Views on a visit home

This appears on This is Zimbabwe - very interesting and true.......... http://www.sokwanele.com/thisiszimbabwe/archives/4198
Views on a visit home
This was sent to us by a Zimbabwean refugee who visited Zimbabwe after years of being a refugee in South Africa.
My trip to Zimbabwe was good except here and there. I went through Botswana. When I left Botswana I found myself that I am in another continent that is run by Mugabe. I had never been in Plumtree so it was my first time to be there. There is no developement that Zanu PF has done in this area.
I came across quite a number of roadblocks. Police are asking for bribes - if you don’t pay them they don’t let you go until you give them something. If you are coming from South Africa or Botswana, they ask you to pay them with soap, sugar, cooking oil or money. If you ask why are you doing this, they will tell that the ‘government has no money and this is how we are surviving’. From Plumtree to Harare I came across more than fifteen roadblocks.
Police in Zimbabwe are no longer the police that I used to know. Whenever you come across them at the roadblocks they make sure that you leave something for them. If you don’t give it willingly to them, you can be searched and if they find you do have stuff, they will take what you got. The treatment from police is very bad. They behave like they are militia of Zanu PF. Some of these police, they are so young so I suspect that they are Zanu PF militia.
But it seems the GNU has at last brought something to the suffering people of Zimbabwe. People can now manage to buy something for their family. They travel one place to another and they can spend some time with their family, although things are not yet as they were before. I thing Zanu PF should stop dragging when they should be constructing.
Even though many police are corrupt, I have to say its not all of them. Some of them are more cooperative and they ask you what your South African situation is. When you talk to them they are friendly. They are hoping that one day MDC will rule. MDC has brought a smile on their faces. Some, they were saying that they had never touched one thousand rand in their pockets since they were employed as police.
Most of the cars that are being stopped at the roadblocks are the ones which have foreign number plates. Even buses with foreign number plates are also being stopped. Local buses - the police ask mostly the driver if they had helped people with a lift.
I am not sure whether people are safe because Zanu PF are still arresting people for nothing. Right now Blessing Chebundo has been arrested and still some whom we don’t know who may still be in custody for political reasons.
People in rural areas say they are now feeling better than before. They can now manage to get 50kg maize which means that they can go to grinding mill. They can manage to travel to other areas using a bus or other means of travelling. They can also manage to send their children to school.
I spoke to quite a number of some of them, but many were scared to talk to as they were suspecting me to be CIO because of my body. They shared me their views and most said that Mugabe must go so that Zimbabwe will recover quickly. As long Mugabe is there nothing will change as WB and IMF will not give us money. They also said Gono had to go.
In rural areas people are now openly talking or wearing their MDC t-shirts. Their problem is money as they praying that Morgan must bring investers so that their children will get employed again. They have a saying - ‘Morgan Tsvangirai is bread of our children’.
I am still assesing the situation at home. If MDC is in control of the key ministry they want thus when I can decide to go back home, because home is the best.

Statement issued by the Zimbabwe National SPCA

Please see below a recent Statement issued by the Zimbabwe National SPCA with regard to the Pet Mart being held on Saturday the 30th of May 2009.

The organisers of this event aim to promote the responsible and safe keeping of all pets in Zimbabwe. We welcome the presence of the ZNSPCA at this event to promote anti-cruelty awareness. If you have any concerns or questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

ZNSPCA have been in contact by the organisers of the Petmart to be held on Saturday 30th May 2009 and subsequent to our recent statement they have informed us that no companion animals will be offered for sale at this function. Pet animals such as rabbits, birds and fish will be available to the public. SPCA Inspectors will be at the function and assist the organisers to educate the public on the care of these animals offered for sale. We thank the organisers for not promoting the unnecessary breeding of dogs and cats by offering them for sale. We look forward to meeting with the public to educate them on the care of all animals in Zimbabwe.

Wolle Kirk

There will be a memorial service to remember Wolle Kirk's life on the family farm in Harare South.
Saturday 30th May at 2.30pm on Bhara Bhara Farm, Harare South.
Please contact Nathalie Kirk on 0912 202693 or email account@kefalos.co.zw for more details.

MAUREEN ANN NEDERLOF

MAUREEN NEDERLOF of Australia but formerly from Zimbabwe,
Sister of Jean Christian and Neville Boardman, mother of Claire,
Michelle, Nicky and Theo, passed away on 20th May 2009 in Australia.
Beloved Aunt of Susan and Glen Christian.
Fondly remembered and sadly missed from her family in Zimbabwe.
Contact : Sue Bell - buttafly@mweb.co.zw

Zimbabweans say angry ancestors are behind road accidents

Traditional rituals to appease the dead have not been performed for years. Some believe that's the cause for a recent string of terrible crashes on one highway.
By Robyn Dixon May 23, 2009
Reporting from Chivhu, Zimbabwe -- The road is scarred with skid marks, some curved like snakes, others pencil straight. They shriek the fates of unlucky travelers who lost their lives; they mark the near-misses.It's not just the treacherous potholes, or the edges of the road nibbled away like cookies. It's not the dozing driver behind the glaring truck headlights about to veer onto the wrong side.

People here in central Zimbabwe are afraid of something else.The pedestrians crossing the road at night, dressed in black, walking so slowly that drivers are forced to swerve -- ghostly figures not made of skin and bone. And the mermaid in the Pimbi River, angry at the blood and gasoline spilled when a bus crashed into the water two years ago.For a long time, things have not been right anywhere in this beautiful but tortured country. The economy has collapsed; there's been conflict, hatred, repression. But many believe the nation's long, grinding crisis is just a symptom of something deeper: The ancestors are angry.
Some people here trace today's road disasters back to the blood spilled in 1890, on the arrival of white colonialist Cecil Rhodes, who founded the diamond company De Beers and settled Zimbabwe. Rhodesia, the colonial name for Zimbabwe and Zambia, was named after him. Under Rhodes, an invading pioneer column set up camp near what is now the highway, and the colonialists called the place Fort Charter. Local people believe that many blacks were thrown into a burning pit by the foreigners.When bad things happen in Zimbabwe, an uneasy suspicion arises. In times past, communities religiously attended to rituals, slaughtering cattle to keep the ancestors happy. But in the last 10 or 15 years, many communities have neglected the rituals.Zimbabwean traditional beliefs are as real for most Christians in rural areas as they are for those cleaving solely to African religions. Many urban dwellers are the same, including top members of President Robert Mugabe's Cabinet. For some, traditional beliefs permeate every aspect of life: politics, business, family, illness, prosperity and fate. They also bring a measure of daily fear: Demons can sicken or curse you. Enemies with powerful mutimuti, or magic, can strike you with a lightning bolt if challenged. Droughts, famines, locust plagues and wildfires happen when ancestors are upset or God is displeased.A recent string of terrible car accidents here is seen as another sign of ancestors' anger. Such suspicions crop up especially when an accident kills many people, or prominent ones such as Susan Tsvangirai, the wife of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai. She died in March after a truck sideswiped the Tsvangirais' SUV at a place known as 52, on a bad 35-mile stretch of road an hour or so south of Harare, the capital, where the spirits' wrath is feared the most. Days later, 15 people were injured when a truck collided with their bus at 52 -- named for the kilometer marker -- on their way back from her burial. On April 16, 29 people died when a bus plunged into the Munyati River on the same stretch of road.And just a few miles closer to Harare on the same road, a row of dented black gasoline drums on a bridge over the Pimbi River is a chilling reminder of the 11 traders killed in 2007 when a bus crashed through the concrete barrier into the river. Just after Christmas that year, 12 members of one family were killed when a bus hit their truck. Regardless of beliefs, part of the problem is the last decade of economic crisis: Roads are left unrepaired. Drivers can't afford new tires.The horror of it worries Andrew Zhakata Chisvu, the chief metekedza, or traditional leader, from a place named Just in Time. As a Christian, he blames part of it on bad roads and worse drivers. But he also fears that the rash of bad accidents is a punishment."Why is it happening here only?" he asks. The chief's round thatched hut is at the end of a rugged track near the town of Chivhu, which spreads along the bad road. A hillock of corncobs lies drying, a dog is curled asleep on a mound of sunflower seeds, and goats bob home in the evening light.Greeting the chief, strangers clap their hands together silently in respect. He sits solemnly in a tall-backed wooden chair, wearing a tattered straw fedora, an ancient jacket and rubber sandals. Behind, the sun paints an extravagant red blaze across the evening sky, as if to emphasize his royal blood.

“Walk across Hwange National Park”

Beck Edwards has written a report on the “Walk across Hwange National Park” which took place in early April 2009. “Friends of Hwange Trust” aims to raise money for the Park and ensure it survives the hard times in Zimbabwe. If you can help in any way, no matter how small, it will be appreciated by the thousands of animals that will quench their thirsts from your generosity and good will.A USD 25 donation will keep one water hole pumping for a day and keep countless animals alive. How’s that for buying a worthwhile round of drinks? If you would like to have tthis attachment sent to you or contribute to their cause please email Dave Dell on dave.dell@strachans.co.zw

DID YOU KNOW?

DID YOU KNOW?

Know your due dates to avoid unnecessary penalties, interest

Did you know that there have been changes to the due dates for the payment of Value Added Tax (VAT), Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and Income Tax as well as the submission of returns for the period ending 31st December 2009?

The following tax calendar for 2009 is meant to assist you, our valued clients, in paying your taxes and submitting your returns on time in order to avoid “unnecessary” penalties and interest.

Due Date Clients Affected Tax and Returns Due15 January 2009 Employers PAYE for December 200820 January 2009 VAT Registered Operators VAT for December 200815 February 2009 Employers PAYE for January 200915 February 2009 VAT Registered Operators VAT (mid-term tax)20 February 2009 VAT Registered Operators VAT for January 2009 3 March 2009 Employers PAYE for February 2009 5 March 2009 VAT Registered Operators VAT15 March 2009 VAT Registered Operators VAT (mid-term tax)25 March 2009 Persons in receipt of trade and investment income 1st QPD instalment (Provisional Tax: 10% of annual tax payable) 3 April 2009 Employers PAYE for March 2009 5 April 2009 VAT Registered Operators VAT15 April 2009 VAT Registered Operators VAT (mid-term tax)30 April 2009 Persons in receipt of trade and investment income and specified to be on Self Assessment Income Tax Self Assessment Returns 3 May 2009 Employers PAYE for April 2009 5 May 2009 VAT Registered Operators VAT15 May 2009 VAT Registered Operators VAT (mid-term tax)30 May 2009 Persons in receipt of trade and investment income and not yet on Self Assessment Income Tax Returns 3 June 2009 Employers PAYE for May 2009 5 June 2009 VAT Registered Operators VAT15 June 2009 VAT Registered Operators VAT (mid-term tax)25 June 2009 Persons in receipt of trade and investment income 2nd QPD instalment (Provisional tax: 25% of annual tax payable) 3 July 2009 Employers PAYE for June 2009 5 July 2009 VAT Registered Operators VAT15 July 2009 VAT Registered Operators VAT (mid-term tax) 3 August 2009 Employers PAYE for July 2009 5 August 2009 VAT Registered Operators VAT15 August 2009 VAT Registered Operators VAT (mid-term tax) 3 September 2009 Employers PAYE for August 2009 5 September 2009 VAT Registered Operators VAT15 September 2009 VAT Registered Operators VAT (mid-term tax)25 September 2009 Persons in receipt of trade and investment income 3rd QPD instalment (Provisional Tax: 30% of annual tax payable) 3 October 2009 Employers PAYE for September 2009 5 October 2009 VAT Registered Operators VAT15 October 2009 VAT Registered Operators VAT (mid-term tax) 3 November 2009 Employers PAYE for October 2009 5 November 2009 VAT Registered Operators VAT15 November 2009 VAT Registered Operators VAT (mid-term tax) 3 December 2009 Employers PAYE for November 2009 5 December 2009 VAT Registered Operators VAT15 December 2009 VAT Registered Operators VAT (mid-term tax)20 December 2009 Persons in receipt of trade and investment income 4th QPD instalment (Provisional Tax: 35% of annual tax payable)

Kindly note that tax legislation provides for the levying of penalties and interest for failure to declare or remit taxes, or failure to submit tax returns within the prescribed time frames. Penalties are chargeable in most cases up to a maximum of 100% of the tax due and interest is chargeable at 5% above the applicable LIBOR rate (London Inter-Bank Offered Rate). Our clients are thus encouraged to comply with these requirements to avoid incurring interest and penalty charges.

For more details, kindly contact your nearest Zimra Office or our Legal and Corporate Services Division. Their contact details are as given below:

Zimbabwe Revenue AuthorityLegal and Corporate Services Division6th Floor ZB CentreCnr First Street/Kwame Nkrumah AvenueP O Box 4360HarareTel: 04 – 790811-4Fax: 04 – 774087E-Mail: pr@zimra.co.zw

Jean Maitland Stuart

Jean Maitland Stuart

She was aged 88, after a long illness of cancer.

Mother of Jim, Rob, Alistair and Morna and all the many grandchildren, step grandchildren, great grandchildren. Will be greatly and lovingly missed.

Former Editor of Umtali Post

CZI has in the past few days received numerous complaints about TelOne bills with some having been disconnected. We would like to advise members that in our last engagement with Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), we were advised of the following:
· The average charge per unit is US7c, this is the amount which apply for all TelOne bills
· TelOne had no authority to charge in Foreign Currency until the end of January 2009. This therefore implies that only bills from February 2009 can be paid in foreign currency.
· CZI has made it clear in its engagement with various utilities that retrospective billing will not be tolerated.
You are therefore advised to ensure that your TelOne bills are in line with the indicated rate per unit. If you are having any issues with your bills, please see Ms. Makwangwaidze at TelOne offices, Conner Julius Nyerere and Nelson Mandela Avenue.
For those outside Harare we will be advising you of the contact people in all major cities in due course.
If you fail to reach an understanding with TelOne, please contact CZI offices for further assistance.


On ZESA Bills
All MD users are again advised that only time of use tariff is applicable at a rate of US5,5c/kw for the period December 2008 to June 2009. No Maximum Demand Charge is applicable for the same period.

Change in CZI Subscriptions
CZI would like to inform all members that with immediate effect, our pricing system has been modified to allow discounts on early payment of subscriptions.

Our current subs per month are as follows;
Category A 160
Category B 80

The following discounted amounts will apply for members that pay within the first 7 working days
Category A 120
Category B 60

CZI Banking details were members may deposit the money are:
Bank name :Kingdom bank
Account number:41063181
Branch name :samora machel
Branch code :12105

CZI urges all members to notify us in the event that there are changes in email contact details to enable us to update our mailing list and ensure that you receive all the communication that we send out to members.


Regards,

Kuda Matare
CZI PR & Communications Manager
31 J. Chinamano Avenue
HARARE

Tel: 251490-6

Latest Zimbabwe death notices

GRAHAM CLARKE

GRAHAM CLARKE of Howick (formerly of Chisipite), Husband of Dulcie and father of

Nella, William (Bill), Mary, Sally, Anthea and Joy died after a stroke on 15th May 2009

aged 97 years and 3 months.

Dulcie - dandgclarke@iuncapped.co.za

William/Bill - wrc@mweb.co.zw

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mallett - Nev

To Les Lindy Tracey and Families

My sincere condolence to you all on the passing of Nev He was a good friend and it was a privilege to have known him. May God Bless and comfort you in this sad time.

Kind Regards

God Bless

Mike Peens and children Daniel and Mandy.

(Farming Gods Way Mozambique)

Matabeleland Annual game census

If any one would like to join in the matabeleland Annual game census for 2009 please contact Pam Birch (pbirch@yoafrica,com, or Tel. 237049). as a matter of urgency, as time is now running out.

Lobola, curse or blessing?

This is an interesting article.

By Phyllis Kachere

LOBOLA, arguably the most cantankerous subject among the old, read in-laws, sons about to pay it, and daughters who could get someone to pay it in a jiffy.Before it became this highly commercialised, lobola was a system of cementing relationships within families. The amounts paid were nominal, almost symbolic. Of course, ridiculous heads of cattle (danga) paid were unheard of. The Bantu people living in what is now known as Zimbabwe revered cattle, but their lobola cattle demands (I am informed) remained consistent, depending on how many children the woman would give the man. The more children, the more cattle!The results showed in our mothers and grandmothers "spewing" children, some as many as 13, translating to 13 heads of cattle. The women would not have any say on how many children they would have or at what interval, and sometimes to their health’s risk. This is notwithstanding the quality of the bride! Virgins, non-virgins, one-child mothers, the more children, the more cattle paid! Talk of paying for the reproductive rights of women, while they remain onlookers while trading in their body parts (literally) takes centre stage.Those who advocate for lobola have maintained that it was a token of showing appreciation to the in-laws for a wonderful bride. But I maintain it was and still is a form of subjugation of women as payment of lobola would ensure that the woman would never be consulted on any family matter, including her sexual and reproductive rights. The man would simply issue instructions for the weaning of a toddler and subsequent pregnancy. She had and still has no say on the number of children she will bear.The very nature of lobola has ensured the exclusion of women to vital debates concerning their very core. Lobola negotiations are carried out by the male members of the family, while the women, including the bride and her mother, are just commodities and onlookers. The bride is only there to be paraded as a prized trophy.With the advent of multiple currencies and the suggested commercialisation of lobola, young men and women about to transact in lobola are crying foul.Not even the liquidity crunch facing Zimbabwe has stopped lobola transactions, payments of which are being done in the adopted multi-currencies.But what and who determines lobola? Some have argued it is the quality of the goods that determine the price. But in this highly patriarchal system we live in, are damaged goods spared? I am saying this at the risk of getting a backlash from avowed feminists whose fury I smell now!How much a "maiden" (read a virgin who has aborted three or four times and has been on oral contraception since 16) is worth, is determined by her clan.In some clans, the more educated she is, the more she will fetch on the market. More like bidding done at a cattle sales auction! For some, the bride price is determined by how much the groom is worth. A deep-pocketed groom is likely to be charged a high lobola, commensurate with his pockets, even when the bride carries no added value. Not even degreed!A mini survey on how much should be adequate for a first time lobola transaction, showed that any figure between US$2 500 and US$5 000 was acceptable."At least US$4 000 shows a sign for preparation for the big day for a childless woman. If it’s damaged goods with a string of offspring, then US$1 000 or so would be in order. This is taking into consideration that the groom will have the extra responsibility of looking after the woman’s children. But the main issue is that the groom has to pay the full price for purity, a full virgin should attract a higher lobola compared to a used womb."A customary lobola ceremony is not a thing you just wake up and say you are doing. There has to be evidence of planning to illustrate how serious the groom is. It takes time and resources to prepare for the day," said 25-year-old Martin Chishava, who himself is preparing to pay lobola in June. But for 50-year-old Dr Rudolf Chinganga, lobola should not be determined by whether the woman has children or not but should be determined by the value added to her."You surely don’t expect me to charge the same lobola for my doctorate daughter as a failed Ordinary Level candidate. The failed Ordinary Level candidate, like the name suggests, should attract a few hundred US dollars. She has no value added to her and she is worth those few hundreds of dollars. You cannot compare an engineer woman with a marry-me-and-feed-me. No ways," argued Dr Chinganga.From buying the reproductive rights of a woman to value addition, the things women have to endure!"I will not get someone to pay lobola for me. Why must someone, including my parents, be paid for me to get married? Am I a commodity to be traded to the highest bidder? This lobola business is responsible for all the woes befalling women. They are victims of domestic violence because their husbands claim that they hold exclusive rights to the behaviour and discipline of their women," said a defiant 21-year-old university student, Tariro Mushaninga.Indeed, payment of lobola has led to women enslavement as the men claim they paid for her subservience. So much about women's rights!l Feel you have something to add to this debate, get in touch on phyllis.kachere@zimpapers.co.zw or The Sunday Mail, PO Box 396, Harare or 04-795771 ext 1371, Tuesday to Saturdays.

Traffic Police in Zimbabwe

This is Part One on Traffic Police - excerpt from Mags Kriel's Bulawayo Morning Mirror

This email is to inform you about the Marked and Unmarked Road Blocks, it will also give you an idea as to what fine you will receive, as soon as Trade Fair is over I will be getting the Charge Book, and that will be Part Two on Traffic Police, in which I will itemise every single Traffic Offence and its Fine / Court / Arrest.

TRAFFIC POLICE AT UNMARKED ROAD BLOCKS - Print this and keep it in your car, I have had all of the following verified and confirmed by the Traffic Sections boss Chief Inspector Chihure,64661 if you have any problems do not hesitate to contact or The Traffic Section Co-ordinator Superintendent Mabuzi 64236, both gentlemen will be more than happy to help and assist you with your queries.

There has been so much stress and agony with these Traffic Police at unmarked road blocks, so here are a few pointers to assist you with any negativity or antagonism that you may come across. I personally have found woman cops to woman drivers are exceptionally rude and obnoxious, but just stand your ground, don't be rude and whatever you do not swear!

Before I start to give you tips on what to do and what not to do, Id like to differentiate between Marked and Unmarked Road Blocks.

MARKED ROAD BLOCKS
Marked is when you are driving along the road and you see a sign on the left side of the road that reads POLICE AHEAD, this is usually 200m before the road block and is placed on either side of the road block, so thats for vehicles coming towards the road block from opposite ends this sign is displayed on on either end. These road blocks are properly put together, black and white drums, plastic dollies on the road, and often there will be a blue light displayed flashing if it is night time, these road blocks, are usually manned by a mixture of Police Units, Metal and Minerals, Narcotics, Vehicle Theft Section, Homicide, Military Police and Traffic Section, you will be asked to produce your drivers license depending what they are looking for, you may also be asked to open your boot so that they can check. If it is night time and you are a lady driving alone, you do not have to get out of your vehicle if the roadblock is manned by all Male Police Officers, if there is a Lady Officer present you may request that she be present so that you can get out and open the boot or bonnet for them to check. If it is VTS (Vehicle Theft Section) you may be asked to open the bonnets so that they can check engine numbers and chassis numbers, they will be looking for Stolen Vehicles, Homicide is looking for armed robbers and unlicensed firearms, Military Police are there to check any Military vehicles, I can honestly say that I have not had one bad report about these road blocks, they are carried out properly and the Police Officers manning these road blocks are friendly and polite. These road blocks are protected by members from the Support Unit, therefore if someone tries to "run" or "jump" this roadblock the Support unit are positioned at long stops and are armed with automatic weapons and you will be fired upon and arrested.

UNMARKED ROAD BLOCKS
These are solely Traffic Police, randomly positioned near BAC towards Coghlan School, by Macdonald Club, near Townsend School, between the Race Course and the Old Miltonians playing field, in town by Bulawayo Centre, they choose either the side on Main Street or by the back entrance to Bulawayo Centre, usually three Officers all in uniform

So this is what to do and what not to do when you are stopped by Traffic Police at unmarked road blocks.

Always be polite, and follow instruction or request of the Traffic Officer.

Ensure that you have your drivers license with you, failing to produce it you will be given a Form 265 which is a ticket, it is not a fine it merely indicates that you have 7 working days to produce your divers license to the Drill Hall reception where the ticket will then be stamped and you are free to go. As they do not have the Form 265 you will be issued a Z69J which is the Admission of Guilt Form, the Admission of Guilt will be cancelled by the Traffic Officer and he will write over it stating you have 7 working days to produce your Drivers License at Drill Hall - but there is no Fine for not having the drivers license on your person

At present our Traffic Department in Bulawayo does not have the Form 265 which is the ticket book, therefore you have to pay a spot fine, when paying a spot fine you will then be asked to sign a Z69J which is an Admission of Guilt for the traffic offence, if you are told you have to go to court you will be issued with a document instruction you which court to appear in and what the offence is. Arrests are not common, unless you commit an offence as stated below.

There are three Levels of Traffic Offence Fines, they are as follows:-

Level 1 Fine is US$5-00 - this is for petty things i.e not wearing a safety belt, and in most cases you should be informed and educated by the Officer on Duty as to why you need to wear your safety belt. If you are not wearing it due to medical reasons or an injury ask your Doctor to give you a letter stating the reason, and keep it in the car.

Level 2 Fine is US$10-00 - slightly more serious like being over the white line, over loading

Level 3 Fine is US$20-00 - vehicle safety features i.e. bald tyres, faulty windscreen wipers, no reflectors

Court : dangerous traffic offenses like going through a red light. Sorry Ladies this is you as well after dark, its been confirmed that you have to stop at a red traffic light at night, only time you can go through is if there is an immediate threat like an attempted hijacking. Not having a drivers license, eg have next done the driving test passed and been issued with a license so no license is straight to court, defrauding the Government by not having your vehicle licensed

Arrests : you will be arrested for hit and run, driving while drunk, misconduct and improper behaviour

Red or White reflectors can be purchased in a pack of four two red and two white for R20 from Woodlands service station and
Mr Wright will kindly fit them to your vehicle while you wait.

I think if you use the above as a checklist and ensure that you have all the above in order you should not have any problems, if the Traffic Officers are awkward or rude towards you please make a note of the time and the exact location of this unmarked road block, also insist on seeing his/her Police ID and write down their names and force numbers, you can then use the above numbers to report your query to the above gentlemen. If the Traffic Officers are threatening to arrest you or are requesting you leave your vehicle and board one of their vehicles so that you can be taken to court, call Chief Inspector Chihure on his cell phone immediately.

Please do not abuse the use of the above telephone numbers, they are to be used by you for your personal incident or experience not to phone and moan and complain about what has happened to someone else. They have come under a lot of fire recently and so constructive criticism or genuine complaints will be appreciated by both gentlemen.

If you are in the wrong, accept it as being your fault, we finding ourselves in this mess because so many people have got away with Traffic Offenses by buying their way out of the problem, if we are going to stop the corruption then we have to start by following the Law of the Roads

I hope that this will assist and clarify all your traffic queries, keep safe

Watch out! Zimbabwe is not safe!

Although we could not confirm all the mentioned four cases with the Police, we have no reason to doubt. We all know that crime is on the increase.



Please save the following Hotline numbers for the Police station nearest to you



1. Milton park---------------------------------------736525

2. Rhodesville---------------------------------------481 111

3. Highlands-----------------------------------------481 112

4. Borrowdale---------------------------------------860061

5. Avondale------------------------------------------336632

6. Mabelreign---------------------------------------336000

7. Marlborough-------------------------------------301 801/2

8. Mabvuku-----------------------------------------491 069

9. HARARE CENTRAL -------------------------------777 777



MARS HOTLINE NUMBERS 112 CAN BE USED IN ALL CASES OF EMERGENCY. MARS WILL COMMUNICATE WITH THE RELEVANT EGENT, I.E. POLICE. FIREBRIGADE OR AMBULANCE. Please give your names, address or telephone numbers. You can even whisper to avoid being head by the robbers.

ECONET HOTLINE NUMBERS 111 CAN ALSO BE USED FOR ALL EMERGENCIES BUT ONLY DURING WORKING HOURS ( 0800-1630 HOURS)

NEGOTIATIONS ARE UNDERWAY TO HAVE ECONET ESTABLISH A 24 HOURS EMERGENCY SMS NUMBER THAT CAN BE USED IN SITUATIONS SUCH LIKE IN CASES
1 AND 2 BELLOW



You will be advised of the Southern Police Stations Hot Line numbers soon. Those outside Harare, please obtain and save your local Police Hotline Numbers.



Always try to be calm when you encounter a robbery situation. Remember everything else can be replaced but life can not.




I thought it was important to share with you certain serious incidents that have been taking place in the northern suburbs in recent weeks, more specifically in Mt Pleasant and Borrowdale areas.

1 ) Two weeks ago a couple with their teenage son were watching TV in the lounge of their Greystone Park home. At approximately 20h00 four armed men broke into the house, tied up the occupants, beat up the husband before making off with ZAR26 000, USD1 300 and a couple of cellphones. The family's ordeal was over in about 20 minutes.

2 ) On May 03 at approximately 04h00 an 82 year old male residing alone around the Arundel Park area in Mt Pleasant was awoken by noises outside his bedroom window. When he got up to investigate, a shot was fired into his bedroom. He managed to get under his bed and called for help from family members in the neighbourhood and it only took them less than five minutes to arrive on the scene. Fortunately the family member who responded ( he arrived at the house within five minutes ) was armed and fired a couple of shots in the air when he got to the property. The armed robbers, who by then had gained entry into the house and beaten up the old man forcing him to surrender his cellphone and USD1 500, made good their get-away when they heard the shots.

3) On Wednesday May 13 at about 02h00 a lady driving along Golden Stairs towards Mt Pleasant was tailed by vehicle whose occupants started firing shots at her vehicle. She managed to turn into Norfolk Road and sought assistance from guards manning one of the diplomatic missions on this road. The driver of vehicle that was tailing her just carried on driving along Norfolk Road. Fortunately she got away without any injuries.


4) Just last night at about 20h30 a very good friend of mine, Munyaradzi, who lives in Borrowdale Central around Borrowdale Road / Harare Drive area was followed home by a gang of six. When he opened his electric gate and drove in, four armed members of the gang entered his premises on foot and demanded money from him at gun point. The other gang members remained on guard outside the premises. When they realised that he didn't have much cash on him, they force-marched him into his house where they threatened to rape his niece if he didn't comply with their demands. He somehow managed to remain calm through out this whole ordeal. They only got USD130 and took his Volvo S80.
His service provider for vehicle tracking managed to recover the vehicle with the assistance of the police after a high speed chase resulting in the vehicle being involved in an accident. The car jackers escaped in a get away vehicle.

Please pass on to all those you care about!

The crime trends seem to be on the increase in the mentioned areas and Timesecurity is putting together a comprehensive rapid response service.
Should any of you require more information on the above please feel free to contact me on 0912 235 734 / 011 860 173 or by return mail.

LETS WALK FOR KEEGAN

LETS WALK FOR KEEGAN I am sure you will have heard about Keegan Langley who is a Falcon School Boy who was involved in a serious car accident on April 4th 2009. He still remains in a coma in Milpark Hospital in South Africa and he needs our help. It has been decided to do a sponsored walk (Please note this is not being organised by St John's Prep ) to raise money for Keegans Trust Fund to help pay his medical expenses .......VENUE : BORROWDALE RACE TRACK DATE : SUNDAY 31ST MAY 2009 TIME : ANYTIME BETWEEN 9AM AND 12 NOON COST : $10 PER ENTRANT FOOD AND REFRESHMENTS WILL BE ON SALE BEFORE AND AFTER

Followup on Arundal Village attack

Further to my daughter and her friend giving out a few flyers with similar information to my original mail on the car being broken into Wednesday.

The flyer had my daughter's cell number, and Mr Nimbo, Head of Security for Arundel Village, called her and wanted to see where the car had been broken into and generally chat to the two girls. I'm very pleased to say that the Village have now doubled their security guard presence are on 'high alert'. Many thanks to Mr Nimbo for following up on this.

The latest in Zimbabwe robbery reports!

1 ) Two weeks ago a couple with their teenage son were watching TV in the lounge of their Greystone Park home. At approximately 20h00 four armed men broke into the house, tied up the occupants, beat up the husband before making off with ZAR26 000, USD1 300 and a couple of cellphones. The family’s ordeal was over in about 20 minutes.

2 ) On May 03 at approximately 04h00 an 82 year old male residing alone around the Arundel Park area in Mt Pleasant was awoken by noises outside his bedroom window. When he got up to investigate, a shot was fired into his bedroom. He managed to get under his bed and called for help from family members in the neighbourhood and it only took them less than five minutes to arrive on the scene. Fortunately the family member who responded ( he arrived at the house within five minutes ) was armed and fired a couple of shots in the air when he got to the property. The armed robbers, who by then had gained entry into the house and beaten up the old man forcing him to surrender his cellphone and USD1 500, made good their get-away when they heard the shots.

3) On Wednesday May 13 at about 02h00 a lady driving along Golden Stairs towards Mt Pleasant was tailed by vehicle whose occupants started firing shots at her vehicle. She managed to turn into Norfolk Road and sought assistance from guards manning one of the diplomatic missions on this road. The driver of vehicle that was tailing her just carried on driving along Norfolk Road. Fortunately she got away without any injuries.

4) Just last night at about 20h30 a very good friend of mine, Munyaradzi, who lives in Borrowdale Central around Borrowdale Road / Harare Drive area was followed home by a gang of six. When he opened his electric gate and drove in, four armed members of the gang entered his premises on foot and demanded money from him at gun point. The other gang members remained on guard outside the premises. When they realised that he didn’t have much cash on him, they force-marched him into his house where they threatened to rape his niece if he didn’t comply with their demands. He somehow managed to remain calm through out this whole ordeal. They only got USD130 and took his Volvo S80. His service provider for vehicle tracking managed to recover the vehicle with the assistance of the police after a high speed chase resulting in the vehicle being involved in an accident. The car jackers escaped in a get away vehicle.

Please pass on to all those you care about!

Clean up our towns!

In my opinion if the Municipalities in Zimbabwe did their job this would not be necessary!
FYI - what are we doing about rubbish here in Harare?
BULAWAYO CITY CLEAN UP Senators are doing itMayors are doing itDoctors are doing itLawyers are doing itBusinessmen are doing itMunicipal workers are doing itSchool children are doing itSoccer teams are doing it Housewives are doing it Are YOU doing it ?Join the City of Bulawayo Clean up.Saturday 16 May starting at the City Hall Car ParkRegistration in the Small City Hall from 7.30.Posters will be judged during the morning.KG IV Liyana Marimbas will be there !!Prize Giving at 12 noon at the Small City Hall. School children can be collected at 12.45 from the Car Park.Trucks can be parked in the main City Hall Car Park and may be needed to ferry workers to their cleaning points, and to take bags to the city dump - (at owner's discretion)To get to the closer municipal dumping site -drive along Khami Road (11th Ave Extension) past Tregers and just before the SPCA road which is on the left (Magazine Road) turn right into Westbury Road and there immediately on the left is a Municipal Dumping area, drop bags off there.You will need - if possible - your own brooms and shovels (clearly marked), rubber gloves perhaps or gardening gloves, drinking water, closed sturdy shoes, masks (?) hats, strong trash bags. If you do not have these we will issue you with these.You will be allocated your block at registration, school children will probably clean the streets, adults will probably do the alleys.In addition the City Council will have trucks to collect most of the trash bags.You still have time to register a team of ten if you wish !! Call -Danielle: 0912 929580 Stella: 0912 406 686 Ceri: 011 613 855Lets have some GOOD CLEAN FUN !!
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Telephone accounts

If you have a problem with your telephone account contact either Mrs Nyakudya or Mrs Manyanga (i/c) at the main post office in town (1st Floor). They are very helpful and just want you to tell them how you plan to pay your telephone account - this must be paid by 22nd May,2009. We owed them $800 and paid them $200 now promising to pay the balance on 22nd May, 2009. They want you to put it down in writing as a 'contract' stating when you will pay the balance. Then they will reconnect you straight away

Police at Road blocks

Police at Road blocks - If you have any problems talk to Inspector Chigomi at PGHQ in Harare - He is very helpful. If you ever have a major problem with Traffic police in Harare then he is the man to contact - 0912-965-030 - posted by Mike G
Why not put that number in your cell phone now~!

Latest death and memorial notices from Zimbabwe

MEMORIAL SERVICE

ROSALIE MINNAAR, beloved wife of Ters, mum to Richard and Keith, Ouma to Rebecca and Emily.

A Memorial Service to celebrate her life will be held at the

Dutch Reformed Church in Chegutu on Monday 18 May at 10am.

All her pupils who passed through her music room at Bryden in the past 26 years, her "French Fleas", "Fat Frogs", "Beautiful Butterflies" and friends please accept this invitation.

email:- skippie@mweb.co.zw

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CLAXTON - BILL,

Good friend, fellow farmer and wonderful Father, passed away Friday 8th May.

Deepest sympathies to Doreen and all the family on this sad loss,

Cherith, Amanda, John, Forbes & Bradley

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CLAXTON

Our sincere condolences go to the family of Bill Claxton, fondly remembered friend from Prince Edward School where he was an outstanding athlete. His contribution to the tobacco industry where he played a leading role is endorsed by all.

Our thoughts go to all members of his family.

Tom de Chassart.

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CLAXTON BILL.

So sorry to hear Bill passed away on Friday 8th May. Such a wonderful person.

Deepest Sympathies to Doreen and all the family on your sad loss.

Dave and Joan Craft Zambia.

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Nev - Tweed Mallett

Tweed passed away peacefully on Friday 8th May in Plettenburg Bay, after a long and brave struggle with cancer. Nev - Adored Husband and Father to Tracey, Matt, Lauren and Cameron, beloved son of Joan and Charles and brother to Les and Lindy, Mike and Sharon.

A memorial service will be held in Harare on Thursday 21st May, 3.00pm, at Highlands Park Hotel. Family and friends please join us in celebrating Nev's life.

Any enquiries to Lindy - sando@zim.co.zw or Les - les@zas.co.zw or les@zim.co.zw

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ARMSTRONG, Ron -

ARMSTRONG, Ron - Beloved and Loving Husband of Dene who suffered so stoically for 14 years. At peace and rest now, will miss you so very much, all my love Dene.

ARMSTRONG, Ron - Beloved father of Glenn & Judy, Barry & Linda, Shelley & Clive, and wonderful loving Grandad of Rory, Scott, Kiara, Diandra, Janita, Shannon and Ethan. Passed away Peacefully on 6 May, pain free at last. Dad you will be forever remembered, loved and missed by all of us.

Funerals:

The Memorial Service for the late Ronald Anthony ARMSTRONG, will take place at the North Baptist Church, Grosvenor Road, Pietermaritzburg, at 2:30pm on Tuesday 12 May 2009. Donations in Lieu of Flowers to Upnorth Shellhole, 14 Grosvenor Road Pietermaritzburg, 3201.

For condolences please contact Shelley and Clive at: glebash@telkomsa.net

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HURLEY - SKI

Ski passed away quietly in Johannesburg in the early hours of Saturday 9th May.

Much loved Sister of Vic and Sheila and At and Aggie, Aunt of Jen, Nick, Lal, Kim, Bobs, Di, Kevin and Shirley

and Great Aunt to many.

Committed, long - term secretary of the Centenary Farmers Association, ICA and Centenary Country Club.

Respected member of the community for 43 years. Ski , you will always be missed and remembered with affection.

For those who can make it a get-together will be held at Kevin and Shirley's house in Johannesburg - 132 Bellaires

Drive, Honeydew on Sunday 17th May. Kevin's phone number - +27 1170483575.

For any other information please contact me - kimhurley56@gmail.com

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HURLEY SKI

Deepest Sympathies to Vic, Sheila, At, Aggie and all the family, on the passing of Ski.

Such a kind, loving, hard working lady, she will be sadly missed.

Thinking of you all

Dave and Joan Craft Zambia.

Even this is too much!

When I went to pay my bill yesterday - the girl at the counter at Borrowdale Post Office knew nothing about this........

Domestic power consumers should disregard bills they have received from Zesa and pay US$30 and US$40 a month depending on where they live starting February this year until the power utility regularises its billing system, Energy and Power Development Minister Elias Mudzuri has said adding government had made the decision following an outcry from consumers who have received exorbitant bills from Zesa. "Further to my directive on February 25, instructing Zesa not to disconnect consumers until such a time when the issue of tariffs would have been rationalised, I am further directing that all consumers in the high-density and low-density areas should pay a minimum of US$30 per month and US$40 per month of their bills respectively," he said. The government directive means consumers in high-density areas would have to pay US$90 and those in low-density areas US$120 for the 3 months from February. Minister Mudzuri also urged consumers to take their meter readings to Zesa as the power utility was currently issuing estimated bills. Customers should also disregard January bills charged in US dollars as government only issued a directive to pay in forex starting in February this year, he said - Herald, pay a minimum of US$30 per month and US$40 per month of their bills respectively," he said. The government directive means consumers in high-density areas would have to pay US$90 and those in low-density areas US$120 for the 3 months from February. Minister Mudzuri also urged consumers to take their meter readings to Zesa as the power utility was currently issuing estimated bills. Customers should also disregard January bills charged in US dollars as government only issued a directive to pay in forex starting in February this year, he said - Herald,

Wednesday May 13, Pg 1

Arundel Village - alert!

From: Jenni Ferguson My daughter and her friend were robbed at Arundel Village this morning, Wednesday 13/05 at approximately 1230 hrs. The car, a Ford Laser, blue in colour, was broken into through the passenger door lock (which has a nick in the metal), and items were taken out of the glove compartment and the back seat. The thieves were obviously disturbed as the two girls were not away more than 15 minutes. The security guard denied seeing anything, as is unfortunately usually the case.
Items stolen as follows - if anyone sees any of these things, I would appreciate it if you would let me know via return email
--- small woven brown bag with long shoulder strap, with the following inside :electric gate pedestrian key with a St Christopher emblem and a 'Brutal Fruit' key ring, cosmetic foundation, eye-liner, cash, packet of cigarettes and original ID for Lauren Delius in a brown self adhesive envelope (pay packet) with "ID L Delius" written on the front
new white jersey branded "Identity" in silver writing on the front, with front full zip, small pockets, long sleeved
Please be AWARE that your vehicle may get broken into at Arundel Village !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks Jenni Ferguson

Reps needs a few props

Reps needs a few props for our upcoming production of Shadowlands – we promise to look after them and return them as soon as possible. 1 X Bone China Tea Set - Not Willsgrove, 1 X High Table with 6 Chairs ,- Dining Room Table with chairs (for masters at Oxford Scene) , 1 X Bicycle -Loan Only, Cups to go with Silver Pot - For Bachelors. If you have any of these items please contact Adrian Bonney on 333719 or ajbzim@zol.co.zw

Patricia Yvonne Edwards

Patricia Yvonne Edwards aged 90, died peacefully in Bromsgrove, England, 11th April. Greatly missed by Alastair, Glen, Tish, her Grandchildren, Great Grand daughter and Friends.

BILL CLAXTON

Bill Claxton passed away on Friday 8th May.
The funeral service will be held on Friday 15th of May at 2.30pm at Prince Edward School Chapel. The family would like you to join them for tea afterwards in the school pavilion

Claxton Bill (William James)

Loving husband of Doreen
Wonderful Dad to Lynn, Richard and Angi, Mark and Louise.
Caring Grandfather (Gramps + Pops) to Vawn, Ryan, Robbie, James. Jessica and Helen.
We all love and miss you very much.

To our Dearest Doreen, Lynn, Richie, Mark and grandchildren. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you and may Bill’s strength, sincerity and kindness be with you Forever.
Our love from Eric, Joan, Debs, Trevor, Russell and Family.

BILL CLAXTON, beloved brother-in-law of John Dodd, passed away while working onhis farm, where he most loved to be. A most special and dear friend who will besadly missed and forever remembered. Our condolences to his wife Doreen andchildren Lynn, Richard and Mark and all the family. From John, Judi, Lance,Brent, Shane and Reece.

ROSALIE MINNAAR

ROSALIE MINNAAR, beloved wife of Ters, mum to Richard and Keith, Ouma to Rebecca and Emily.

A Memorial Service to celebrate her life will be held at the
Dutch Reformed Church in Chegutu on Monday 18 May at 10am.
All her pupils who passed through her music room at Bryden in the past 26 years, her "French Fleas", "Fat Frogs", "Beautiful Butterflies" and friends please accept this invitation.

email:- skippie@mweb.co.zw

This is happening now - and more frequently - be aware!

My car was also broken into at Arundel Village right outside the coffee shop a while ago, they got away with my radio. I was lucky i did not have anything else in the car at the time. It was also done very fast as i ran in to buy a loaf of bread. The security saw nothing either!!

Be aware everyone...

Hey REMEMBER THE RHODESIAN CHILDHOOD

Think I can add a few as well - how about you?

Let's reminisce my friends.I thank God that I had such a wonderful childhood in such a beautiful country..Close your eyes... and go back in time……………When milk and newspaper were delivered to your back door. The grocer used to deliver your groceries to the house and in brown paper bags. Doctors would be too happy to visit you at home at 2 am, not only that they became personal friends.Petrol cost 4/3d a gallon. The "hot dog stall" near Bogies clock in Gwelo served the best burgers in town.Before the Internet or the Apple Mac... Before semi-automatics, AK-47s and crack cocaine...But pellet guns ......… BSAs were OKBefore SEGA or Cartoon Network... Before Playstation and MTV, and CD's and DVD's... Way back then..………I'm talking about the time of Drive In cinema’s, Hide and Seek in the park or the dark.The garage down the road, the Gremlin, Palace Cinema.Mom dropped you for morning matinee for 1/3d of Tarzan, Batman and Robin and swapping comics too.And Nicks Café, Mermaids Pool, Dandy & Beano annuals,French skipping, swimming till your feet went wrinkly,Jumping the river, building a swing from a piece of rope tied to a tree, tennis on the street or picnicsin the backyard when Guy Fawkes was cool.The smell of suntan lotion, hot tar and Mazoe Orange Juice.Dandy bubble gum for a cent, and ice cream from the Dairy Den on the corner. Wait, can you still remember.………. When around the corner seemed far away and going into town seemed like going somewhere, and your mother made you "dress up" for the trip.A million mozzie bites and peeling skin in summer,Sticky fingers and sand in and on everything. Wag-‘n-bietjies, stingers & climbing trees. Walking or riding your bike to school & friend's houses - no matter what the weather. Playing in the Makabuzi was such fun, but the 21 Bilharzia injections which followed were no joke.Running till you were out of breath laughing so hard that your stomach hurt. Jumping on the bed..... pillow fights, spinning around, getting dizzy.. falling down. Huga bugs and Hoola hoops. Being tired from playing ... ...Remember that? A piece of card in the spokes held by a clothes peg transformed any bike into a motorcycle.I'm not finished just yet………….. Can you still taste and smell.……. Eating raw jelly or Tree-Top from the packet, Ice lollies made from cold drink in plastic holders in the freezer.Eating Willard's Peanut Butter on the fattest slice of fresh Lobel's bread? Fresh cream doughnuts from Bake 'n Take after church on a Sunday.Boiling tins of condensed milk to make caramel - took hours! Roast Beef on Sundays and Ox-Tail too.Remember when……...……There were two types of takkies - Tommies and North Stars, and the only time you wore them at school, was for "PT".Wearing shoes with the toe caps cut off was accepted by all.Slip slops to wear were just a ball.How hard you tried to swop your hostel sandwich for a day Skie’s (day scholars) lunch…no luckThe skin on the boiled milk at the hostel?It wasn't odd to have two or three "best" friends;Nobody owned a pedigree dog.Sixpence could buy you a coke, Wilsons toffee, nigger balls, and Wrights bubble gum. 25c was decent pocket money and your house boy was also called Sixpence. Sixpence, would fetch you from school on his bike and you would ride the bar or the carrier,and hang on for dear life through the bush paths home.When you'd reach into a muddy gutter for 5 cents and feel lucky. When nearly everyone's Mom was at home when the kids got there. Remember when………….It was magic when dad would "remove" his thumb or make 10 cents appear from behind your ear?When it was considered a great privilege and very unusual to be taken out to dinner at a real restaurant or in a proper hotel or even better at Haddon & Sly, or Meikles.Remember when………... Any parent could discipline any kid, or feed him or get him to carry groceries and nobody, not even the kid, thought a thing of it.When being sent to the headmaster's office was nothing compared to the fate that awaited you at home. Basically, we were in fear for our lives, but it wasn't because of muggings, drugs, gangs, Aids etc. Our parents and grandparents were a much bigger threat... and some of us are still afraid of them!!!Didn't that feel good just to go back and say, Yeah, I remember that?!!!! Remember when..………….. Decisions were made by going "eeny-meeny-miney-mo." Mistakes were corrected by simply exclaiming, "Ninger!" Or revulsion was just “Siss Man”!"A race issue" meant arguing about who ran the fastest.Money was handled by whoever was the banker in "Monopoly",The worst thing you could catch from the opposite sex was germs. Having a weapon in school, meant being caught with 'BIC' pen, paw-paw branch pea shooter or an eraser catapulted by a 30cm ruler, or the catapult made from golf ball elastic twisted on your leg to shoot bits of orange peels.Taking drugs meant chewing on 'Cafenol' chewable vitamins or cod liver oil...(yuk).Colcom Ham, Flings, Willard's Chips, rock-hard marshmallow Easter eggs and best of all …..kudu biltong from Uncle Scotty’s farm.
Shopping at Barbours, Greatermans, Sanders, Haddon and Sly, TM, Bon Marche and Lucullus, Phillips Central Cellars and the Carlton Gift Store. The Book Centre and Kingstons. Clothes from Karls or Elle et Lui, Ramjis in Byo.
Watching racing at Borrowdale Park or Ascot, rugby at the Police Grounds or cricket and tennis at Salisbury Sports, polo at the Polo Grounds, athletics at the UniversityCoke was considered a basic nutritional requirement (and don't forget Tomango Tomato Sauce) and Hubbly Bubbly.Coke top collections got you plastic animals elephant and sable, baboons and hyenas.Good times were always had at the following places - any evening of the week... Blue Gardenia, The Gremlin, The Yellow Orchid, Bamboo Inn, Pink Panther and the Egg and I, Fritz in Byo, across the Border at Maria's, or Merna Brown's place, or Machipanda, and don't forget the Little Swallow.Hiking in the Chimanimani’s, Vumba, Troutbeck, the Honde Valley, Pungwe Gorge, Birchenough and Hot Springs. Trips to Troutbeck or the Montclair, Vic Falls, Kariba, the ferry to Mlibizi, Fothergill Island – remember Operation Noah, Bumi, Wankie, Dete, Fort Vic, Lake Kyle, strip road to Zimbabwe Ruins, Gwelo and Kwe Kwe from the sound the frogs made, Gwanda, West Nicholson and the giraffe at Tod’s Hotel on the strips and how about how easy it was to cross the border at Beitbridge and use your Rhodesian dollars all the way to Pietersburg.
Weekends at Mermaids Pool, Lake Mac, the Lion and Cheetah Park, Larvon Bird Gardens, Domboshawa, Beverley Hills Motel and the Oasis. Swimming at Borrow Street or Les Brown.Game parks were the best Wankie, Chirundu, Gona re Zhou, Matopos, Bumi and the rest.And what about an afternoon at the following places... Matopos Hotel, Rhodes’ Grave and World’s View, Mazoe Hotel and the Dairy Den, Rusape Dam, the Botanical Gardens, Centenary Park, the Natural History Museum.
Or Saturday mornings with the mates in First Street, Salisbury, Main Street Bulawayo, pie and gravy in Meikles or a mixed grill at Helen’s for 7/6 in Umtali. Window shopping at night without fear of being harmed.Skills and courage were discovered because of a "truth or dare" Older siblings were the worst tormentors, but also the fiercest protectors.Remember when..………….. Flame Lilies, Kaffirbooms, the Jacarandas, Flamboyants and Msasas bloomedAfternoon tropical thunderstorms rained cat and dogs, then the sun came out.The smell of the first rains and the flying ants that followed by the zillion. If you can remember most or all of these, then you have LIVED!!!!

CLAXTON William James (BILL)

From: Eric Harrison-BSAT
CLAXTON William James (BILL) Died suddenly on the 8th May 2009 on his beloved farm Riverside. much loved Brother in law and treasured friend of Dave and Carol (UK) Uncle to Sandra and Michelle and families (Aus) Our love and thoughts are with Doreen and all family. A true Gentleman - Never to be forgotten.
The funeral service will be held on Friday 15th of May at 2.30pm at Prince Edward School Chapel. The family would like you to join them for tea afterwards in the school pavilion

Nev - Tweed Mallett

Tweed passed away peacefully on Friday 8th May in Plettenburg Bay, after a long and brave struggle with cancer. Nev - Adored Husband and Father to Tracey, Matt, Lauren and Cameron, beloved son of Joan and Charles and brother to Les and Lindy, Mike and Sharon.

A memorial service will be held in Harare on Thursday 21st May, 3.00pm, at Highlands Park Hotel. Family and friends please join us in celebrating Nev's life.

Any enquiries to Lindy - sando@zim.co.zw or Les - les@zas.co.zw or les@zim.co.zw

WEST PARK CREMATORIUM BULAWAYO

It is almost three years to the day since a committee, initiated by a concerned group of citizens, was set up under the chairmanship of Dudley Hubbard (now deceased) to renovate the defunct cremator. Our new fully renovated cremator was "fired" on Wednesday 6th May. It has been re-built by Mark Adamson, a specialist refractory engineer, who works for Pyros Cremators in Durban. For those of you who have had experience of working with South African companies using our communication network to arrange the manufacture, purchase and finance, transport and Border clearance of several tons of materials you will appreciate the difficulties, frustrations and obstacles involved. What has saved the project from abandonment has been the involvement, commitment in cash/kind or equipment of many people. If they are typical of our community, then I am confident that the building of Bulawayo's infrastructure is assured.So many people have been involved that I cannot list them all but I must name the chief contributors without whose input the project would have collapsed. The Committee - Debbie Batty (Secretary), Kathy Booysen (Treasurer), Rev Noel Scott, George Enslin (City Council) George Parkin (Fund raising), Lucky Mlilo (Abuz), Roger Insley (advice and assistance), Mike Burns/Dean Peters (fuel)The Beit Trust - finance of all materialE. Halsted - United SpringDave Power - DatvestWillie Ferns - Pyros CrematorsJohan Delport - transport Durban-JbgColbro - transport Jbg-ByoPro-con - Border clearanceBarry Dakin and his assistants (United Spring) - on-site input and assistanceDunlops - guest house accommodationTerry Wakefield/Kay Hatton - cateringBruce Clark - fund raisingWarren King - Safe GuardGeorge Tzircalle - brick cutting machine and bladesRoberto Perroti - cutting discsJohn Barefoot- electrical inputC Biffen - gen. SetK Goosen - gen. setBrian Lowe - fork-liftAll members of Bulawayo community who have made generous cash donationsBy next week the cremator will be handed over to the City Council. Its operations will require the purchase of a generator - no ZESA power is available, plus regular maintenance. The Committee will be recommending that Council lease the Crematorium or enter into partnership with private enterprise, and a highly professional and knowledgeable candidate has already been identified. We hope the Crematorium will be operative in the very near future.My personal thanks to the Bulawayo community for your tolerance, patience and the positive belief that we would finally get the job done.Neil ToddChairman

klatest death notices - farmers!

CLAXTON - BILL,

Good friend, fellow farmer and wonderful Father, passed away Friday 8th May.

Deepest sympathies to Doreen and all the family on this sad loss,

Cherith, Amanda, John, Forbes & Bradley

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Nev - Tweed Mallett

Tweed passed away peacefully on Friday 8th May in Plettenburg Bay, after a long and brave struggle with cancer. Nev - Adored Husband and Father to Tracey, Matt, Lauren and Cameron, beloved son of Joan and Charles and brother to Les and Lindy, Mike and Sharon.

A memorial service will be held in Harare on Thursday 21st May, 3.00pm, at Highlands Park Hotel. Family and friends please join us in celebrating Nev's life.

Any enquiries to Lindy - sando@zim.co.zw or Les - les@zas.co.zw or les@zim.co.zw

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ARMSTRONG, Ron -

ARMSTRONG, Ron - Beloved and Loving Husband of Dene who suffered so stoically for 14 years. At peace and rest now, will miss you so very much, all my love Dene.

ARMSTRONG, Ron - Beloved father of Glenn & Judy, Barry & Linda, Shelley & Clive, and wonderful loving Grandad of Rory, Scott, Kiara, Diandra, Janita, Shannon and Ethan. Passed away Peacefully on 6 May, pain free at last. Dad you will be forever remembered, loved and missed by all of us.

Funerals:

The Memorial Service for the late Ronald Anthony ARMSTRONG, will take place at the North Baptist Church, Grosvenor Road, Pietermaritzburg, at 2:30pm on Tuesday 12 May 2009. Donations in Lieu of Flowers to Upnorth Shellhole, 14 Grosvenor Road Pietermaritzburg, 3201.

For condolences please contact Shelley and Clive at: glebash@telkomsa.net

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HURLEY - SKI

Ski passed away quietly in Johannesburg in the early hours of Saturday 9th May.

Much loved Sister of Vic and Sheila and At and Aggie, Aunt of Jen, Nick, Lal, Kim, Bobs, Di, Kevin and Shirley

and Great Aunt to many.

Committed, long - term secretary of the Centenary Farmers Association, ICA and Centenary Country Club.

Respected member of the community for 43 years. Ski , you will always be missed and remembered with affection.

For those who can make it a get-together will be held at Kevin and Shirley's house in Johannesburg - 132 Bellaires, Drive, Honeydew on Sunday 17th May. Kevin's phone number - +27 1170483575.

For any other information please contact me - kimhurley56@gmail.com

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Things are bad for us all but perhaps someone can help these people

Malvern House is an old age home based in Mvurwi. We have 39 residents and are looking for more. As always we are seeking help to improve living conditions within the home.

We are in dire need of several things - some big and some small.

Many thanks

Neil Hammond

Chairman

MALVERN HOUSE WISH LIST

Malvern House is an old age home based in Mvurwi. We are desperate for
help and would appreciate if anyone could donate or help with any of the
following. If you can please contact any of the following people:

Neil or Noela Hammond nonk@zol.co.zw 0913212756 or
0913361855

Neil or Shelley Howland shelleyh@zol.co.zw 04-745094
0912348723

CARE UNIT

1 extra large commode
1 normal commode
Plastic buckets
Medium plastic/metal basins x 6 for bed baths
New pots, pans
Crockery needs replacing
Plastic table mats x 12
Lights - rechargeable or something similar
Torch batteries
Need funds for curtaining - needs replacing
Some furniture in lounge needs fixing and recovering
Need funds for paint - internal walls etc in dire need

CLOISTERS

Coffee mugs x 30
Cloth tablemats x 30 } would like matching colours
Serviettes (large) x 60 }
Salt & pepper sets - large x 6 (Robertson's grinders??)
Dessertspoons
Teaspoons
Gravy jugs - large x 4
Flasks x 8 (soup and hot water)
Whistling kettle x 2 (staff proof!)
Large hand whisks x 2
Sharp knives - needs to be good quality else they don't last
Liquidiser
Electric beater
Broom heads, mop heads, feather dusters, mutton cloth etc are always needed
Kitchen badly needs new paint
New carpet in dining room
Veranda chairs need to be rewoven - new cushions
Up-to-date magazines
Giant Puzzles
Damaged snooker table needs baize repaired
Stationary - e.g. pens, counter books, order books, magic markers,
- etc etc
Guillotine
Computer and printer

GARDEN and GENERAL NEEDS

Tools: needs to be good quality else they don't last
2 hedge cutters
2 rubber rakes
1 garden shears (secateurs)
2 round-nose shovels
Knapsack sprayer
Hosepipe
Rose spray
Fertiliser
Insecticide - for garden
Insecticide - for mossies, flies etc
Electrical spares - light bulbs etc
Thank you all!!

ARMSTRONG, Ron -

ARMSTRONG, Ron - Beloved and Loving Husband of Dene who suffered so stoically for 14 years. At peace and rest now, will miss you so very much, all my love Dene.

ARMSTRONG, Ron - Beloved father of Glenn & Judy, Barry & Linda, Shelley & Clive, and wonderful loving Grandad of Rory, Scott, Kiara, Diandra, Janita, Shannon and Ethan. Passed away Peacefully on 6 May, pain free at last. Dad you will be forever remembered, loved and missed by all of us.

Funerals:

The Memorial Service for the late Ronald Anthony ARMSTRONG, will take place at the North Baptist Church, Grosvenor Road, Pietermaritzburg, at 2:30pm on Tuesday 12 May 2009. Donations in Lieu of Flowers to Upnorth Shellhole, 14 Grosvenor Road Pietermaritzburg, 3201.

For condolences please contact Shelley and Clive at: glebash@telkomsa.net

My advise - buy airtime from a reputable dealer!

I have just received this in my mail - watch out!
yersterday i was driving along Seke Road into town, the first robot - Julius Nyerere the robot was not working. It was being manned by a policeman who seemed to favour cars going out of town so it took me about 9 good minutes waiting to turn right at the robot. It was after 545pm. Whilst waiting i just sub conciously decided to buy air time for 5d business partner as there was a gentle man standing near me, I gave him my 5d and he gave me a business partner card for 5d, upon trying to use it at home, i just could not scratch it, i tried and something like paint came off but that was also damaging the code beyond recognition, i looked closely at the card and realised that its a used card that must have been re-selead with paint. Actually it was dirty

I suggest
1, lets avoid buying airtime cards on the robots unless one is able to ask the guy to scratch the card himself (which is not possible at robot crossing) 2. after using air time cards,lets destroy them beyond re-use

As winter approaches

It is amazing to see how quickly winter is approaching and one wonders what it will hold for us all.

There has been little change if any to our way of life since the accord was signed. the use of the USD and Rand has meant that one can now obtain most goods but only if you have USD or Rand......... many people do not have access to foreign currency or if they do it is hardly enough to pay their bills.

Bills are a cause for concern as their seems to be no reason behind the rates charged. One woman was last month charges 67,000 USD for her phone bill - ours ws $12.44 - what reason is behind this? I telephone every day to at least six people and some of my calls are long - half and hour or more.

We cannot pay out electricity bill as there is never anyone to receive the money at the post office and i refuse to stand in a queue in town - parking is a nightmare and muggings occur all too frequently. There is supposed to be a load shedding schedule out but no one seems to know where to find it - it certainly is not on the ZESA website.

Rubbish has not been collected for three weeks - but we did get out rates bill - USD 10 - some people have been charged 400 or more!

As for water - the water meter readers are still going their rounds despite the fact we have not had water for a year - thank goodness for boreholes - when we have power! I refuse to pay the water authority a cent! Why? For what service? Think we will disconnect the line - who wants dirty and probably disease ridden water anyway!

At least the sun is shining!

Well who would believe it!

Rain in May and now again overcast and cold. At least we have power and an internet connection.

This comes from the World Health Organisation and is the latest (08 May) statistical report on cholera:
A. Highlights of the day:
- 19 Cases and 1 deaths added today (in comparison with 65 cases and 4 deaths yesterday)
- Cumulative cases 97 905
- Cumulative deaths 4 271 of which 2 621 are community deaths
- 93.3 % of the reporting centres affected have reported today 56 out of 60 affected reporting centres
- Cumulative Institutional Case Fatality Rate = 1.7%
- Daily Institutional CFR = 3.2 %.
Erratum
- Cumulative cases of Centenary reported yesterday as 261 in instead of 275
- National cumulative cases reported as 97 872 instead of 97 886

And these are the official figures!

Keegan Langley's Trust.

Placed today from the langley family...............

Dear family, friends, all who are friends of Sally and Adrians and finally all other Zimbabweans who have found themselves in a similar situation,

Hi,

I'm writing to you all to make an appeal for Keegan Langley's Trust. This is a tough call.

As you may or may not know by now that my brother Adrian and Sally's son, Keegan, was involved in a car accident at Falcon College a couple of weeks ago.Where by Keegan came of the worst of the youngsters involved. Suffering serious Head injuries, and other bodily injuries. He was flown to Johannesburg Milpark Hospital. He is in the ICU there, in a coma, since the accident. To date, the Doctors are not sure as to the extent of the damage.
Never -the- less whatever the outcome the road to recovery is expected to be a long one. Spanning many, many months of tests, treatments, and possibly months of further treatments.

To compound the problem he has no Medical Aid / Insurance of any sort, and his folks do not have the wherewithal/ assets to meet the costs.Falcon College ( Where Sally teaches & the family lives) have been great & in recognising their situation have set up a Trust to try and assist. We as family are doing whatever we can to help & have attached a copy of their appeal.

Mailing this out to you all has taken a lot of thought - we obviously do not want to offend anyone. But have to ask for help.

Please take this in the light of the situation at hand. We are also appealing to you to send this to anyone or organization you may think can help or be able to assist in fundraising to assist with this traumatic situation.

Thank you all.

Mike and Jeanne.

RE Appeal: Please see the sets of circumstances re the funds and banks to use. Please could you when you make the deposit let the respective "caretakers" of the funds know who you are re email or as per their instructions to keep everything transparent/ traceable.


All Living in South Africa or Zimbabwe please see from Falcon College:.



Attention all living in Australia.


For all those in Australia who wish to answer our appeal for financial help for Keegan's Trust Fund:

I understand that for any single Transfer to Zim would be costing a fee of
A$32 per transaction. This would understandably be prohibitive to us all.
To therefore gain the most out of ones donations it would make sense to send all donations to one bank account. This has been set up by : Jerrard Ross where by all donations and transactions will be transparent.


To this end Jerrard Ross ( Au - Perth) Email address :
rjerrard@deloitte.com.au Has done just this see Details out lined below.


Copied from R. Jerrard's communication.

The bank details are:



Bank: ANZ Bank

Account name: R Jerrard - Falcon College Acc

Account number: 570656167

BSB: 016112



The bank name, account number and BSB are needed to be quoted when individuals transfer funds. As of today the account is active with a nil balance so we are know where we stand.



I know this is not ideal but I think it will work - especially considering the urgency of the situation. May I suggest that if you are happy to proceed with this plan, that we circulate the bank details etc. When someone makes a transfer it is probably also worth Emailing me so I can track/reconcile with the bank.



As mentioned earlier I will be in the US until the beginning of May but we can commence collecting funds in the account in the interim and then we can liaise when I am back to make the transfer to you. I hope this timing is not too disruptive on your end.



I trust this is satisfactory



Kind regards



Ross

Ross Jerrard
Partner
Assurance & Advisory Services
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

Direct: +61 (8) 9365 7057
Main: +61 (8) 9365 7000
Fax: +61 (8) 9476 4127
Mobile: +61 (0) 40405 2226
rjerrard@deloitte.com.au
www.deloitte.com.au <http://www.deloitte.com.au/>

Flu Virus

Is this for real????

A new strain of the flu virus has been reported to have killed some people in Harare . It is therefore highly recommended that you consult a medical practitioner once you suspect that you have come under attack. The symptoms of the unusual flu virus are as follows:

* Fever marked by high body temperature
* Cough that might be occasioned by vomiting
* backache
* A runny nose
* Headache
* Blocked sinuses
* Dizziness
* General body weakness

Precautions against the virus are as follows:

* Drink lots of fluids
* Keep yourself warm
* Take foods and beverages with high content of vitamin C e.g. oranges, lemons and fruit juices
* Good ventilation especially in dusty areas and areas where there is high risk of contagion
* Consult a medical practitioner once you suspect that you have come under attack from the deadly flu virus!!

TOZER DAWN OLIVIA

TOZER DAWN OLIVIA MOTHER of Errol Deh ,Philip Andrew and Tracey passed
away on the 29th April2009 at Borrowdaile Trust Marondera

A Memorial service will be held at Borrowdaile Trust Chapel on Tuesday 5th May at 10.30.Most dearly loved friend for 50 years of Frikkie and Ann .Rest in Peace.

Our Love to all her family.

Received this warning today from Diana

This is just an email to warn you about a gentleman called Melvin Gweshe, who claims to be a panelbeater and who looks for private jobs around the Groombridge shopping centre. He sometimes has a friend with him called Israel Mbewe.

I asked him to assist with a small panelbeating job at my home.
Unfortunately, I ended up paying him 320 dollars in advance ("to buy
materials") and the work was started and never finished. He has disappeared, will not answer telephone calls etc.

Please don't get caught out.

Bally Vaughan Wildlife Sanctuary

Bally Vaughan Wildlife Sanctuary is sending out an urgent request for old blankets and towels and sheets. We have had a couple of new animals brought to the sanctuary needing special attention and our stock of blankets has dwindled.

Please if anyone has any of these items to donate to us please contact the following numbers or drop them off at the Second Street 24 Hour Veterinary Surgery.

Sarah 011 601 131
091 2 592 944
Carol 091 2 264 160
Kelvin 023 432 783
091 3 194 821
Diane 011 446 505
496679
2nd Street Vet 303518/9

As always anything you have that you don't need anymore we can always use at the sanctuary so please think before you throw things away!

Many thanks
Regards
Diane

Zimbabweans have easier passge down south

This is interesting - so much for all the problems we have been having for years!
Article from - Micel Schnehage

http://www.ewn.co.za/articleprog.aspx?id=12620

The South African government formally lifted visa restrictions on Zimbabweans visiting South Africa on Monday.

People from that country will now be able to enter South Africa for three months without a visa.

Home Affairs Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and her Zimbabwean counterparts Kembo Mohadi and Giles Mutsekwa signed a memorandum of understanding in northern Johannesburg.

The minister said the decision to lift visa restrictions would be reviewed in a year's time.

She also agreed to accepting the Zimbabwean departure permit or border pass as a legitimate travel document.
Mapisa-Nqakula said she hoped the lifting of these travel restrictions would support efforts to rebuild Zimbabwe's shattered economy.

She added that the two countries were hopeful these measures would strengthen efforts to fight human trafficking, smuggling and other cross-border crimes.

Obtaining a re entry visa

Why if you are a permenent resident of Zimbabwe do you need a re entry visa - issued free for a year of multiple entries - this is surely a complete waste of time and man power!

On entry into SA one obtains a ‘temporary visitors’ entry stamp – whether one is working on a temporary work permit in Sa or is purely a visitor.
Our son went to obtain his stamp – as he has been working in SA on a temporary permit for three months. He has always kept his stamps up to date and never been out of the country for more than five months – far less than the 12 month limit.

The officials in Linquenda house did not want to stamp his passport this time as they claimed he was a resident of South Africa (which he is not). They were rude and un co-operative even when it was pointed out to them that he was not living in SA permanently.
After two trips to the office and his demand to see the immigration Act (which they did not have a copy of – and insisted we go and buy a copy and bring back to them – we have found out they are out of print so this would have been impossible!) one female officer stamped the passport – however the other three were against her doing so.

British passport holders should be warned of this problem as many would be intimidated and leave the country without their re entry visa – this could cause them problems when they wish to return to their country of residence – Zimbabwe.

DAWN OLIVIA TOZER

There will be a Memorial Service celebrating the life of DAWN OLIVIA TOZER, Mom to Errol, Deborah, Philip, Andrew and Tracey, at the BORRADAILE TRUST CHAPEL, Marondera, on TUESDAY 5th MAY at 10.30a.m, followed by teas.

ZESA Bills

We tried to pay our bill yesterday - at the Mt pleasant post office - nearly 10:30 and no one had arrived to collect the money!!!!!!!!!! How are you supposed to pay under these circumstances
This has just come from a resident:

Phoned Zesa to find out my bill and thankfully I do not have a weak heart -
$1395 I was casually told!!! So I asked what the meter reading that they had on their system and was told it was 94 146 yet when I read my meter it was only on 78 377. How is that for over estimation!

My advice to all is check this prior to phoning for your bill else we could see an upsurge in heart attacks in Harare.