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Check FAQAbout Kudzanai
I am a multi-media freelance journalist based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, with well over ten years’ experience in print and radio journalism. I initially pursued a career in teaching, but after an increasing interest in journalism in the intervening years, I went back to college and graduated from a public journalism school in the country in 2002. I share the view of famous British playwright Tom Stoppard who once said: “I still believe that if your aim is to change the world, journalism is a more immediate short-term weapon.” Since November 2006 I have been a regular stringer for a radio station that broadcasts to Zimbabwe from outside the country. The station, established in 2003 with the help of some journalists living in exile, has become a credible, popular alternative to the propaganda churned out by state-owned electronic media in the country. The state has had a stranglehold on electronic media from the time the country attained independence in 1980. In spite of a seemingly endless and much reported cycle of socioeconomic problems, I believe there is still a lot to report on in Zimbabwe, especially from Bulawayo, the country's second biggest city where I am based. Amidst the doom and gloom that the country’s current situation often evokes, Zimbabweans, who have earned a reputation of being resilient in the face of adversity, still find ways to get by, doing their best to take care of their families’ daily needs, still sending their children to school, holding on to the hope that things shall be better soon. Such a situation, no doubt, provides a rich basis for several inspiring stories, some of which I have been able to capture and keenly strive to continue doing so for as long as I can.
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Portfolio
Zimbabwean schoolkids cycle past elephant danger
Children living near a nature reserve in northwest Zimbabwe face dangers from wild animals like elephants and hyenas on their way to school. To mitigate this, park authorities and the International Fund for Animal Welfare have provided bicycles to shorten travel time and reduce exposure to wildlife. The initiative aims to ease tensions between the park and local farming communities, who suffer from wildlife-related injuries and deaths. Conservation efforts have led to a growing elephant population, with Hwange National Park housing 65,000 elephants. Additional measures include setting up predator-proof livestock enclosures and a proposed compensation fund for victims of wildlife.
Zimbabwean Youth Use Art to Combat Drug Abuse, Support Mental Health
In Bulawayo, a township in Zimbabwe, a youth organization named Yellow World has created a mural to raise awareness about mental health and combat drug abuse. The program coordinator, Michelle Mulingo, and program director, Pride Mujoli, emphasize the importance of addressing mental health issues, which are often stigmatized in their society. Zimbabwe faces a growing problem with drug and substance abuse, particularly among youths, exacerbated by high unemployment and economic challenges. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced government funding to tackle the issue, including the establishment of public rehabilitation centers. Yellow World is also engaging in outreach by visiting schools and youth centers. Independent counselor Kuda Kunze calls for more government support, including infrastructure for rehabilitation and more counselors. Police have initiated a program to arrest drug peddlers and users, but there are concerns about the effectiveness due to the alleged powerful connections of some involved in the drug trade.
Zimbabwean Conservationist Expands Skills at Disney World
Blessed Gundo, a 30-year-old from Zimbabwe, has dedicated his life to wildlife conservation and cultural exchange. After training at the Zimbabwe Institute of Wildlife Management, he became an independent guide and conservationist. Gundo is currently participating in a cultural exchange program at Disney's Animal Kingdom in Florida, where he educates visitors on the importance of conservation and shares his Zimbabwean culture. He is actively involved in anti-poaching efforts and has participated in awareness campaigns such as the 'Ivory Belongs To Elephants' walk across Africa. Gundo advocates for the protection of elephants and opposes lifting the CITES ban on ivory trade. He calls for increased private sector involvement and public awareness campaigns to promote conservation in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe's Elephant Population Crisis and the Controversial Ivory Trade Debate
Zimbabwe is facing a significant human-wildlife conflict due to its growing elephant population, estimated at 100,000. The country has the world's second-largest elephant population, leading to increased encounters with humans, as evidenced by the 60 people killed by elephants this year. Hanganani Gideon Dube, a 75-year-old cattle herder, was severely injured in an elephant attack and can no longer work. Zimbabwe's government, represented by Fulton Mangwanya of the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, is advocating for the legal trade of ivory at a conference in Hwange. They argue that the sale of their $600-million ivory stockpile could benefit conservation efforts and local communities. However, there is international opposition to lifting the ban on ivory trade, with the EU, America, and Britain against it, while China and Japan show support. Zimbabwe has threatened to withdraw from CITES if the ban is not lifted.
Zimbabwe's ballooning jumbo herds a growing threat to humans
The article discusses the growing conflict between humans and elephants in Zimbabwe, where deforestation and poaching have led to increased encounters with the local population. Zimbabwe boasts a large elephant population, which has led to overpopulation and habitat encroachment. The country is seeking to lift the ban on ivory trade to manage the elephant population and benefit local communities. In a separate but related incident in Indonesia, a critically endangered Sumatran elephant and its unborn baby were found dead, suspected to be poisoned. This highlights the ongoing battle against wildlife crime in the region. The article also touches on the international debate over the trade in ivory and elephants, with various countries holding differing views on the matter.
Economic Impact of South Africa's Unrest on Zimbabwe's Industry and Trade
The article discusses the potential economic impact on Zimbabwe due to a decrease in diaspora remittances from South Africa (SA) and the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns. It highlights the reliance of Zimbabwe on SA for raw materials, with 58% of imports coming from SA. The CEO of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), Sekai Kuvarika, expresses concerns about the impact of unrest in SA on Zimbabwe's industry, which has seen improved capacity utilization recently. The article also touches on the unequal trade relationship between Zimbabwe and SA, with the latter being the former's biggest trading partner. It mentions the types of goods exchanged between the two countries and references a World Bank report on trade partners.
Rural farmers in Zim grow maggots for chicken feed
In the Midlands province of Zimbabwe, a group of women, including Miriam Sibanda, are part of the Combine Group, which is producing black soldier fly larvae to use as chicken feed. This initiative is part of the Extended Training for Rural Agriculture programme, supervised by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. The project aims to teach better farming methods and has enabled the women to reduce costs and increase profits from chicken rearing. The larvae are produced using organic waste and are a sustainable alternative to traditional feed. The project, which also includes training in finance and gender equality, has improved the livelihoods of the participants and is seen as a way to diversify farming practices in one of Zimbabwe's driest regions.
Three essential stories to round off your working day
The article discusses a podcast that provides listeners with three essential stories to conclude their workday, focusing on major topics and news from Africa. It also offers an African perspective on international stories. The podcast is hosted by Audrey Brown and is available five days a week, being prepared by late afternoon from Monday to Friday.
POTRAZ's Move to Stop Mobile Phone Promos Unsettles Zimbabweans
The Posts and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) has directed the country's three main mobile service providers, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, Net One, and Telecel, to end their promotional offers. This has sparked concerns among citizens and activists that the government is attempting to suppress freedom of expression, especially considering the role of social media in recent protests. While some see the move as a way to protect national security, others view it as a government strategy to increase revenue from taxed voice calls. Econet's CEO confirmed the directive from POTRAZ. Critics argue that the directive will negatively affect businesses and the economy. The directive coincides with the government's development of a computer and cyber-crime law, purportedly to enhance national security and address social media abuse.
Zimbabwe Police Arrest 10 Protesters
In Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, over ten individuals were arrested during a protest against President Robert Mugabe's government's failure to tackle the nation's social and economic problems. The protest occurred outside Queens Sports Club during a cricket match between Zimbabwe and New Zealand. Among the arrested were members of Women of Zimbabwe Arise, Tajamuka-Sesijikile Campaign, #thisgown movement, and others. Jennie Williams, a prominent protester, was detained while attempting to use a fake five-dollar note to highlight the government's planned introduction of bond notes. Lawyers from Abammeli Lawyers for Human Rights are working to release the protesters. The protest also included singing the national anthem as a symbol of dissent, inspired by Pastor Evan Mawarire's call to action and in remembrance of cricketers Andy Flower and Henry Olonga's 2003 protest. Attendees expressed their frustration with the ongoing economic hardship and the hope for change.
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