8 Mar 2019
As a feminist I have a plethora of reasons to celebrate International Women’s Day. I see this as a day to push for affirmative action while celebrating women. Of course as women we have a lot of issues that need to be addressed but that should not stop us from celebrating ourselves.
I have often been asked what is so special about the day and I will never tire from giving this history lesson.
Here’s the short lesson, International Women’s Day is annually commemorated on March 8 to celebrate women’s achievements throughout history and across nations. It is also known as the United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace. The first International Women’s Day occurred on March 19 in 1911. The inaugural event, which included rallies and meetings, was a big success in countries such as Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. The March 19 date was chosen because it commemorated the day that the Prussian king promised to introduce votes for women in 1848.
The promise gave hope for equality. The UN drew global attention to women’s concerns in 1975 by calling for an International Women’s Year. It also convened the first conference for women in Mexico City that year. The UN General Assembly then invited member states to proclaim March 8 as the UN Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace in 1977. The day aimed to help nations worldwide eliminate discrimination against women. It also focused on helping women gain full and equal participation in global development.
International Men’s Day is also celebrated on November 19 each year. I’m definitely going to celebrate this too and I will write something as well.
I hope I didn’t lose you in our history lesson, so now that you know why we celebrate International Women’s Day. I thought I should share why as a proud black African woman I celebrate it and maybe motivate you to also celebrate it.
For me it’s a day of reflecting on the past and current initiatives successful or otherwise to address gender inequalities and injustices. It’s a day to celebrate different women who did varying things for women to be where they are today. It’s a day that I celebrate my female friends, co-workers, female faith based leaders, stay at home mothers, female vendors, females in the security sector, females with disabilities and many others pushing for empowerment of a woman.
For me it’s a day to remind me that I need to do more so my daughter, niece, sister, mother, aunt, grandma and granddaughter can fully enjoy being a woman. I hope you will also find your reason of celebrating the day. I hope that my family, colleagues, community, country and the world can become woman friendly. With that I say woMandla!!!
Tadiwanashe Burukai is a freelance writer and advocate for sexual reproductive health and rights. She writes for Khulumaafrika.com and also contributes to NANGO platforms. @TadieBurukai
8 Mar 2019
One death and five cholera cases have been recorded at Mont Dor and Karara resettlement areas in Shamva following a portable water disconnection that has gone on for over five weeks.
Due to the water supply disconnection at Shamva Gold Mine by Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) the mine is reportedly temporarily supplying approximately 4000 residents with untreated water drawn from Mazowe River. The mine is said to be discouraging residents for drinking the water.
It is unfortunate that ZINWA engages in retrogressive measures like arbitrary water disconnections, an infringement of the right to safe, clean and portable water.
Community Water Alliance has noted with concern, the use of outdated regulations and water by-laws by state institutions that permit disconnecting water supply. Stakeholders must take into consideration Section 86 of the 2013 Constitution of Zimbabwe which states may be limited only in terms of a law of general application and to the extent that the limitation is fair, reasonable, necessary and justifiable in a democratic society based on openness, justice, human dignity, equality and freedom, taking into account all relevant factors.
The nature of the right to water is such that it is linked to the rights to life and health. The purpose of disconnecting water affects public safety, public health and public interest. With 4000 people at risk in Shamva, ZINWA’s water disconnection has gone beyond a reasonable limitation.
ZINWA has the option of issuing summons to recover its debt from Shamva Gold mine. The water disconnection by ZINWA is therefore unfair, unreasonable, unnecessary and unjustifiable in a democratic society. It defies openness, justice, human dignity, equality and freedom of the residents.
Arbitrary water disconnections justify Community Water Alliance’s calls for review of water disconnection by-laws so that they echo provisions of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
27 Feb 2019
It has dawned on me that we can’t spend a day without someone releasing a sex tape. Almost every morning on Facebook there’s someone asking if you’ve seen the video and another person offering to send it to your inbox.
Filming that takes place behind closed doors may be a personal choice since we have different views and opinions about sex and sexual preferences. I don’t judge your personal choices trust me, I am anything but perfect. My issue is on consent. Do people consent before recording the video? Do they actually know that someone is recording them? What are the circumstances leading to distribution of a video that was shot with the consent of the people engaged in the sexual act?
People always say why did one consent to recording a video in the first place. What of those who did not consent to the recording? What of those who did not consent to publicity of the tapes? After circulation of sex tapes some have lost their jobs, scholarships, opportunities as well as relationships with family, church and friends. Others have even committed suicide.
Allegedly, in most cases these also turn out to be cases of revenge porn. Revenge porn, according to The draft Cyber Crimes and Cyber Security Bill of Zimbabwe, is the revealing of sexually explicit images or videos of a person by posting on the Internet, typically by a former sexual partner, without the consent of the subject and in order to cause them distress or embarrassment. Simply put, revenge porn is the sharing of private sexual materials with intent to cause distress.
In the paragraphs to follow I intend to shed light on those that have been a victim of revenge porn directly or indirectly and are wondering what they can do to seek redress.
So what does the Zimbabwean Law say about this?
Zimbabwe legal framework on revenge porn and cyber-bullying
The current legal framework lacks protection of victims of revenge porn or cyber-bullying. The relief available for victims remains of a civil nature where one can claim damages for defamation of character, pain and suffering and loss of income for a ruined reputation etc. As such the lack of a criminal resort still costs the victim in civil suit costs. Be that as it may, there is hope as there is a cyber crime and cyber security legal framework being tabled before Parliament. The 2017 Bill is very comprehensive provides for cyber-related offences with due regard to the Declaration of Rights under the Constitution. Of particular interest is sections 16 and 19. Section 16 provides that cyber-bullying and harassment are offences and the perpetrators of such offences are liable to a fine or imprisonment. Section 19 goes further to address situations where there has been transmission of intimate material without consent. Both these offences have become very common in this digital age. Despite the Bill having other shortfalls and succumbing to criticism by human rights activists on its infringement on freedom of expression, it is a step in the rights direction for victims of revenge porn and cyber bullying.
Thus it can be noted that revenge porn is still a sticky issue and currently no law or legislation has been enacted that address such crimes.
The two authors discourage sharing of explicit/nude pictures or videos of yourself, sexual partner or anyone as one may never know where these might end up. The article was written by Tadiwanashe Burukai and Ruwadzano Makumbe, advocates for human rights.
26 Feb 2019
The Minister of Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has welcomed self regulation of Non- Governmental Organisations (NGOs), an initiative that will improve the quality of services provided by NGOs by helping NGOs to adopt high standards of conduct and to devise efficient decision-making processes.
The Minister of Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi, said “Like any other institution there should be a policy that outlines the regulation of NGOs one that should not be imposed but crafted by NGOs themselves.”
The minister added that he wants to gain a fuller understanding of the operations of NGOs in the new dispensation.
“I am studying how my office can relook at the work that NGOs are doing because I intend to fully appreciate NGO work in Zimbabwe. There are some NGOs that have been doing things that are not patriotic and this brings the need for a policy that is guided by the constitution,” he said.
The minister said this at a meeting requested by the National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) to forge the best way to work together with the ministry and build meaningful synergies for the enhancement of justice, law and order in Zimbabwe.
NANGO has always believed that the best form of regulation of the NGO community is self-regulation and not heavy-handed government regulation. By taking responsibility for ensuring the NGOs adhere to commonly accepted standards, the NGO community is engaging in a system of self-regulation, self-governance and self-discipline. Without such a system in place, the government will intercede to regulate this sector.
The purpose of self regulation will certainly not be to constrain or hinder NGOs from carrying out their socially beneficial work; it will simply articulate the common value system of NGOs and try to provide a set of common standards to which NGOs can subscribe. These standards are designed to strengthen the NGO sector, improve the quality and impact of the service delivery by NGOs and increase transparency and accountability by NGOs.
Self regulation will outline norms, principles and values which can be used to ensure ethical behaviour by all those involved in NGO activity. It provides that NGOs as are voluntary, not-for-profit, non self-serving, non-governmental, non-partisan and independent organisations which are involved in the promotion of social justice and development.
NGOs have been in the forefront of the campaign to make governments and private corporations more open, transparent and accountable for their activities. NGOs themselves should therefore ensure that they too perform their work in an open, transparent and accountable manner. Strengthening accountability increases legitimacy among the public, policy makers and the donor community.
Minister Ziyambi met with NANGO National Board Chairperson, Wadzanayi Vere, leader of the children’s sector Rev. Taylor Nyanhete, Northern Region Boad Chairperson, Ronika Mumbire, and the Executive Director, Leonard Mandishara.
26 Feb 2019
Prison is as far as the sentencing road goes for offenders in Zimbabwe, but does not need to be the end of the world. ”We want to give inmates a shot at being a good member of society – that’s what we’re here for,” echoes Leeman Dube the Director of Simphiwe Development Trust. Simphiwe Development Trust in affiliation with the National University of Science and Technology (Nust), piloted an inmates’ ICT skills training program at Grey Prison in Bulawayo. A first of its kind program in Zimbabwean Prisons. A total of Seventeen (17) inmates after undergoing a 4months training graduated with an ICDL certificate on the 19th of December 2018 at Grey Prison in Bulawayo. The course was facilitated by facilitators from Simphiwe Development Trust and accredited by the National University of Science and Technology.
The graduation event was graced by ZPCS Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Advisory Board member Dr Lucky Mlilo, senior ZPCS Officers from the Bulawayo Province, representatives from the National University of Science and Technology, NANGO Board members and guests from other CSOs programming in the prisons.
The Simphiwe Development Trust Director Mr LeemanDube says the training was a pilot project meant to equip inmates for life after prison. Mr Dube states that the program seeks to complement governmet efforts t reducing crime and also the number of repeat offenders. Comprehensive crime prevention programs must include effective measures to prevent repeat-offending and to stop the cycle of failed adaptation by repeat offenders. When inmates released from confinement, they face a variety of challenges that may hinder their ability to become law-abiding citizens. A key feature to reduce repeat offending is the attention to the social reintegration of ex-inmates into the community and through equipping them with skills to successfully reintegrate and become productive members of society.
Mr Dubeasserts that the program started with 25 inmates but eight dropped out due to several reasons. Most who dropped off cited that the course was too challenging for them since they just did not have basic education having only went as far as grade 7 in formal education. Thus they could not master the basics in computing so they quit. The highest scoring student got 82 percent in the final assessment.
In separate interviews, graduands said they were happy that they are now competitive in the economic transformation agenda as computers are fast becoming a transformation agent in all walks of life across the globe.
The best graduating student, Amos Ncube (20) who was sentenced to two years for unlawful entry and theft said it has been his ambition to learn computers and his vision got fulfilled while in prison.
“Today I stand proud as a graduate, it may not be from a university as most people would want it to be but to me it’s a dream that has come true. The world is gradually changing to a technologically driven society hence to have a course in ICTs is an achievement worth cherishing,” he said.Ncube whose prison term is about to end said he wants to further his studies by suing Computer Aided Art and Graphics.
Another inmate, David Ndlovu (57), said he is a script writer and since he has acquired basic computer skills including using Microsoft word, he is going to be typing his ideas on a computer rather than writing on pieces of paper as he used to do.“When you are not computer literate, your life is hard as you do everything manually. Now it will be easy for me to type a document of my script and I proof-read it there. It’s now different from using pen and paper and having to correct word for word,” he said.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, ZPCS Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Advisory Board member Dr Lucky Mlilo said imparting computer skills to inmates is vital as it makes them fit in the vast technological growing economy where ICTs are slowly becoming a prerequisite in industrialisation and development.Dr Mlilo said his council will continue working with Simphiwe to find ways of improving the program and replicating it to other prisons across the country. “I am reliably informed that the 17 of you shared only 10 desktops which disabled your speed in operations. As an advisory board we feel challenged, we will try and assist with the acquisition of new computers,” he said.
In their vote of thanks, the inmates’ representatives said they have finally realised that prison is not the end of the road in life’s journey.
26 Feb 2019
Hwange ward 9 community members are calling on Hwange Colliery Company and well wishers to improve sanitation facilities that have been in a dire state for over a decade.
The residents asserted the need for resuscitation of water point committees and capacity enhancement of committees so that there is community stewardship in management of water resources and infrastructure.
Ward 9 community members also call on the convention of an all stakeholders’ conference that will come up with agreed short, medium and long term solutions to water, sanitation and hygiene challenges in most parts of Hwange.
The convention will address laws and policies on access to clean and portable water, social accountability and billing systems.
It is daunting that there are parts of Hwange, which are under the Hwange Colliery Company administration, that spend 20 hours a day without water supply. The areas have domestic tap water for two hours from 5am and another two hours from 6pm.
It is alleged that some residential areas have not had clean and portable water for the past 20 years. A gross human rights violation.
The Hwange Colliery Company draws water from a trans-boundary water source Zambezi River and the water is treated before distribution to residents in Ward 9. The infrastructure supplying water in Hwange is old, dilapidated and has been vandalised too.
Community Water Alliance implores Hwange city fathers and providers of water, sanitation and hygiene services to respect and fulfill Section 51 and 77(a) of the Zimbabwean Constitution. The sections expound on the right to human dignity and the right to safe, clean and portable water, respectively.
Well wishers are also invited to improve Hwange residents’ access to water and proper sanitation facilities.
#PotableWaterIsAPriority
#TakePartInPreventionOfAHealthDisaster
22 Feb 2019
Community Water Alliance has been receiving increasing reports of water meter theft from most high density suburbs in Harare.
A visit to Budiriro by Community Water Alliance staff revealed that more than 200 households have had their water meters stolen by mid-February.
Some residents have reported the cases to the local police while others have lost faith in the willingness of local police to stop this wave that has exposed water infrastructure to vandalism.
Affected residents who spoke to Community Water Alliance said the unavailability of potable water has exposed them to thieves that steal the meters. In the past, the gushing of water after meter removal made deterred thieves from this manner of vandalism.
The theft of water meters is likely to increase non-revenue water in Harare. It gravely affects the non-revenue water reduction target set by Harare Water in its 2018-2028 Strategic Plan. Theft of water meters kills financial sustainability of water services in Harare and residents are encouraged to report suspects.
Preliminary findings by Community Water Alliance revealed alleged involvement of carpenters in the business of manufacturing coffins. The brass from the water meters is allegedly used for coating of coffin handles.
We implore City of Harare officials, particularly municipal police together with Zimbabwe Republic Police to do a thorough job and get to the bottom of this matter.
#PotableWaterBy2020
#AccessToWaterIsAHumanRight
22 Feb 2019
Loving Hand Organization engaged authorities of a school in Bulawayo to enroll two boys aged seven and nine to start school despite not having birth certificates at the time.
This came after Loving Hand Organisation identified a couple that is struggling to cater for three sons and makes a living through menial jobs, land tiling and ploughing. The two have never received formal education and cannot afford to take their three sons to school.
According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the child Article 28 every child has the right to primary education which should be free. Sustainable Development Goal 4 also supports that education of children should develop each child’s personality, talents and abilities to the fullest. This inspires Loving Hand to assist children to enroll at schools, access education and get donations in the form of uniforms, school fees, stationery and food.
Well wishers re therefore called upon to make donations to the family. Those interested in making donations may contact Mr. K. Hweta +263-29-883693 or 0773472825 or email lovinghand2004vpo@gmail.com or info@thelovinghand.co.zw
MISA Zimbabwe is concerned with the increase in cases involving attempts by government officials within the southern African region to curb legitimate media investigations.
This follows the recent detention and deportation from Malawi of Ntombizodwa Patience Makhoba, a City Press journalist.
On Monday 18 February 2019, Makhoba travelled from South Africa to Malawi to investigate a story involving a Malawian entrepreneur based in South Africa.
According to media reports from Malawi, police confiscated Makhobana’s mobile phone and detained her overnight at a Blantyre police station while awaiting the next available flight from Malawi to South Africa. Malawian immigration officials said Makhoba did not have the necessary documentation to carry out investigations in Malawi.
15 Feb 2019
Zimbabwena civil society and disability sector lost a gallant advocate of the rights of people with disabilities, Tsarai Mungoni.
He was 53.
At the time of his passing Mungoni was the Director of the National Association of Societies for the Care of the Handicapped (NASCOH) and sat in the NANGO, Zimbabwe Election Support Network and National Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Boards.
With endorsement from NASCOH, an umbrella body of over 70 organisations of and for people with disabilities, Mungoni served three terms in the NANGO board championing the cause of the socially disadvantaged.
As an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities Mungoni achieved numerous milestones. He successfully carried out Disabled Persons Organisations’ needs assessment and the results were used to implement the rights-based approach to programming whose thrust was the protection and promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities, conducted research to unearth violations of the rights of people with disabilities, and developed a disability advocacy manual and trained 350 disability activists from all the country’s 10 provinces.
Mungoni was part of the team that mobilised disabled persons’ organisations and people with disabilities for the purpose of crafting a National Disability Policy which is currently awaiting government approval, he lobbied for the inclusion of disability in the national Constitution and National AIDS Policy, lobbied for disability mainstreaming, conducted a research on challenges faced by rural women with disabilities and he also co-developed NASCOH’s National Disability Advocacy Strategy.
The late Mungoni held a Masters in Public Policy and Governance, Masters in Business Administration, Bachelor of Social Work Honours Degree and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Law. At the time of his passing he was working on admission into Doctoral studies.
Mungoni passed away on 6 February 2019 and was laid to rest on 8 February 2019 at Nhakiwa village in Murehwa.
Mungoni fought a good fight and his work will forever be remembered.
