abusive, some habitual prostitutes find them helpful and protective as in some cases clients become agressive after sex and refuse to pay up.
A Zimbabwean prostitute based in South Africa who requested anonymity, said: “I used to think pimps were getting easy money until one man slept with me the whole night and then simple ran away in the morning without paying me. It was hard to swallow because I spent the whole night working hard and the man even refused to use condoms”.
Asked if she has ever tested for HIV, the woman said “No, because the results are obvious”.
Characteristically, the pimps are often hardened Zimbabweans who have lived in South Africa for many years and can be rough to clients who refuse to make a payment. As a result most prostitutes prefer the service of pimps for the sake of protection.
We have also found out that most of the clients who are HIV positive often refuse to wear condoms but prefer to pay more. They reportedly pay up to R2500.00 per night as they often sexually engage with the Zimbabwean girls without protection.
In social networking facebook debate, a Zimbabwean man based in South Africa, Mondli Dube said: “I regret to say that marketing is too polite a term to use when describing the life of these people here. It’s simply too ghastly to describe. Question now is with Zimbabwe's unemployment hovering at 85% what does the future have for all these young girls?”
Also writing from South Africa, a Zimbabwean woman identified as Linda Mabhena said: “Ukhuluma umbhedonje wena uswele into onga xoxa ngayo yini. Ungazosibhedela thina hambefale ko hele ungazosifakela amehlo thina, proud Zimbabwe speak out don't let someone talk nonces every where kulaboma hotsha so what ungazenzi ncono la uyabathenga lokuba thenga mxm”.
This translates to: “You are talking nonsense, don’t you have something better to talk about? Dont be silly, why don’t you go away and die. There are prostitutes everywhere don’t ever think you are better than anyone”.
The ZimDiaspora could not establish why Mabhena was riled by this debate when clearly some Zimbabweans in South Africa are confirming that the issue was real and had reached appalling levels. Clearly, Mabhena did not want this debate to be executed in a public forum.
However, another Zimbabwean said: “I live here and what we see is a real Gomorrah. It’s too bad, especially in Hillbrow, Berea, Yeoville, inner Johannesburg etc. Zisemahlangeni nje”.
Popular radio personality and aspiring legislator Ezra Tshisa Sibanda also responded in the debate and said: “It’s happening and l don't see why people get so angry and emotional about it, instead of finding the root cause of that, how it can be avoided and help our dear sisters who think taking off pants for money is the only way to survive economic hardships. Its known that poverty breeds prostitution and diseases so Admore is 100% right to bring this to our attention through social networks and reach out to many people for us to discuss and find ways to help them stop this sick practice”.
Convener Ndlovu said “People might say its hearsay, but the bottom line is that its happening and this is why MDC-T MPs like Thabitha Khumalo are pursuing the aspect of legalising prostitution”.

"Support social groups" playing an intergrial party of the community abroad!

A lot of Zimbabweans in the diaspora are counting on the self help support groups when they fall into hard times. It is no secret that life away from home can be very hard and stressful at times. The very fact that one is away from  home is like a vacuum that can never be filled. The vast varying social and cultural settings and norms can be overwhelming to say the least. Give that situation a lot of people who leave their countries to settle else where are bound to encounter that problem.

Most people coming from  poor African countries where communities are still close together find themselves hit hard by these dynamics. We find ourselves lost in huge jungle, yet we are among millions of fellow human beings. Life in the western world is about me, myself and I. Or better off just me and my family! The developed world has no human touch. Only electronic gadgets. You think they call it  the industrialized world for nothing! One can manage to live by themselves without the interference from the next person. This happens even in churches, most people can hardly greet the person sitting on the next phew. There is no community obligation of any kind. Neither is there an emphasis on the extended family or even neighbors. To many of us, these are priceless values that were instilled in us at a young age.

Most people here do not even know their neighbor from the left or the right hand sides. I told my face book friends recently, how I nearly harmed my neighbor two doors away. This poor guy was walking around our yard in the evening looking for his dog. Me and my family where we were very much alarmed because we heard knock at the front the door and did not recognize the face. It was Sunday evening around and we were not expecting anybody in that hour. The story is long but we as we looked out side we could see shadows of  a man walking around the house. I have never been that armed in my whole life! I mean  I was armed to teeth. ( By the way I do not have a gun just to make that clear) It was in the fear of the moment that gripped us. I decided to call the  police just before I  before doing something that might regret.  While I was still on the phone with the operator  trying to describe the man's physical features, I saw the blue and red lights flushing all over. The prompt local Police department was patrolling the area.

 I should have mentioned that we live in very quiet neighborhood. Thank God! The Police came and told  me that, the person in question was my neighbor a couple of doors away who was  sincerely looking for his lost dog! Now you can see how this story could have ended differently had I not decided to pause and call the police. Its all because I did not know my neighbor.

This is example of how life is in this side of the civilized world. Some things are good but some are bad. Growing up in the townships and villages as children, neighbor parents we equally obligated to correct and discipline us in case they found us straying. We even have a saying that says it takes a village to raise a child. Well  sorry, not so over here!

Air Zimbabwe!

Welcome to Air Zimbabwe. (fast and friendly)

Good morning, Ladies and Gentlemen. This is your captain (Boniface) welcoming both seated and standing passengers on board of Air Zimbabwe .
We apologize for the four-day delay in taking off, it was Due to bad weather and some overtime I had to put in at the bakery.
This is flight 126 to Harare . Landing there is not guaranteed, but we will end up somewhere in Zimbabwe .

If luck is in our favour, we may even be landing on your village!
Air Zimbabwe has an excellent safety-record.
In fact our safety standards are so high that even terrorists are afraid to fly with us!
It is with pleasure, I announce that starting this year over 30% of our passengers have reached their destination.

If our engines are too noisy for you, on passenger request, we can arrange to turn them off!
To make your free fall to earth pleasant and memorable, We serve complimentary Stella tea and Rambawaraira biscuits!
For our not-so-religious passengers, we are the only airline who can help you find out if there really is a God!
We regret to inform you, that today's in-flight movie will not be shown as we forgot to record it from the television. But for our movie buffs, we will be flying right next to British Airways, where their movie will be visible from the right side of the cabin window.
There is no smoking allowed in this airplane.
Any smoke you see in the cabin is only the early warning system on the engines telling us to slow down! In order to catch important landmarks, we try to fly as close as possible for the best view. If, however, we go a little too close, do let us know. Our enthusiastic co-pilot sometimes flies right through the landmark! Kindly be seated, keep your seat in an upright position for take-off and fasten your seat-belt. For those of you who can't find a seat-belt, kindly fasten your own belt to the arm of your seat ...and for those of you who can’t find a seat, do not hesitate to get in touch with a stewardess who will explain how to fasten yourself to your suitcase."

ENJOY YOUR FLIGHT WITH AIR ZIMBABWE

Is Zimbabwean soccer finally out of intensive care?

I posed a question to some of my face book friends who are either influential in soccer or where once associated with  the game to get their feel on the how they rank the game in terms of both skill, organisation and talent in comparison to the rest of Africa and the rest of world. Here is what they said.

Madinda Ndlovu  a former Highlanders darling in the eighties, now coaching in Botswana said: When taking  about talent,skill and playing organisation. We are the highest ranked nation in Southern Africa when it comes to quality players as well as skilled players and this is clear when  you see the players that we have playing in other Countries. our Football was killed by the out doing of Junior Policy which has left the Country with no Development plans at all, during our time all Premier team were having Juniors right from under 12s to 18s and we came through those ranks to the First team . I am happy though that we are having Academies coming up again now u will see.

Faith Silandulo Dube. In terms of talent, skill we are there, however our organization is always suspect in a number of respects. The places you have mentioned are now taking football as a business, yet we are still a little bit distant in terms of professionalising the game

Alex Maseko said:
Great talent in Zimbabwe, all about discipline with some of the players and of course management also contributes. We can do it, we need to change the way we run the organization. Get people who have played the game before to be involved in management. That's my own opinion.

 Bongani Mafu, a former successful Zimbabwe saints coach said:
 My bro , we have been in the wilderness for a few years, with football politics taking over and the sport being run from an individualistic point of view where a few top people' s financial interest mattered but we are mow seeing a return to the productive regional influence with Junior football being promoted, we are going to get back to producing well groomed youths who have a great chance of developing to great professionals. Omazivelela have killed our soccer but there seems to be better organisation and hope! We are a bit behind the rest of the world but we remain ahead of S A in terms of talent and vision but that is our downfall, supplying players to leagues that are nearly as good as us or just above or below us is KILLING our national team! S A is no good for our national development! It is a place where our ageing players should be going for their final pay cheque windfall.

Isaac Mbedzi a coach and academy owner in Canada said: Soccer in Zimbabwe has gone way behind in some regions in Zimbabwe especially in Matebeleland mainly becoz of lack training or game facilities and its not even fair to try and compare it with countries above in any aspect of the game ngoba thina we still do it like the very funny and unprofessional way.

Ezra Tshisa an online DJ and a soccer enthusiast in his own right said:The State of Zimbabwean football is in shambles, its marred by systematic corruption and bribery with so much political interference and abuse of authority by those in charge. Instead of modernising football we as a country are going backwards. We have talent in Zim but its not taped properly because of lack of sponsorship as no sponsor would like to associate itself with a corrupt system. The talent is wasted and there is no exposure of our talented youngsters who can be taped by European leagues mainly caused by lack of TV coverage as the sole broadcaster ZBC does not stream Zim football. We leg far behind when it comes to football administration and organisation and there is a danger the talent we have will be wasted.

Tse Ndebele a coach who is also trainer coaches  said: Generally Africa is second to South America in terms of talent. Zambians boast of the greatest fighting and team spirit I know. Zimbabweans are the most talented in Southern Africa, with a better attitude and work ethic. South Africans are average and lazy. There is too much money in the game. Of course, all the money is in Europe, and that compensates for all lacks big time.

 Tsepo Mabalane. A life time Highlanders fan said:

 I think south Africans are the most talented from what i have seen at amateur level, again i believe a vodacom side(i believe European coaches have killed the South Africans' natural talent at PSL and Mvela levl) can stand its ground against this inform highlanders ask boys like Rio, graham, tendai ndoro who have played against those players(and the AFCON amabinneplass easily beat Zim in Sudan). Zimbabweans are hardworking and the talented guys are from an economically deprived region as history has always proven it starting with Grobelaar to Benjani or Pritchard from Gweru. I will rate South Africa at 1, DRC and Zambia both at 2, Angola then Zimbabwe would compete with Namibia. just an opinion Mkhwananzi and Tse Ndex. again Bosso or its politics is killing Zim soccer by playing outsiders. In the past we knew our under 20 or 23 would always be in the top 4 in africa because bosso was producing i.e the Peter under 23. the Siza under 23, the Madinda under 20, the Vusa/Honour under 20 and so forth. 

 I do believe money plays a role i.e the Africa champions league top 8 in the last 10 years would look like this 1. Al Ahly-Mubarak sponsored 2. TP Mazembe-diamond tycoon 3-Sundowns FC-mining magent 4. Dynamos-ZANU sponsored 5. Sudan Ali Ahly -Oil 6. Enyimba oil 7. Petro atletico oil 8. Esperance-tunisian gvt or Asante Kotoko or ASec mimosa paltinum and gold tycoons. You will never find your ZANACO or Highlanders never coz of the finances. If Obert Mpofu does sponsor then you can talk of champions league for Bosso, otherwise for now its day-dreaming. @Nhlanhla Mabhena its not skill that South Africans buy its effort i.e destroyers-Nengomasha, Dinha, Nyandoro defenders Sweswe, Nyadombo etc or force based strikers i.e Mushekwi and co or once in a while a speed master musona or billiat. for skill they have more than enough, you can not find a pule, teko, lekolea, lebogang mokoena, dukuduku, jali, manyisa, serero, pienaar or mayambela in zimbabwe unless you go kobulawayo but bosso no longer wants those players as they now do kick and hope except maybe for this season. 
 Thank you guys for all your opinions and and contribution