Opinion

From a (CCOSA) Presidential point of view!

By Simbarashe Mutizwa

According to the Minister of Youth Development, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment, Saviour Kasukuwere, the youth of the 80s came together, sang and held hands in unison to fight and bring about the political independence that we now, annually, boast about on the 18^th of April.

The Minister is of the opinion that it was a combination of sacrifice and patriotism that motivated these young people who participated in this dreadful ordeal. Interestingly, Minister Kasukuwere had his example in the General Constantine Chiwenga who joined the war at 16 and became the youngest soldier to occupy a position of leadership in that atrocious war.

Surely, the sacrifice exhibited by these young, devoted and brave people is indeed remarkable!

As I listened to Minister Kasukuwere yesterday during the press club session, I was forced to make a comparison between these remarkable devotees of the 80s and my generation which many people deem the ‘born frees’ of the 90s. What would the born frees have done if their source of pride was snatched from them? Such is the nature of questions that triggered in me. I mean would we, I included, stand up and defend our heritage? What would this generation of ours be remembered for: Otherwise for the use of social media to mock these initiatives.

As the Minister chronologically imparted the history of Zimbabwe since independence to this present day, I ran my eyes around the room piled with trainee journalists and I was thinking, “boy oh boy, we need to be remembered of something but unfortunately could not figure out as to what exactly. 

We certainly have a role to play in this current Zimbabwe, the 80s’ youth brought us emancipation and it is our duty to preserve it. The technological advancements ought to work at our advantage and enhance development of this lovely land of Zimbabwe. I challenge you all to do your part!

How much public display of affection is too much?

By Netilie Marozva

We all indulged in a bit of public affection at some point as it is common phenomenon. But now the million dollar question is, ‘Just how much public affection is too much and where/when does it cross the line?’

Walking in the streets of Harare, one gets to experience a wide range of public affections. A city park such as the Harare Gardens is one of the public places being abused by devotees. School children pass by in the park witnessing the morally repugnant deeds. What message are the elderly broadcasting to our youngsters; that it is alright to make out in public places?

Holding hands is a classic way of showing a great deal of affection. It is always going to be acceptable to grab your spouse’s hand in public whether to show them the way or just to feel close to them. However, spouses must not hold each other suggestively lest people around them get comfortable.

My heart is overwhelmed upon seeing an elderly couple holding hands in a park or newlyweds briefly kissing, it is the romance in me that feels proud to witness such sincere display of affection. However, nothing equally disgruntles me and the public more than a couple who naively show their tongues in public places. Always keep your tongue in your mouth; it is just wrong keeping it out in public unless, of course, you are licking an ice-cream or something.

As much as couples would love to utter affectionate words to their loved ones, they preferably should keep it low. For instance, saying ‘I love you’ might seem a morally repugnant custom, but when whispered gently in the right ears, it’s regarded charming. The acceptable displays of affection vary between cultures, time and context. Many have blamed globalisation as the main cause of customary alternations in Zimbabwe; such as expressing affection publicly.  

CCOSA JOURNALISM STUDENTS PRAISED FOR GOOD CONDUCT

By Ulenny ka Ndlovu

The Christian College of Southern Africa’s principal Tichaona Zinumwe has praised the journalism students for their good conduct and performances.

Speaking at a Press Club  meeting held at the college, Zinumwe said he is very happy with the current journalism department generation. 

“So far we haven’t encountered any problems since last year, unlike in the past years where some students misbehaved; in 2011 we had some students who ended up leaving the college via jail cells for defrauding the institution”

The principal also castigated bunking lessons, alcohol consumption as well as drug abuse especially within the college premises.

“At this college we are training journalists, not criminals, fraudsters and drunkards, so please I urge you to focus on your studies and desist from other notorious activities.

“Again CCOSA is not a distance learning institution like ZOU (Zimbabwe Open University) hence students must attend lessons according to their time tables,” said the principal.

Journalism Department Director Mr. Tawanda Mukurunge also applaud the students for their good conduct and the charity missions that they embark on. He also encouraged them to keep up the good works.

“Students keep on doing the good works and I hope that you are going to successfully carry on the oncoming charity missions." he said Mukurunge.

CCOSA TO ENDORSE TANYARADZWA CHILDREN’S HOME

By Tracy Panashe

The Christian College of Southern Africa (CCOSA) will embark on a charity mission to Tanyaradzwa Children’s Home in Murehwa tomorrow, CCOSA press club president has said.

President Simbarashe Mutizwa.

In an interview with the CCOSA Weekly, President Simbarashe Mutizwa said the college will endorse Tanyaradzwa Children’s Home as the only home to receive continuous sponsorship from the renowned media college.

“Tanyaradzwa Children’s Home is going to be the only permanent beneficiary to our children’s home outreaches; this is to enhence traceable progress of our social responsibilities.”

“CCOSA is a religious institution with deep embedded social ethics that we all work towards achieving as a family,” he added.

Another journalism student, Miss Rumbidzai Takawira was commoved that the college will flex its muscles to Tanyaradzwa Children’s Home.

“As I am speaking we have already started to make preparations, you know, gathering contributions and collecting money for mattresses, blankets, doors and groceries” said Takawira.

Charity missions are one of the press club auspicious initiatives which include clean-up campaigns, educational tours and sporting activities.

                                                

                                    

“Let’s join hands in cleaning up the city”, Harare Mayor.

CCOSA students participating in the Harare CBD clean up.
Photo by Rich Chijoko

Photo by
Rich Chijoko

Tinashe Makichi

Harare Mayor Muchadeyi Masunda urged all stakeholders to work hand in glove in upholding the sunshine city status.

Addressing delegates at a meeting held at the town house yesterday, Mayor Masunda attributed cleanup campaigns and responsible waste management awarenesses as the best drivers towards a clean Harare and that the responsibility is long overdue.

“It is high time that all stakeholders come on board and assist the city council in the restoration of the sunshine city status of Harare.

“Stakeholders should desist from leaving the city council alone to tackle its own problems especially on the issue of litter management and responsible litter disposal,” Mayor Masunda said.

He also said the city council is going to include vendors in its most imminent cleanup campaign with the aim of eliciting responsibility among these traders.

“Courtesy of Proudly Zimbabwean we are going to hold a massive cleanup campaign in the near future.

“...it is at this juncture that we decided agreed with Minister for Small and Medium Enterprises and Corporate Development, Cde Sithembiso Nyoni to involve vendors  in the cleanup campaign with the aim of ensuring responsibility among vendors,” he said.

Environment Africa representative, identified as Charlene, added that stakeholders should create a system which cumbers prohibited waste disposals. She also castigated irresponsible waist disposers saying they lack national pride.

“Zimbabwe is one of the best countries in the world but the problem lies in the citizens who are not proud of their country.

“A system should be created that forbids illegal waste disposal and as Environment Africa we are going to take the next campaign yet to be held as a platform to educate people on environmental issues and good waste management practices,” Charlene said.

Photo by
Rich Chijoko

Harare City Council in conjunction with Proudly Zimbabwean and other stakeholders are perpetuating this cause of a clean Harare.

ECONET UNLEASHES NEW SOLAR GADGETS

By Tinashe Makichi

Econet Zimbabwe has taken an auspicious initiative in alleviating the incessant power shortages by coming up with a solar gadget.  

The Solar Wave Lantern SW15 which is aimed at promoting convenience in the telecommunications industry was launched in Harare yesterday where a demonstration was made on how the solar gadget works.

Econet Chief Executive Officer Daniel Mativenga said that lack of power supply is affecting their customers hence the development of SW15 solar lanterns with charging sockets for mobile phones and laptops complimented with an FM radio.

“The lack of reliable power supply has been affecting our consumers considering how ZESA has been grappling with financial constrains.

“Therefore we are launching theses products to alleviate this problem,” Mativenga said.

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe launched 400 000 solar lanterns into the market which has managed to meet the demands of more than 300 households in Harare with the inclusion of scholars.

Mativenga also said Econet has established Green Kiosks where there are free solar power charging circuits for mobile phones regardless of the network provider in use.

Opinion

WE OWE A DUTY TO ORPHANS

Elia Ntali

It is regrettable that some of the student journalists, who are turning deaf ears to calls by the Press Club Executive to donate towards charity and beneficiaries, happen to come from the same affected societies.

Our lazy, lamentable response to these calls may tell two stories – either one does not have, or is simply not willing to participate in the noble exercise. Ironically, we fail to appreciate that being an orphan is none of these children’s choice.

Amongst us, many lost parents at a tender age, but were more fortunate than those stuck at various children’s homes because they found support from relatives or well wishers who sacrificed their resources to hide their “orphan tag”.

Charity Centers in our communities need our support, and even the little that we would have donated will go a long way in the upkeep of these unfortunate children.

Some who are already in the field of journalism may agree that there is little or no support from the corporate world, so its better we take the initiative and be exemplary. We will certainly leave a mark in the beneficiary’s life.

I am one of those people who used to look down on the issue of donating to charity until I paid a visit to an orphanage in my neighborhood. It was a pity to see the children scramble for food and to imagine that a four year old is wrestling with a thirteen year old for something to eat is even more indicting. Who would you expect to win such a contest?

On March 1 2013 (tomorrow) the CCOSA PRESS CLUB descends on a children’s home in Norton.

I am urging all students to come in numbers and grace such a distinguished occasion.

It’s not about the president of the press club, neither is it about the director of journalism, nor the lecturer in charge. It is about all of us as journalists – as the ‘fourth estate’, as ‘watchers’, as reporters, as social ‘evaluators’, and more importantly, as human beings.