Shamed for being a single mom

By Brenda Nozipho Ncube.

Being a single mother in a patriarchal African society is living in hell while still on earth. They are called names by the very society that should be protecting them.

When it comes to marriage, there is a general skepticism towards marrying a single mom. Men would approach them just to get a fix and move on as they are seen as cheap targets desperate for them.

There is an assumption in society that single mothers are failures in life. They are treated as outcasts, loose people who could not maintain and preserve their dignity until they marry.

On the other hand, men can have as much children they want even with different mothers before they marry and they will still want to marry a virgin or someone who does not have a child and the society is okay with that.

Why is it that the same society crucifies women in every interaction they have with men, whether they are the ones at fault or not? When the society scorns and shun women, where is the men?

In having a child, there are two people involved, a man and a woman. A woman will endure the nine months of humiliation, going around showcasing evidence of unprotected or ‘ungodly sex’ as they love to put it.

A woman will be blamed for failing to close her legs, but where is the man who got between those legs because if she did open them without a man surely she would have remained a virgin. She is blamed for allowing men to trick her but where is the man that tricked her into this?

Before the society call single mothers names, here is what you need to know: Sometimes she is a single mom because she could not settle for less. Because she deserved better than how the ‘baby daddy’ was treating her or because the ‘baby daddy’ was an abusive monster who drank her tears and could not provide for her.

So yes, being a single mom is sometimes a choice that society need to respect because no one would really want to get married to a loser only because he impregnated her. Given a second chance she would really make it worthwhile.

To men, if I could change your mind about marrying a single mom?

Firstly, she has evidence that she could bear children. If she managed to raise her kid by herself, what will make her fail to take care of you and your children?

This is a woman with a plan for her life, who has seen it all and she is ready to settle. She is tired of a dramatic life and given a second chance, she can make out a warm home.

And to single mothers, keep your heads high, you are the queen mothers and you deserve better. Never settle for less. If he is tripping, leave the nigga alone because he does not deserve you.

To the society, please mind your own businesses!

POPULISM, A CONTINUOUS THREAT TO DECOLONIALITY

Story by Michelle Masiyambiri

What is populism? In simple terms it is the widely believed. In lesser simpler terms it is a way of life that is widespread, leaving in its wake an organisation of forms of thinking and identities and behaviors. The populism way of thinking is difficult to challenge as it contains common nonsensical, taken-for-granted values. These are the values that people don’t often question and they are hailed as truthful and objectivity therefore plays a role in normalizing social order thereby maintaining a status quo. Populism can be constructed around race, ethnicity, gender and class, whereby the status quo is through hailing or superimposing the values of a particular race, ethnic group, gender or class in society, at the expense of the lesser. It is the compliance to these “unwritten commandments” that is critical. Populism plays a role in granting entitlement to land, power and citizenship. During colonization of Zimbabwe, whites were entitled Zimbabwe’s riches on the basis of race, while blacks were entitled to poverty. Blacks were actually viewed as non-beings without gender or class. The white race on the other hand was “godified.” Zimbabwe did not just win their independence back from the white settlers in 1980, they also inherited these colonial values that inferiority lacks while superiotizing the whites. The blacks still wanted to be white. There was what we call “a dependency inferiority complex”, a feeling that as a black man or woman, you remain incomplete. This has ensured that white superiority continues to rule, enabling the outflow of capital to the West. Another issue that has enabled this is ethnic cleavage which has allowed for the self-enrichment of a small ethnic group while the rest are impoverished in mass poverty. Some call it the replacement of race with ethnicity, forming an ethnic hierarchy.

Sexuality as a backbone of populism

The definition speaks to populism meaning there are widespread notions on sexuality, underlined by unwritten commandments, organising how men and women think, relate, identify and behave. At the centre of sexuality is the objectification of both men and women. Sexuality defines how men and women become inattentive to critical issues. Sexuality calls into question issues to do with race, gender and ethnicity. It is defined through the eyes of the spectacles of race, gender and ethnicity. Racism denied the existence of sexuality in the black race. It was for this reason that the word beauty does not exist in the eyes of the whites in view of the black. This explains the inferiority complex that the non-whites have had over the years. The knowledge that Africa has about sexuality is western oriented. The damage that was done on Africans cannot be undone again.

Social Media, Mental health and Consumerism

We are enslaved by the follows, likes and comments

Story by Blessing Mangwiro

Social Media has a significant impact on our lives as it lays a substantial influence on different aspects of digital life. In some way it has demystified communication between the individuals and public figures. The advent of social media made it simple for people to communicate with politicians, celebrities and corporate companies. Social media has been used to mobilize civil uprisings like the Arab springs and #ThisFlag. Politicians also campaign and mobilize followers for elections. Social media has been thought to be liberating the individual from the all-powerful mainstream media as it presents an interactive platform where people chose what to consume. It has also been thought to be freeing people from consumerism effect. The other benefits include marketing made easier, education and freedom of expression. However, it should be noted that amidst its positives, social media presents a conundrum of negative effects on its users. Online socialization presents young adults and teens to undesirable outcomes like increase in anxiety, stress, depression loneliness. It also increases the aspect of consumerism in various ways.

According to research by Rosen et al. in 2013, the negative impact of social media emanates from the constant need for gratification on the platforms. This gratification comes in the form of likes and comments. This need for instant gratification has been said to be causing social media addiction which various studies have shown that it affects 5% of young adults in the world and is described as potentially addictive more than alcohol and cigarettes. When one fails to get the desired likes on social media it may cause negative self-reflection. The failure to get the desires gratification which has been described as the desire for a hit of dopamine, may lead individuals to constantly refresh their social media feeds. Drouin, et al (2012) noted that this constant refreshing of one’s feed eventually gives a rise to Phantom vibration syndrome (PVS) which is a condition where one is addicted to the vibration of their cell phone. A victim of PVS is obsessed with checking social media messages leading to manifestations of anxiety.

Anxiety emanating from social media use eventually leads to depression. Rosen et al (2013) revealed that symptoms of major depression have been found on individuals who spent more time on online activities and performing image management on social media sites. The depression caused by social media often comes from the unreasonable expectations promoted on the sites. There is a certain idealized body image that is promoted on social media which is detrimental to self esteem and image. The people who are usually seen as influential on social media present their followers with a certain idealized lifestyle entrenching unrealistic lifestyles which the young people should have. Failure to meet these standards causes low self-esteem and lack of satisfaction with how one looks leading to depression. This increased risk of depression arguably leads to negative behaviors like prostitution, self-harm and even suicidal thoughts. A study carried out locally by Say What has shown that many University female students indulge in intergenerational relationships with older men to get benefits like iPhones to capture high quality pictures, clothing as well as money to participate in activities they show off on social media.

The aspect of cyber bullying also contributes to the detrimental effects of social media. In December a NUST female student’ nude videos were leaked by an ex-boyfriend. These acts leave one with lasting emotional scars. They can also be dangerous to one’s career if not handled well. In seeking validation from lovers and friends, young adults share pictures which are said to be private. But the problem with social media is once something is shared you lose control of it. This is the reason why many young adults fall victim to this form of cyber bulling. Social media has also been used to spread rumors and lies. A recent example is that of Sean Mutikani who commented on Sue Maoneke Tagwirei’s picture with her newly wed husband. The comment suggested Sue was once everyone’s girl at school. This caused havoc between Sue and her husband till Sean was made to apologize. This a classic example of how social media can be detrimental to lives as such there is need to carefully use social media.

The lifestyles displayed on social media influence people to buy more and keep up hence becoming victims of consumerism in a different way from main stream media advertising. As social creatures humans tend to evaluate personal lives based on how neighbors and friends are doing. Observation of friends going for vacations, eating fancy food and living in luxurious houses on social networks prompts imitation to try and keep up with ‘the standards.’ There are certain idealized body structures and skin tones on social media, this makes people spend money on products to attain the so-called ideal bodies. Social media provides targeted advertising to companies as they access our personal interests from posts and likes hence, we are influenced to buy more. Convenient shopping provided on social networks also increase consumerism I the comfort getting goods delivered to you rather than going to a shop. In a bid to chase likes social media users tend to buy more to attract attention. People buy nice things, trending products, fancy and fine food and drinks. This is mostly influenced by the fictitious lives people share online. Come to think about it, it is rare to see someone post their deepest struggles and problems rather they only post the made up, unrealistic versions of themselves. This leads to people over spending in trying to achieve a certain idealized lifestyle believing they can attain it to. Lacking the spending power is also another source of depression

Social media has become part of our life and its impact on how we perceive ourselves should not be taken for granted. Having noted that social media is increasingly playing a dominant role in our lives and it is associated with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, we must be careful of how to manage its impact on us. It should not be taken for granted as a communication system rather scrutinized for its socialization role. Social media is more powerful than the main stream media when it comes to influencing behavior and reinforcing identities. In these regards more research is needed regarding social media.  Another way to manage the impact of social media on mental health is to integrate social media lessons in social studies so that people become open minded to what is displayed on social media.

Goats as school fees

By Kenneth Moyo |

Zimbabwean state authorities say local people can now offer livestock like goats or perform some work at schools as a way of paying school fees for children.Primary Education Minister Lazarus Dokora and the ministry’s permanent secretary Sylvia Utete Masango said that this can be done by parents failing to raise cash in an economy hard-hit by crippling money shortages.

“This move has set social media sphere on fire with some people claiming that the government has crippled all operations in the country, forcing it to come up with an idea of batter trade in schools.”

Dokora is quoted by the newspaper as saying schools should be flexible and ensure that people without cash can either pay fees in the form of livestock or offer their services to school authorities. “On the issue of livestock, the community has to arrange a market where everyone participates; from the school authorities, local leadership and parents themselves to avoid being duped.”

His sentiments were echoed by Utete Masango who said, “In terms of valuation, school heads will stand in for the primary and secondary education ministry and school development committee members for parents. They will jointly determine the value of livestock, and can then use the money realized to upgrade school infrastructure or help with agriculture.”

This move has set the social media sphere on fire with some people claiming that the government has crippled all operations in the country, forcing it to come up with an idea of batter trade in schools.

Social media has met the goats-for-fees idea with a mixture of scorn and gallows humour. Zimbabwean novelist Tsitsi Dangarembga tweeted “If we had been told in 1970 ‘We are fighting to introduce cattle and goats as currency. Please help & die for this’ what would we have said?”; while another Twitter user – Innocent Mazombe, tweeted -Can I get a job as a goat evaluator?”

This development follows the recent tabling of a bill in parliament to direct banks to accept livestock as collateral for cash loans to informal businesses. The Movable Property Security Interests bill, if passed, will allow livestock and household appliances to be acceptable as collateral after evaluation and registration by the central bank.

Cash shortages hit Zimbabwe last year after the government threatened to grab all foreign companies operating in the country under the Indigenisation and Empowerment Law.Banks in Zimbabwe were compelled to reduce withdrawal bank limits for customers to as low as US$40

Schools Arts Sports & Science Festivals At A Glance

by Kenneth Moyo |

A growing number of Schools Arts, Sports and science festivals (SASSAF) are now taking place across schools in Zimbabwe. The SASAF are intended to be a platform for pupils to show their talents in sports, arts and in academic. Mabhukudwana primary school held their five-day SASSF program which ended on the 31 of March

Schools Arts, Sports and science festivals are intended to be a platform for pupils to show their talents in sports, arts and in academic

 Mabhukudwana primary Grade 2 students

During the festival, pupils from grade 0-7 participated in science displays. The main purpose of science displays is to empower participants with practical and theoretical knowledge, as well as experience to become (better) science show creators and/or performers. Participants worked in groups to carry out experiments and they presented their experiments in front of parents, teachers and other fellow students.

SASSF is in the framework of the new curriculum. According to Primary and Secondary Education minister Lazarus Dokora the new curriculum, saying it is going to open up opportunities for Zimbabweans to be skilful and not just be mere academics. He also said it was good for people to be academic, skills and other dimensions fulfilled in the updated curriculum would also make learning easy for pupils.

“SASSAF displays are not competitive programs,” said Mr Bango, Mabhukudwana headmaster. “They are activities carried out by students to show parents, teachers and other fellow students what they have been learning or just to show their talents.”

The new curriculum is work in progress thing said the Mr Bango. Pupils are continuously accessed and SASSAF is one way to assess pupils under the new curriculum.

Zimbabwe has been using one curriculum since 1980. The feeling is that the curriculum lacks practical skills training, known as psycho-motor. The Nziramasanga Report carried out in 1999 recommended a review of the education curriculum to incorporate psycho-motor skills.

Schools Sports and Science Festivals: At A Glance

by Kenneth Moyo |

The Schools Annual Sports and Science Festival are one of the most trending activities in Zimbabwe’s schools this year. It provides an amazing competitive environment for students from all over the nation to showcase their talents in academic, sports and arts.

“SASSAF is an event where by student showcase their talents in science, sports and in arts”

“SASSAF is an event where by student showcase their talents in science, sports and in arts, said Mrs K Nkomo, Nkulumane High SASSAF organiser. Mrs Nkomo said the SASSF program starts at school level and then we go on to cluster level, district level, provincial level and then final national level.

During the first term students participate at school level and cluster level and the second term they go on to district level and provincial level.

Mrs Nkomo said, “The new curriculum emphasizes on hands on, no student is said to be dull. We portfolio each student so that when they finish school they have at least one thing that they have achieved from school.”

Figure Nkulumane High School student display WUSHU

The events lined up for sports displays up included Dram Majorettes, Soccer for girls and boys, Basketball for boys and girls, Net ball, volley ball and Rugby.

In addition to conventional games, there was Wushu. Wushu is a Chinese martial art. It was one of eight sports being considered for a single spot in the 2020 Olympics. In May 2013 the IOC decided to drop wushu from the shortlist. Another vote to add a sport onto the 2020 Tokyo Olympic program in June 2015 found wushu short listed with another 7 sports, but again it was dropped from the list.

Wushu is both an exhibition and full-contact sport, derived from traditional Chinese martial arts. Wushu competitions are generally divided into two disciplines- taolu (forms) and sanda (sparring). Wushu is a sport developed in China in the 1940’s. The goal was to standardize the practice of traditional martial arts. Wushu actually means martial arts in Chinese: Wu means military or martial, and Shu means art.

Links

1. https://www.newsday.co.zw/2017/02/23/dokora-comes-defence-new-curriculum/
2. http://www.topendsports.com/events/summer/sports/wushu.htm
3. http://thezimbabwean.co/2017/02/statement-zimbabwes-new-school-curriculum/

STEM In Zimbabwe At A Glance

by Kenneth Moyo | 

STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines — science, technology, engineering and mathematics in an interdisciplinary and applied approach.

The initiative has been driven by the need for science and technology skills in various facets of the economy, something that government highlighted in its economic blueprint, the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (Zim-Asset).

Figure STEM STUDENTS AT MARIST BROTHERS HIGH SCHOOL

STEM was introduced in January 2016. STEM encourages ordinary students who obtained C or better in mathematics, biology, physics and chemistry to pursue sciences at advanced level.

The government has been paying fees for students who registered under STEM, which seeks to come up with a dynamic future for Zimbabwe by creating a critical mass of scientific mindsets that are empowered to create industries and markets of the future.

The STEM programme launched by the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education Science and Technology Development last year has seen beneficiaries for the Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth form totalling 10 495. Statistics released by the Zimbabwe Development Fund (Zimdef) show that 5 431 pupils enrolled for the Lower Sixth Form this year compared to 5 136 last year.

The number of Upper Six formers has reduced to 5 064 after some pupils were allegedly enticed by scholarships from the private sector. Zimdef has paid out $3 949 638, 99 for both classes as well as examination fees for the Upper Sixth formers. Statistics show that 533 pupils from Bulawayo have registered compared to about 500 last year while, Matabeleland North has 182 pupils compared to 145 last year and Matabeleland South dropped from 500 to 341.

Higher Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister, Professor Jonathan Moyo, is on record as saying his ministry will in the next 10 years produce 50 000 STEM technologists and engineers meant to industrialise and modernise Zimbabwe’s economy.

STEM REGISTRATION PROCEDURE

1. All students with grade C or better in STEM subjects should proceed to the school of their choice for ‘A’ level registration;
2. Registration for funding under this initiative is strictly for a combination of three or more of STEM subjects – Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology;
3. Upon registration, students should take the following documents to the nearest ZIMDEF offices in the province where their ‘A’ level school is located;
a) a certified copy of the result slip;
b) an admission letter from the school;
c) a certified copy of your birth certificate;
d) School invoices for tuition and boarding fees with banking details clearly stated;
e) school receipts if payment has already been made;

LINKS

1. http://www.techzim.co.zw/2017/02/1500-students-currently-receiving-free-education-zimbabwes-stem-initiative/

2. https://www.facebook.com/zimbayouth/posts/1300774006606249

3. http://www.chronicle.co.zw/stem-uptake-increases/

Zimbabwe’s New Education Curriculum At A Glance

by Kenneth Moyo| 

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education effected the new curriculum in January 2017. The Minister Dr Lazarus Dokora said that the new education syllabus is meant to modernize the education system to be in line with modern technologies and an assessment on the schools’ infrastructure is going to be conducted to see if they are ready for the new system.

The aims of the new curriculum include motivating learners to cherish their Zimbabwean identity and value their heritage, history and cultural tradition and preparing them for participatory citizenship.

The Minister also said that the new Curriculum framework will prepare graduates of the education system to have the following skills: critical thinking, problem solving abilities, leadership skills, good communication skills, team building and technological skills.
The Framework outlines the following learning areas for the three learning levels:

Infant School:
•Indigenous Language as medium of instruction
•Visual and Performing Arts (Expressive Arts)
•Physical Education
•Mass Displays
•Mathematics and Science
•Social Studies (Family and Heritage Studies)

Junior School
•Languages
•Mathematics
•Social Studies
•Science and Technology
•Agriculture
•Information and Communication Technology
•Visual and Performing Arts
•Family, Religion and Moral Education
•Physical Education, Sport and Mass Display

Forms 1 to 4
•Heritage Studies (embracing Zimbabwe Constitution)
•Mathematics
•Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, Biology option Gen Science
•Humanities including History, Geography, Religious Studies, Sociology, Economic History
•Literature in Indigenous Languages and in English
•Indigenous Languages and English Language
•Foreign Languages: French, Swahili, Chinese, Portuguese
•ICT: Programming Language and Packages
•Agriculture
•Commercials: Accounting, Commerce, Economics, Business and Enterprise Skills
•Practical subjects: Wood, Metal, Textile Technologies
•Physical Education, Sport and Mass Displays

The new curriculum will also prepare learners for life and work in an indigenised economy and increasingly globalised and competitive environment and ensuring learners demonstrate desirable literacy and numeracy skill, including practical competences necessary for life.

Other aims of the new system are preparing and orienting learners for participation in voluntary service and leadership and fostering life-long learning in line with the emerging opportunities and challenges of the knowledge society.

The new curriculum is to be implemented in seven phases (2016-2022) and implementation commenced as of January this year.

Phase 1 is concerned with preparation and syllabus development said Mr Bango, Mabhukudwana primary headmaster. “It focuses attention to areas such as development and printing of syllabuses, development of learning materials (text books, handbook and manuals), induction of all teachers into the new curriculum, syllabus interpretation for teachers and supervisors taking the following classes in 2017: ECD ‘A’, Grade 1, Grade 3, Form 1, Form 3 and Form 5.”

However, Gogo Moyo says the new curriculum has a lot of demands. Grade ECD is required to have books meant for form four. “I have to buy six to seven counter-books for grade ECD,” said Gogo maMoyo.

Honorable P. Masuku, Matabeleland Member of parliament said, they have received complaints from parents on the new curriculum. “The new curriculum was introduced when the economy of our country is in bad shape, said MP Masuku. “And the introduction of ECD A and B is problematic because there is no infrastructure for those grades.

Moreover, MP Masuku said the teachers had not been orientated or educated about the new curriculum. As the students are learning the teachers are also learning.

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Bulawayo citizen’s Insights on the Shortage of Roller Meal

By Mightyman Nsingo

The Government is set to increase the price of roller meal at a time when there is serious shortage of the product. This comes after they reviewed the price from ZWL$ 50 to 70 last month.

We went out to around the city to hear their thoughts on the issue. The citizens expressed concerns on this issue, labeling corruption to be at the center. They noted that no matter the price increase shortages of the product on the shop will continue.

Find out more on this issue on:

GMB suspends Bulawayo managers

Subsidised roller meal price to go up

Govt owes us $120m in roller meal subsidy: Millers

Mealie meal shortages persist

NUST JMS Department lends support to Matopo Mission’s proposed Radio project