James Henry Watt

DEATH & FUNERAL NOTICE

James Henry Watt 08/07/1955-24/3/2009

Jim was tragically killed in a motor accident on Tuesday Evening in Kabwe, Zambia.

The funeral will be held on Monday, 30th March 2009 at 10:00 Hours, Mukumwanji Farm, 34 Kms before Kabwe (from Lusaka approx. 104kms), on the right. Please look out for an MTN Signpost with "Mukumwanji".

One of Jim's wishes were that those that attend his funeral did so in Shorts (preferably Khaki) and Open-Necked Shirts (No Ties). The family would appreciate those attending to assist them in having this small wish be a reality.

Friends kindly accept this intimation.

James Henry Watt

DEATH & FUNERAL NOTICE

James Henry Watt 08/07/1955-24/3/2009

Jim was tragically killed in a motor accident on Tuesday Evening in Kabwe, Zambia.

The funeral will be held on Monday, 30th March 2009 at 10:00 Hours, Mukumwanji Farm, 34 Kms before Kabwe (from Lusaka approx. 104kms), on the right. Please look out for an MTN Signpost with "Mukumwanji".

One of Jim's wishes were that those that attend his funeral did so in Shorts (preferably Khaki) and Open-Necked Shirts (No Ties). The family would appreciate those attending to assist them in having this small wish be a reality.

Friends kindly accept this intimation.

Rates Charges for Harare

This will be of interest to all..........
I have been trying for ages to find out from City of Harare what to
pay and do with the ridiculous rates that they are charging people.
They have been most unhelpful and to the point of being rude.

Today I finally got put through to someone in Management at City of
Harare who kindly (after much persisting) told me what I have been
trying to find out.

People have been told to pay what they can on their rates etc until
after
the 9th April (date not confirmed)when the new rates will come out
(bear
in
mind you might be charged interest if the rates do not change).
People have been asked to put in writing their objections to the
charges (Do not forget to object to the 51% interest that City of
Harare are still charging - see the bottom of your bill). People
are being told to address their
letters
of
objections to the Town Clerk at the Town Hall. Letters have to be
dropped off at Reception or taken to Room 008. The cut off date is
the 9th
April
2009.

I called and confirmed this with a very helpful lady at Town Hall
who said that people also need to attend the Consultative Budget
Meetings for Residence in their area (if they have not been already
held) and to contact their district office to find out from the
district officer when these meetings are being held e.g.
Borrowdale, Highlands, Greendale etc. If they have already been
held please do a letter of objection to the Town
Clerk.
This does not only apply to City of Harare but to Telone, Zinwa,
zesa, etc.

Unless a lot of people object then we do not stand a chance of the
rates
coming down and also the interest rates.

Let us stand together and actually do something for a change.

Kind Regards
Concerned and not able to pay citizen

Zimbabwe: Need for Customary Law Reform

This is a very serious issue in Zimbabwe - women have very few rights under customary law and can be bought and sold at will...
Diana Muringisi
27 March 2009Harare — WHILE academics have different views as to what exactly justice is and what its characteristics are, they generally agree with David Miller's assertion in his book, "Social Justice", that it is to do with "giving each man his due".Historically, women have retained a subordinate status to men who make the laws, for whom the laws are made and whose views are reflected in the laws of the state machinery.Thus women have not always received their fair share of justice.Research by the Women and Law in Southern Africa Research Trust (Zimbabwe) has highlighted that when it comes to issues of family law, inheritance and child support maintenance, among others, "women are marginalised from direct access to and control of material resources such as land and enabling resources such as education".Although the reasons for this marginalisation vary, the general thinking is that the effective use of the law would go a long way in alleviating the problems that women have in accessing resources that are due to them by virtue of being human and equal before the law.The relevance and applicability of human rights has historically been controversial in the developing world with developing countries arguing that international human rights instruments portray Western notions deemed to be alien to the rest of the developing world.Today the general feeling the world over is not "whether human rights have a place in the exercise of state power, but on what limits may properly be imposed on such norms".Theoretically speaking, the law has made substantial progress in creating equal opportunities between the sexes and it has also been used to create structures for the equitable redistribution of resources.While these legal interventions theoretically lay down the parameters for giving social and legal justice to women, the stark reality is that the law has not always improved the status of women.It has not resulted in every woman automatically having access to the justice delivery system and, subsequently, to justice.The fact is these laws are not self-implementing, women have to actively pursue their legal rights to gain the benefits of the advances made in trying to empower them.They themselves need to know what their legal entitlements are and how to access them.Access to justice and the delivery system is affected by both external and internal factors.A classic example of a case when a woman had to actively pursue her legal rights was critically explored in the hit Zimbabwean movie "Neria".This movie was a clear depiction of the plight that women face at the mercy of tradition.In this case, it was a struggle between a woman and her late husband's relatives before justice finally prevailed.The Parliament of Zimbabwe has approved the optional Protocol to the African Character on Human and People's Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa.Article 8 of the Protocol provides for "access to justice and equal protection of the law".However, in order to come up with an effective analysis of the justice delivery system, according to Goldfin and Gelfand, "it is essential to understand African society's customs, traditions, religions and spiritual beliefs. This invariably explains the existence of rules of an unwritten legal system".In May 1999, international human rights organisations focused their outrage on the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe's decision in Magaya v Magaya; a case dealing with women's rights and inheritance law.These organisations decried the court's decision that was based on customary law as equating the status of women within Zimbabwean society to that of teenage boys.Magaya became a rallying point for women in Zimbabwe and beyond who attacked the decision as a violation of both Zimbabwe's Constitution and international human rights norms.Responses ranged from ad hominem accusations (replying to an argument by attacking or appealing to a characteristic or belief of the source making the claim rather than by addressing the substance of the argument or producing evidence against the claim) against the Supreme Court to letter writing campaigns and rallies in the streets of Harare and Bulawayo.Yet such protests ignored the most troubling aspect of the Magaya decision, though contrary to international human rights norms, it was perhaps the only decision that the Supreme Court could have reached.When Shonhiwa Lennon Magaya, an indigenous Zimbabwean, died, he left behind two wives and four children, a house in Harare and some cattle at a communal home outside the city.He did not, however, leave a will.Shortly thereafter, Ms Magaya -- who was his eldest daughter from his first wife -- sought control of the estate in the local community court.The eldest son, Frank, from the second wife, declined to seek the inheritance, claiming he would not be able to look after the family as is required under traditional law.With the support of her mother and three other relatives, Ms Magaya received the appointment and title to the house and cattle.Soon thereafter the second son, Nakayi Magaya, applied to cancel this designation.Nakayi filed claiming that the failure to involve him and "other persons interested in the deceased's estate contradicted section 68 (2) of the Administration of Estates Act".Ms Magaya's appointment was cancelled forthwith and all interested parties then attended a new hearing on October 14, 1992.Nakayi Magaya was proclaimed the rightful heir under customary law and he proceeded to evict his sister from the Harare property.In justifying its decision, the court relied on the Administration of Estates Act, which at that time stated: "If any African who has contracted a marriage according to African law or custom or who, being unmarried, is the offspring of parents married according to African law or custom, dies, his estate shall be administered and distributed according to the customs and usages of the tribe or people to which he belonged."The African custom defined by the community court is not articulated within the decision, yet its intent is clear: such and such a person is a lady and, therefore, cannot be appointed to her father's estate when there is a man.Ms Magaya appealed to the Supreme Court, but her efforts were in vain.Even though the Supreme Court has broad discretion in deciding matters involving customary law, it declined to use its discretion in deference to customary law and the court's interpretation of African culture."Whilst I am in total agreement with the submission that there is a need to advance gender equality in all spheres of society," wrote Justice Muchechetere, "I am of the view that great care must be taken when African customary law is under consideration."Such deference to customary law is a fundamental characteristic of the Zimbabwean construction of justice, a reflection of one nation's response to internationally recognised, though seldom codified, rights.While Magaya reflects one choice of rights prioritisation, a choice created by Zimbabwe's legislature and administered through courts, it also highlights the difficulties of maintaining dual legal systems.It is, thus, an excellent example of the flaws inherent in the separate customary and civil legal systems by which a civil court judge must determine customary law through a variety of non-legal tools and must, in the end, use his or her own judgment to determine the outcome of a case.The resolution of rights in this instance in favour of one interpretation of customary law over arguments for women's rights, left Ms Magaya with no further legal recourse.Today she lives in a shack in a neighbour's backyard.The Supreme Court's decision clearly demonstrates the need to improve those aspects of national law that deal with women's rights.

Zimbabwe: Need for Customary Law Reform

This is a very serious issue in Zimbabwe - women have very few rights under customary law and can be bought and sold at will

Diana Muringisi

27 March 2009Harare — WHILE academics have different views as to what exactly justice is and what its characteristics are, they generally agree with David Miller's assertion in his book, "Social Justice", that it is to do with "giving each man his due".Historically, women have retained a subordinate status to men who make the laws, for whom the laws are made and whose views are reflected in the laws of the state machinery.Thus women have not always received their fair share of justice.Research by the Women and Law in Southern Africa Research Trust (Zimbabwe) has highlighted that when it comes to issues of family law, inheritance and child support maintenance, among others, "women are marginalised from direct access to and control of material resources such as land and enabling resources such as education".Although the reasons for this marginalisation vary, the general thinking is that the effective use of the law would go a long way in alleviating the problems that women have in accessing resources that are due to them by virtue of being human and equal before the law.The relevance and applicability of human rights has historically been controversial in the developing world with developing countries arguing that international human rights instruments portray Western notions deemed to be alien to the rest of the developing world.Today the general feeling the world over is not "whether human rights have a place in the exercise of state power, but on what limits may properly be imposed on such norms".Theoretically speaking, the law has made substantial progress in creating equal opportunities between the sexes and it has also been used to create structures for the equitable redistribution of resources.While these legal interventions theoretically lay down the parameters for giving social and legal justice to women, the stark reality is that the law has not always improved the status of women.It has not resulted in every woman automatically having access to the justice delivery system and, subsequently, to justice.The fact is these laws are not self-implementing, women have to actively pursue their legal rights to gain the benefits of the advances made in trying to empower them.They themselves need to know what their legal entitlements are and how to access them.Access to justice and the delivery system is affected by both external and internal factors.A classic example of a case when a woman had to actively pursue her legal rights was critically explored in the hit Zimbabwean movie "Neria".This movie was a clear depiction of the plight that women face at the mercy of tradition.In this case, it was a struggle between a woman and her late husband's relatives before justice finally prevailed.The Parliament of Zimbabwe has approved the optional Protocol to the African Character on Human and People's Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa.Article 8 of the Protocol provides for "access to justice and equal protection of the law".However, in order to come up with an effective analysis of the justice delivery system, according to Goldfin and Gelfand, "it is essential to understand African society's customs, traditions, religions and spiritual beliefs. This invariably explains the existence of rules of an unwritten legal system".In May 1999, international human rights organisations focused their outrage on the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe's decision in Magaya v Magaya; a case dealing with women's rights and inheritance law.These organisations decried the court's decision that was based on customary law as equating the status of women within Zimbabwean society to that of teenage boys.Magaya became a rallying point for women in Zimbabwe and beyond who attacked the decision as a violation of both Zimbabwe's Constitution and international human rights norms.Responses ranged from ad hominem accusations (replying to an argument by attacking or appealing to a characteristic or belief of the source making the claim rather than by addressing the substance of the argument or producing evidence against the claim) against the Supreme Court to letter writing campaigns and rallies in the streets of Harare and Bulawayo.Yet such protests ignored the most troubling aspect of the Magaya decision, though contrary to international human rights norms, it was perhaps the only decision that the Supreme Court could have reached.When Shonhiwa Lennon Magaya, an indigenous Zimbabwean, died, he left behind two wives and four children, a house in Harare and some cattle at a communal home outside the city.He did not, however, leave a will.Shortly thereafter, Ms Magaya -- who was his eldest daughter from his first wife -- sought control of the estate in the local community court.The eldest son, Frank, from the second wife, declined to seek the inheritance, claiming he would not be able to look after the family as is required under traditional law.With the support of her mother and three other relatives, Ms Magaya received the appointment and title to the house and cattle.Soon thereafter the second son, Nakayi Magaya, applied to cancel this designation.Nakayi filed claiming that the failure to involve him and "other persons interested in the deceased's estate contradicted section 68 (2) of the Administration of Estates Act".Ms Magaya's appointment was cancelled forthwith and all interested parties then attended a new hearing on October 14, 1992.Nakayi Magaya was proclaimed the rightful heir under customary law and he proceeded to evict his sister from the Harare property.In justifying its decision, the court relied on the Administration of Estates Act, which at that time stated: "If any African who has contracted a marriage according to African law or custom or who, being unmarried, is the offspring of parents married according to African law or custom, dies, his estate shall be administered and distributed according to the customs and usages of the tribe or people to which he belonged."The African custom defined by the community court is not articulated within the decision, yet its intent is clear: such and such a person is a lady and, therefore, cannot be appointed to her father's estate when there is a man.Ms Magaya appealed to the Supreme Court, but her efforts were in vain.Even though the Supreme Court has broad discretion in deciding matters involving customary law, it declined to use its discretion in deference to customary law and the court's interpretation of African culture."Whilst I am in total agreement with the submission that there is a need to advance gender equality in all spheres of society," wrote Justice Muchechetere, "I am of the view that great care must be taken when African customary law is under consideration."Such deference to customary law is a fundamental characteristic of the Zimbabwean construction of justice, a reflection of one nation's response to internationally recognised, though seldom codified, rights.While Magaya reflects one choice of rights prioritisation, a choice created by Zimbabwe's legislature and administered through courts, it also highlights the difficulties of maintaining dual legal systems.It is, thus, an excellent example of the flaws inherent in the separate customary and civil legal systems by which a civil court judge must determine customary law through a variety of non-legal tools and must, in the end, use his or her own judgment to determine the outcome of a case.The resolution of rights in this instance in favour of one interpretation of customary law over arguments for women's rights, left Ms Magaya with no further legal recourse.Today she lives in a shack in a neighbour's backyard.The Supreme Court's decision clearly demonstrates the need to improve those aspects of national law that deal with women's rights.

British Embassy New Offices

THE BRITISH EMBASSY AND DEPARTMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
(DFID) WILL BE CLOSED ON THE FOLLOWING DAYS

FRIDAY 27 MARCH 2009
AND
MONDAY 30 MARCH 2009
They will re-open on TUESDAY 31 MARCH 2009

At their new premises at Norfolk Road, Mount Pleasant, Harare (Next door to the Delegation of the European Commission)

The new address will be:

British Embassy
3 Norfolk Road
Mount Pleasant
P O Box 4490
Harare

Embassy telephones: (+263) (0)4 338795 - 338825
Visa Fax: (+263) (0)4 338826
General Fax: (+263) (0)4 338827
Political Section: (+263) (0) 4 338828
Communications Fax: (+263) (0)4 338829
Consular Fax: (+263) (0)4 338830

DFID telephones: (+263) (0) 4 338780 - 338793
DFID Fax: (+263) (0) 4 338794

THE BALLY VAUGHAN SANCTUARY

THE BALLY VAUGHAN SANCTUARY is in desperate need of a roll of either diamond mesh or chicken wire, or 50 m of shade cloth to repair the roof of our monkey enclosure. We are also looking for second-hand wheelbarrows to serve the predators' dinner from! Please contact Sarah on sarah@ballyvaughan.co.zw or carol@powerspeed.co.zw

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT RABIES

There have been a few positive rabies cases within the Harare environs. Please think carefully about picking up stray animals from the streets. Please make sure your animals are vaccinated against rabies (cats & dogs). If you are unsure about the vaccination status of your pet, please contact your veterinary surgery.

Make some noise - a concert for freedom in zimbabwe

From MMEGI......
Make some noise - a concert for freedom in zimbabwe
STAFF WRITER
Magamba, the Cultural Activist Network, in partnership with the Zimbabwe Solidarity Forum and LNM Entertainment, will hold a festival - Make Some Noise - aimed at building people-to-people solidarity in the region and keeping the spotlight on the Zimbabwean crisis.

The concert will kick-off in front of hundreds of people at the Bassline, Johannesburg next Sunday. This date - March 29 - is symbolically exactly one year on from the elections rigged and stolen by ZANU-PF.
The concert will feature leading Southern African artists who preach change and make people move at the same time. From South Africa there will be the diligent Napo Masheane, Kwani Experience collaborating with Pops Mohamed, Tumi and the Volume featuring Zubz. Lebo Mashile will host the event and the industrious DJ Kenzhero will supply the tunes.
From Botswana, TJ Dema (Tjawangwa Dema) will represent the country. TJ Dema is a performance poet, creative writer, columnist and voice over artist.
She is a founding member of Botswana's acclaimed Exodus live poetry! collective, 2002 International Poet of Merit award holder, 2007 International Society of Poets Poetry Ambassador and 2007 Bessie Head Literature award first runner-up.
Representing Mozambique will be the meticulous dub/reggae outfit, 340ml. 340ml is part of the exciting, new alternative music movement growing in popularity among the youth of all backgrounds.
"Anyone who knows anything about 340ml, the Mozambican dub-jazz foursome, which has been based in Jozi for about the last eight years, will know two things: (a) they never hurry, and (b) the wait is usually worth it."
Zimbabwe will be represented by an inspiring blend of renowned artists and a new generation of riotous voices. Of the two veteran artists Chirikure Chirikure is a respected, outspoken Zimbabwean poet who has performed often in South Africa and overseas, while Steve Makoni is Zimbabwe's premier solo guitarist whose lyrics dig deeper into society. Representing the new generation is the explosive, freedom fighter band Comrade Fatso and Chabvondoka.
Despite their heavily political debut album being banned in their own country, Comrade Fatso and Chabvondoka have toured extensively and Jozi will be their first leg in a month-long tour encompassing South Africa, the USA and West Africa.
Also symbolising the new voices of Zimbabwe are Outspoken and The Essence - Harare's fresh, politically-charged afro-soul Hip-hop band - alongside Upmost and Stan - a soulful spoken word and solo guitar duo.
The inaugural Make Some Noise concert held in Johannesburg in December 2007 was successful, attended by 200 people and covered by various mainstream South African media. The second in the series saw nearly 300 people attending with the event covered by media from seven different countries

RAY JACKAMAN

Passed away suddenly. Deepest sympathy to Frith and Brett. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

We will always have fond memories.

Love Mike, Angie and family

RAY JACKAMAN

Deepest sympathy to Frith and Brett. Friend and colleague for many years (AGI Insurance) Our thoughts are with you.

Rob and Sue

RAY JACKAMAN

A MEMORIAL SERVICE WILL BE HELD IN HARARE, ZIMBABWE AT A VENUE,DATE AND TIME TO BE ADVISED

Francis Manning

Passed away in Ireland early Monday morning 23rd March, after a brave struggle with cancer. He and Liz farmed in Doma and Old Umtali. Spent some years in Sark and South Africa and latterly lived in Ireland. We and his many friends will miss him very very much. A special and much loved friend.

Pip and Sue Rogers fossilszim@yahoo.com

ZESA Tariffs

We have all seen the new tariff rates announced by the Minister, however nowhere does he make mention of the tariff to be used for industrial consumers in terms of the "DEMAND" rating, or differences between "off peak" "on peak" etc. At present we are being billed US$19.50 per kwh which makes our bill totally unaffordable.
So will this work!!!!
Interesting.....

The Spain Family

This is an interesting item to come up now........

I see in the Open letters Forum No 612 of 22nd of March a letter from Barbara Thomas speculating on the accident that led to the death of David and Dot Spain and their daughter Beverley. In this highly charged and rumour filled society it is important that we get our facts right. The Spains were killed in a road accident at the beginning of March 1981 while taking their daughter Beverley to start her nursing career in Durban. They were in a new Peugeot 504 which had just replaced David's old Mercedes 280. David was the President of the CFU at the time and Denis Norman was Minister of Agriculture. I was the Vice President of the Union at the time and took over the job from David. There has never been any suggestion that it was anything but an accident and I am sure that David and Dot's 2 surviving daughters would not want that suggestion to gain any credence.

David was an outstanding President and it was largely due to his efforts that the farming community by and large survived and worked their way through those early years of independence. He was also a lovely bloke and Ann and I still miss him and Dot very much.

Best wishes JAG and keep up the good work.

Jim Sinclair

Memorial Service

Reps Theatre is sad to report the passing away of Ilo Battigelli, more commonly known to the Reps members as Ilo the Pirate. Ilo was the official Reps photographer for many decades and his photographs adorn nearly every household, scrap book, programme and theatre annual of the long standing Reps members.

There will be a memorial service at the Italian Club on Quendon Road in Sentosa on Thursday the 26th of March at 10.30am. For further information please contact Michelle on mish@mweb.co.zw

The cost of living

These are South African average charges for services etc.
We pay more than twice for these services in ZimbAbwe. Rates over $400!!!!! (and we get nothing for it - no street lighting, no road repairs!!!!
Our electricity bills alone are around $400 - but we cannot get a bill!!! (everyone paying $10 until they can provide us with bills)
Telephone is about $80
Internet is over $400
And our cell bills are so high we have gone onto a recharge system and now only send messages!

Rates $86 Electricity, water and garbage $96 Telephone $34 (admittedly they do not use it much) Internet $47.50 (you can get cheaper) Cell $47

Warning SA Highway

Phil Gargan - Warning SA Highway

This is in the interests of awareness and hopefully you will pass it on and
we may even save a life. This happened to me last Saturday and
thankfully I was warned so dealt with it appropriately.

I was driving with my daughter on the South African N1 near Centurian and I
was in the middle lane. The time was 4pm and there was lots of traffic.

A silver, smart BMW or very similar car drew up along beside me (drivers
side) - hooted several times and flashed what appeared to be a Police
identity card at me and indicated very firmly that I was to pull over.

The car had 2 Asians of about 25 to 30 years of age in it. The car then
started to push me to the left.

I quickly told my daughter to get the cell phone and to pretend to be
talking on it. I took avoiding action but did not reduce my speed.

They then tried to cut me off and I braked hard then accelerated back to
normal speed as soon as there was a gap. I took out my pen and had a piece
of paper and attempted to write their registration number.

They then drew over to the left and slipped a few cars back and followed us
for about 2km.
I did not change lanes or slow down. They then moved into the righthand lane
and sped off at extremely high speed and I never saw them
again.

This time I did manage to get the full registration plate number.
I phoned the police and made a full report - they checked out the number
plate immediately, and it turned out to be a false number plate.

On Sunday we were listening to the radio - channel 702 - and they announced
that there had been 12 such hijackings that weekend -
with 2 people shot.
All were Zimbabweans.
It seems that Zimbabweans are seen as soft targets as they do not have
weapons and usually carry hard cash.

It was very fortunate that I was warned about this beforehand or the outcome
could have been very different.

Please let everyone know who you believe this may help.
Cheers, Phil Gargan

Another warning!

I have also experienced this scam!
Last Sunday afternoon, 8th March, I was travelling back from South Africa with my wife - heading along the R22 from Witbank. Just after the R22 joins the OR Tambo Airport intersection a car tailed me flashing it's headlights and hazzards. I pulled into the middle lane and the car drew up alongside with the passenger, dressed in what appeared to be SA Police uniform, signalling me to pull over - I ignored him and he then pulled out an ID document complete with SA Police badge, but titled "Tourist Police" in bold lettering. In that instant my mind raced, thinking that perhaps, just perhaps, SA were getting organised with a special section of police allocated to look after tourists for the 2010 world cup. Everything looked believeable with all three occupants wearing similar uniforms complete with Police caps, but driving an unmarked white Audi A4.

The car pulled in front of me and forced me to slow down - I acted as though I was following orders and when they stopped I sped off. They immediately started following, but fortunately for us they were not able to get back into the traffic straight away. I raced to the nearest off-ramp and headed for a Police station. The Police confirmed that there is NO TOURIST POLICE section of the police in existance.

Obviously they target people in foreign vehicles going to or coming from the airport. The "tourist police officers" looked to be either Mediteranean or Indian - not sure!

I would suggest the following:

Be aware of where Police stations are in the area, should you be travelling anywhere near the airport.
Don't stop ever! Drive to the nearest police station - even if you may think they are legit police officers in the car following you, you won't get charged if you go straight to the police!
Don't race away like we did - drive as normally as possible.
Take down their car registration number - it didn't even cross our minds to do so and it's the first thing the police ask for.
Take care

Angus Boxshall-Smith

THE 4X4 CLUB - ZIMBABWE

Newsletter No: 65
MARCH 2009

P O Box HG 641 Highlands Harare Zimbabwe

The Chairman and Editorial Team:
CHAIRMAN: Mark BENZON 301041 011 216 105 benrose@zol.co.zw
EDITORS Mike & Pat GILL 494028 / 011.400.243 / 011.440.794 gill@zol.co.zw
4x4 Club Website: http://www.4x4.co.zw
The 4x4 Club is affiliated to the Zimbabwe Motor Sports Federation - ZMSF
Our Club is a member of the Mashonaland Motor Sport Association Club House, situated at: 2 Annan Rd. Eastlea. Support your Club House. It is available for hire for weddings, conferences, kids parties, 21st birthdays, etc. Lunches and dinners at reasonable prices.
News, comments and opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Club or the Committee


EDITOR’S NOTE - Michael and Pat GILL
When ones car engine “blows up” every one wants to know why. Our Patrol motor cooked itself and we believe it was due to the Air Con and Coolant radiators being partially blocked with insects and seeds. We have driven off road all over Southern Africa and often cleaned debris away but as time goes by more and more bugs and seeds lie hidden in the cores. If you take out the Air Con rad it is going to cost a bundle, the water rad is cheap. Getting the bits out and straightening all those bent little fins takes hours - but then so does fixing a blown motor. Now I see why people cover their radiators with bug nets. Beware, you have been warned! Michael Gill

CHAIRMAN’S CHATTER - Mark Benzon
An incident, which occurred early one Saturday morning highlighted the complacency, we have to vehicle fires.
It was the usual Friday night scene – one son visiting girlfriend (so relatively safe) and the other at work and then out on the town, so cell phone next to the bed hoping it is not going to ring, because if it does, the news will be bad! Every parent’s nightmare.
The phone call we dread came at 3 a.m. “Dad, Snowball (the V6 LandRover) has gone up in flames, we have put it out but now it is dead. Can you come and fetch me? ”
At that point, as long as he was ok and not injured I could not have cared how bad the car was. I climbed out of bed, found the tow-bar and went to tow him home. Damage assessment could wait till the morning. The cell phone video showed the chaos.
The scene was grim. As he was leaving the club, the fuel hose had dropped off the carb, pumped the well in the V6 full of petrol. A spark from the distributor had ignited it. The fire had raged for about 3 minutes before someone from the club had rushed out with an extinguisher and put it out. By the way – have you seen the damage the extinguisher powder causes?
Wiring loom burned, all hoses gone, distributor cap melted and everything covered in white powder and sand, which they initially threw over it. A mess but damage was mostly superficial due to the quick action of putting out the fire. If he had not been in the shopping centre the whole car would have burned to the ground in minutes. Snowball (now renamed Fireball) has an empty fire extinguisher bracket.….
I would like to thank those who helped, unknown strangers and bystanders who saved the car, stayed until I got there and then helped for the tow home.
Fires are catastrophic and generally leave nothing of value to recover.
We are obliged to carry fire extinguishers in competition vehicles, but how many of us carry them in the other vehicles, the daily drivers?
I was complacent, as in 35 years of driving, I have never had a car catch fire on me.
I am now shopping for good quality 2 kg fire extinguishers for every car.
So should you. Take care. Mark Benzon

THE AGM Sunday 15th March I hope you get this e-mail in time.
Notices have gone out. However a gentle reminder that the AGM is a very social event. The meeting usually takes less than half an hour and then it is Playtime again. Come along, join us and bring your own for a fun day.


NEW MEMBERS
New member – or should I say new old member.
Stephen and Lane Murphree: Rejoined the club after a number of years. They came along on the Ngomokurira run. So glad you couldn’t stay away from us. Welcome back. Ph: 733451 stephen@mweb.co.zw
- and -
Andre and Tanya DeKlerk: Andre is well known in the Land Rover fraternity. He runs the company Zimtow. He drives a Disco 1 and a TD 90. Welcome to the club. We look forward to seeing you out on events. Contacts: 733.451 zimtowlt@zol.co.zw
Richard STUBBS of Headlands. This is becoming a family affair. He is the brother of Mark Stubbs. Both Headlands Farmers. rstubbs@zol.co.zw
We welcome you all to the 4x4 family and look forward to seeing you out on outings.


MEMBERS’ NEWS
David and Ria Rock nearly lost their Pajero with all their goodies when collecting supper from KFC in Johannesburg. Fortunately they arrived back at the car in time and no one was shot. Ria was pushed and hit by a car door and has recovered. David is looking for another steering wheel that has not been cut through with a hacksaw, the Crookloc was too hard to cut.
Ian Benzon - see the Chairman’s Chatter
Our congratulations to Roger and Bev Ellis who celebrated their “Silver Wedding” in early March.


PAST EVENTS
The Ngomokurira mountain picnic was very well attended with about 23 cars and lots of people. Even the Extreme Bunch managed to get through the rough route and join the SUVs in time for lunch. A feat they have not managed for some years. The rain was visible but moved round the mountain and left us alone, more than could be said for some lady who got quite hysterical when she had climbed up the back way and found the top covered in 4x4s.
The Bring-A-Buddy Day was also well attended and it was so good to see many new faces. Members spent much of the day taking people for drives over the Jamboree courses and explaining the finer points of 4x4 driving. The little water in the Toyota Hole had several people playing and trying to get out with muddy wet tyres. A good sociable day that went on till sunset. Yes - we did get one new member and several renewals.

FOR SALE
Set of new genuine Nissan Pistons and Rings to fit 6 cyl TD 4.2 Nissan Patrol (or 2.7 Nissan.) Incorrect spares supplied and not able to return. These have a 28mm pin and 4mm wide oil rings.
Contact: Mike Gill Phone: 494028 Cell: 011.400.243 gill@zol.co.zw

Simon Fisher is having a clear-out, he is not leaving the country.
Mazda B2000 Pick-up (ex Mike Gill.} Hi-lift Jack; Double Jerry Can Holder; Recovery Kit; Hand Winch; Amo Boxes; First Aid Boxes; Plastic HD Battery Case; Steel Workbench;
Record Vise; Toolmaker’s Vise; 12 Speed Bench Drill; Axle Stands; Car Ramps; Hydraulic Trolley Jack; Hand Tools; Metric Socket Sets; and lots of Books.
Contact 883126 to view:

2009 4 x 4 Jamboree May 22 – 24th.
The Jamboree will be held at the 4 x 4 Centre at Donnybrook over the weekend 22nd - 24th May There will be the traditional 4 x 4 trials and the 'Extreme' competition. There will also be the usual commercial Displays in the Arena, Motor Exhibits and bar and catering.
Trials include the "Mud Run" and the "SeeSaw" Those wishing to camp on Friday and Saturday nights will be welcomed. There will be water.
All interested Competitors, Marshals and Exhibitors need to book the weekend.
For further information contact:
Stan Higgins : aquarius@mweb.co.zw Mark Benzon : benrose@zol.co.zw
Neil Greenway : greenway@zim.co.zw Maas Kirk : lnm_kirk@hotmail.com
Tim Thorburn : thorburn@mweb.co.zw Kelvin Weare : karohold@mweb.co.zw
Ralph Stead : sawpower@mweb.co.zw

S.O.A.P.
I would like to express a very big thank you for the donation of $200 cash and the boxes of groceries, which you donated to SOAP. It really was a very generous gesture and much appreciated by all.SOAP [Supporting Old Age Pensioners} was formed in 2003 when it was obvious that due to hyperinflation and acute cash flow problems people were finding that their pensions could not even buy a loaf of bread and their life-long savings had dwindled away. Thanks to donations SOAP delivers to over 650 old folk a substantial parcel of food, once a month.SOAP has no overhead expenses. Everyone helps on a voluntary basis, hence no salaries are paid. Even the warehouse we work in is loaned to us at no charge. Hence every cent of donations goes towards food. These monthly goodwill parcels are delivered personally to each individual and include: tinned spaghetti, jam, peanut butter, dry pasta, instant soup mix, stock cubes, tea, powdered milk, fresh eggs and sometimes chicken, We would not be able to do this without the continued assistance of Zimbabweans living here or abroad. As you well know, the economic circumstances deteriorate on a daily basis; the old folk have no plan to cope with this - we are their plan - and they would not survive without your generosity. It is our hope that these parcels, as well as the regular visits made to pensioners, can in some way help to alleviate the burdens faced by so many. We are extremely conscious of our responsibility to continue to offer this assistance and we would not be able to do so without donations. Once again, a sincere thank you and thank you to the 4x4 Club for supporting our cause.
Best wishes, Kathie McIntosh

A further donation of goodies and cash collected for SOAP on our Ngomokurira Picnic.
Dear 4X4 Club,Once again you have come out trumps! Your donation of US $ 135 and parcel of food are gratefully received. In fact the very next day I found an elderly lady who had not eaten for two days and I gave her your parcel. Imagine her joy! SOAP will now feed her regularly but she said your parcel was an answer to prayers. Thank you so much. Kind regards, Kathie McIntosh


DISCOUNTS FOR CLUB MEMBERS
The Committee is working on a way of getting discounts for paid up club members.
If any members run a business and would like to contribute to this facility, we would be most grateful. Just think, it could improve your business as well as being an advantage to club members.
Be a member of the Club, get your Membership Card and claim these discounted prices.
Discounts on offer so far: Maguires in Willowvale for Filters etc.
Silverstone for tyres; and Telford Mica for Tools.
To take advantage of these discounts you MUST produce your 2009 Membership Cards.

FACEBOOK
We have a Face Book site and for those members who are on Face Book, feel free to join the site: 4x4 Zimbabwe

NICK KNILL’S NAMIBIAN ADVENTURE.
Reading your latest newsletter about the two families doing the Africa trip, it ends with .......”Cape Town and then back to Harare”.
Please suggest they come back via Namibia. I have just done it and loved it. Harare - Gokwe - Binga - Vic Falls - Kasane - Kutima Mulilo - Rundu - Grootfontein - Etosha - Outjo - Torra bay on the Skeleton coast right down to Swakopmund. On the desert/dirt road to Windoek - Solitaire - Helmeringhausen - Aus - Luderitz - Fish Rriver Canyon - Springbok - St Helena bay. Cape Town - Port Elizabeth - Bloem - Jhb. - Gaborone - Francistown - Bulawayo - Harare.
The dirt roads in Namibia were the best I have ever been on. Worst road on the entire trip Siabuwa to Binga. 9730 k's in my 17 year old Cruiser (371000 k's)
Incidentally a tip for 4x4 owners who may go shopping in Botswana, we were told to drive 40k's due west from Francistown to Masiloje, good tar in Bots but interesting dirt in Zim. 60 k's bad dirt and 40 of tar to Plumtree and on to Bulawayo. (Ed. We also suggest you use this Border Post, we have.)
Best regards Nick Knill

YET ANOTHER RUIN
Your Editors spent a Saturday exploring the Tsindi Ruins North of Marondera. We know that very few members have even heard of this place we a going to try and fit it into our busy calendar. Watch this space for more details.

FUTURE EVENTS
Note some changes to the calendar.
CROCODILE CRAWL - March 20 – 22nd.
The Rhino Challenge has been postponed and in its stead we will run the Crocodile Crawl. This will take on the same format as the Rhino, which is a point-to-point competition, but we will keep this within the club for club members. In the past the object of the Rhino was to collect donations for the Zambezi Society for rhino conservation. However with the prevailing condition at the moment we will keep this as a club event.
Venue will be the same at Pip Matterson’s farm, Taveydale at Concession. Go out on the Lomagundi Road, Turn right at Nyabira and follow the signs. More details will be sent out as a flyer.

Marimba Fishing Club – Chivero Sunday 5th April
Have invited us out for a fun and adventure day. .
We have planned a bush drive for the guys who wish to spend a while in Low Ratio. We have driven the route in my LWB Patrol so it is not that radical. This is a short but interesting route made by Murray Upton by walking along footpaths and finding a way through the bush. No vehicles have ever been through much of the proposed track. We also plan some entertainment along the way so be prepared. There is a very nice swimming pool, bar and braai fires for cooking your own lunch.
The children can cycle, play and explore in safety. Adults can go for walks and do some birding.
There will be a gate charge of $5 per car. More details will be sent out as a flyer.
Michael Gill.


Calendar for 2009
These dates may change as the year progresses, however as usual, we will send out flyers before every event.
March 15 AGM
March 20-22 Crocodile Crawl
April 5 SUV trail Drive Marimba Fishing Club - Chivero
May 1-3 DAM weekend
May 9-10 Course Building Weekend
May 22-24 Harare Jamboree
June 19-21 ECO Challenge
July 4 Christmas in July – American theme
July 19 Trail drive/Orienteering
Aug 7-11 Away Week-end Aberfoyle Club
Sept 25 - 27 Bushpig Beatrice
Oct 16-18 Bulawayo Jamboree
Oct 30-31 Three Hills
Nov 20-22 Mutare Dungbeetle
Dec 13 Christmas Run


MASVINGO ACCOMMODATION
Your Editors have recently done the “shopping trip” to SA and once again we had an unusual experience. With our new Peugeot Partner Van (not 4x4) we were concerned about fuel range so decided to get a few litres of diesel in Masvingo. We stopped next to a smart small bus and asked the driver where we could buy some fuel. After a short chat we were led into the industrial sites and a transporter’s yard. “This is surely a Hi-Jack situation” says Pat. But there was no problem, we paid and received some diesel, said thanks and off we went.
Our host was Edgar Mhere who owns the Riverside Lodge, which can be found 4 ks down the Masvingo to Bulawayo Road. about 6ks from the centre of town. The last km is a good dirt road. Looking at the list of licenses it holds we are sure it is worth recording but we regret we did not have the time to “case the joint” Perhaps a member will report back.
Phone 039-264 725 011-605576 e - mail : riverside@mweb.co.zw Web : http://www.riversidelodge.biz.tm/



Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs,
the Titanic by professionals

Hit and Run Accident in Harare

HELP - IF ANYONE SAW THE HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT THAT HAPPENED ON SATURDAY 7TH MARCH 09 AT ABOUT 7PM ON THE CHIREMBA ROAD JUST B4 THE ROBOTS AT THE BRAESIDE SHOPPING CENTRE - I NEED YOU TO PLEASE HELP ME AS SOME PEOPLE IN MY CAR WERE INJURED - 80 YEAR OLD, 56 YEAR OLD AND 13 YEAR OLD - I DID NOT GET THEIR NUMBER PLATES AS THEY SPED OFF WHEN I WAS COMING OUT OF MY CAR TO CHECK WHO THEY WERE AND TO GO TO THE POLICE WITH THEM - CONTACT ROSEMARY -
0912341790 OR 776681
THANKS AND GOD BLESS

YoAfrica do keep you informed

This could be why so many people are complaining about lack of e-mails. this is the only message to haver gone out from any ISP

There is a serious problem with email and browsing to all domains ending in .ZW The worst affected domains, as they are the biggest, are:

.co.zw
.org.zw
.ac.zw
.gov.zw

This problem is caused by failure of the International .ZW Internet Database Servers, the telephone directories for Zimbabwe Internet. The source hosts for .ZW domains are managed and housed by TelOne and, for various reasons, these servers have not been reachable internationally for some time. The .zw name has now almost completely dropped from the Internet.

To compound the problem, most anti spam systems check to see if a domain exists before sending mail to or receiving mail from a domain. As anything .ZW now does not exist, this mail looks like and may be treated as SPAM.

This is a very simplistic explanation of a very complex and diverse problem. Please be assured YoAfrica is working closely with TelOne and the ZISPA (Zimbabwe Internet Service Provider’s Association) to try and resolve the problem as quickly as possible.

We would like to remind you that domains other than those ending in .ZW are NOT affected, so mail to and from and address such as happy@yoafrica.com will NOT be affected by this problem.

Please contact sales@yoafrica.com if you would like advice on transferring your mail or website to a .com or other international domain.

Regards,

YoAfrica Technical Team.

Harare Phone: 760406
Bulawayo Phone: 370000

New Grillroom Open in Harare

The Liquid Lounge.

It is always refreshing to find a new place with atmosphere to visit for a drink or a meal. Rarely does one find one that suits all one’s requirements – a place to drop in and meet friends after work for a drink – relax over a snack or take friends for a good reasonable meal.

The Liquid Lounge fulfills these needs, plus it is an ideal place for entertaining business colleagues or for hosting a small function.

The décor is simple and clean looking with white tiled floors and areas for socializing, dining and snacking.

I like the use of mirrors that reflect the discrete lighting and give the grillroom a feeling of spaciousness even when a large number of people are present.

There are two bars from which patrons are served a selection of drinks at very reasonable prices. There are two areas for socializing and snacking and the large open area for dining is situated on two levels.

One is not conscious of sound going on throughout the room – a quality that is much appreciated. Even with music playing you can easily hear the conversation at your table.

Smoking is allowed but the ventilation ensures that you are not overwhelmed with smoke – a great advantage to those who are non-smokers and find cigarette smoke a problem.

I understand that there will be entertainment provided in the future and the raised dining area will make a perfect stage to accommodate a jazz band or combo.

The menu is limited but good – grills predominate with steak, chicken and pork chops heading the menu.

If all you want is a light snack there are a snack platter, sandwiches and other offerings.

Main dishes range from large to small portions so every appetite is catered for.

The staff provides a quick,efficient and unobtrusive waiter service.

Our hostess Faith Madziwanyika is an experienced restaurant and hotelier and made our evening very special – I am sure she will do the same for you.

The Liquid Lounge is situated at 3 Cecil Road, Rhodesville Shopping Centre in Greendale. Telephone 0912 365 975 or 011 405 601.

There is ample secure parking and they are open from 10 am until late.

Copyright O Lind

Reps

REPS THEATRE
PO BOX A1317, AVONDALE, HARARE TELEPHONE 336706/335850
e-mail: reps@mweb.co.zw

NOMINATIONS TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2009/2010

Proposed Seconded

Chairman T. Grimmel S. Higgins S. McKeown

Vice Chairman S. Higgins E. Cooper L. M. Buckingham

Committee Member T.P.E Garrard E. Cooper R. Sticklen
S. Bolt L.M. Buckingham M. Foster
M. Thomas M. Foster E. Cooper
J. Hall T. Grimmel T.P.E. Garrard
S.D. McMillan T. Grimmel T.P.E Garrard

According to the Constitution Section 12, Item No. 1, the Executive Committee shall consist of the Chairman, Vice Chairman and not less than five and not more than eight other members. As we have SEVEN members nominated for the Committee, no voting will be required for these positions.

RESOLUTIONS FOR PRESENTATION AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE REPERTORY PLAYERS

None presented.

Attack on Tsvangirai

I have just attended an opening of a new restaurant in Harare. It was here that we heard of the accident when Morgan Tsvangirai's wife was killed. It was an amazing experience. The party was about 50 percent white and 50 percent black. We heard almost immediately what had happened from a news source. From a happy enjoyable evening it suddenly became quiet - shocked. Everything became quiet - and then people talked. They were all saying it was an assassination attempt. The atmosphere was electric. The talk was of sadness but also that this might be the beginning of putting thing right...of people acting to put things right. We are only greatful that he is alive.

Reps Afdis Awards Winners

Congratulations to all our 2008 Afdis Awards of Excellence Winners –

The Reps Theatrical Advancement Award - Winner – Chisipite Senior School; Runner-up – Eaglesvale School

The Repteens Awards
The Shaheen Jassat Award for Best Actress - Kyla Render
The Repteens Trophy for Best Actor - Stephane Thomas
Best Technical - Peter Blackburn
The Arron Trophy for Most Contribution - Kyla Render

The Prentice Trophy for Best Performance in a Minor Role – Frank Douie as Mr Hooper in Kindly Keep it Covered

The Sue Greener Technical Award – Linda Hyde for the décor of Kindly Keep it Covered

The Hugh Dornhurst Trophy for Best First Performance in a Reps Production – George Gukuta as Moon in That’s Absurd!

The Marjorie Legg Trophy for Best Stage Properties – Gail Cooper for Grease

The Dave Roberts Memorial Trophy for Most Outstanding Musical Performance – Josh Ansley as Kenickie in Grease

The Alastair and Wendy Booth Award for Best Comedy Performance – Frank Douie as Mr Hooper in Kindly Keep it Covered

The Reps Award for Best Performance by a Junior under 12 years – Julian Vos as Danny in Mother Goose

The Alan Parkinson Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Greg Mizon as Sonny in Grease

The Allan Shaw Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Sue Bolt as Kitty in Mother Goose

The Adrian Stanley Award – Sue Bolt for her total involvement in the theatre

The Munro Trophy for Best All Round Contribution – Stan Higgins

The Steve Bonney Special Award – Chris Charnley for running Repteens for the last 5 years

The Isabeau Granger Trophy for Best Amateur Director – Sue Bolt and Greg Mizon for That’s Absurd!

The John Keeling Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role – Tim Harrap as Sidney in Kindly Keep it Covered

The George Barnes Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role – Anne Fischer for her roles in With Malicious Intent

The Oudemeester Award of Excellence for Best Production – Kindly Keep it Covered, Directed by Teri Grimmel, stage managed by Linda Hyde

Cholera in Hatcliff

There is now cholera in Hatcliff - just a few miles north of some of our most wealthy suburbs. They have been digging wells near the river and the river is now full of sewage. This river goes into the Mazoe and in turn the mazoe goes into mazoe dam which serves the Mazoe area with water.

My Mothers' fun day with Telone as follows

This is what we are coming to - how can someone get a rates bill for USD 423?????? This happened last week - and no repairs to the road or garbage collections !

My telephone bill was over 80USD and they did not have change for a ten dollar note - This ios really unbelievable as they are taking USD all day for every account! The previous month my bill was less than 1 usd and I was given a 15 billion Zim Dollar credit - on the bill this time the credit was 1 US cent - is that 15 billion Zim Dollars - no one seems to know!

Electricity bills are now being looked into as the rate being charged is rediculous - even if we got a bill we would not be able to make it out!

Read on........
Yes, I get really annoyed when people tell me they are paying their bills in full - it is just giving Telone permission to charge at these rates in future!! Why wouldn't they continue as long as people are so willing to be ripped off?? I believe we all have a duty to make a stand against this daylight robbery. Those people who willingly pay must not complain when they receive their next bill!

"I have had a very busy morning trying to pay my Telone account. I went
first to my bank to ascertain the official rate for the USD/Zim dollar and
then to Telone Lomagundi Road.

They flatly refused to accept Zim dollars, whereupon I told them I was going to Avondale Police Station to lodge a complaint, as what they were doing is illegal. I went to see the Member in Charge at Avondale Police Station whowas most sympathetic, saying that I was about the fourth person this week tocome with the same complaint. He commended me on my efforts.

He referred me to Telone Head Office in Rugare House in town, where I went
and after finding parking, went to the 8th floor to see a very pleasant
lady
called Irene, who seems to be in charge of customer services. She
contactedher superior who said that, in view of the fact that I was a pensioner,
theywould accept half Zim dollars and half US dollars.
I said that was impossible, so she changed her mind and said that they
wouldaccept it all in Zim dollars, but I would have to pay it in cash and pay
at the Main Post Office.

She said that all the branches of Telone had been told to refuse Zim
dollars, so I would have to
go to the 2nd floor at the main post office building and see the R.C.S.M.
whatever that is and she would accept my payment.

I was told to go to my bank and ask for special permission to draw this
amount (it is Z$ 7 495.18 revalued so Z$ 7.5 quadrillion ) I went to
Barclays Bank Highlands where I asked to see the manager, who wasn't
available and was referred to the Chief Cashier, who said I would have to
apply to the Reserve Bank for permission to draw this amount. She wasn't
able to say how long this application would take, and as the rate changes
daily it is just not feasible.


Having told all the Telone employees that I dealt with that I would just have to relinquish my phone and use my cellphone, I think they've got the
message as they all said, "Oh please don't do that, we won't have any
jobs!"
I guess they are getting the message though I doubt it will have any
effect.

I've decided to simply not pay my account and they can cut me off if they
like. According to the e-mails forwarded to me via John Robertson, we
really do have the law on our side, though that seems to mean nothing at
this stage.

I feel very strongly that it is time to take a stand, and if that means
some sacrifices, so be it! So, guys, I may not be able to e-mail you for much
longer, but I do believe it's worth it.

If enough people take a firm stand, these parastatals will have to start
being reasonable.

I hope more people make a fuss too, or my efforts will be a bit futile ". Patricia Kinloch