Standard Style 23 Nov 14

nov 23 to 29, 2014

I SSUE 30

Star Profile

Napoleon “DJ Napstar” Nyanhi

Inside

Nonhlanhla Tutani

style@standard.co.zw

The Standard

Style

2 THE STANDARD STYLE / CONTENTS The Standard

Style

November 23 to 22 2014

Contents P08

Woman & Man 3 Woman Profile

Nonhlanhla Tutani

5 Motivation

Tafadzwa

7 Man Profile

Napoleon Nyanhi

Dear readers

Home & Garden

P14

9 Home of the Week

Enter our competition

10 Trends

Floors

12 Gardening

Grow the taste of Christmas

Food & Drink

P07

P09

14 Restaurant Guide

Inglenook Restaurant

15 Wine

Lebbie

Family 19 Family of the Week

Mawarire family

21 Education

Cover to Cover winners

24 Family Getaway

Zim’s Answer to Cesar Milan

Arts 26 Breaking New Ground

P19

28 Bookworm

Alice Makaya

Warm greetings from the Style Desk!

So the Standard Style is coming to life! It really is, and you definitely want to be part of this! We will be hosting a fun filled Christmas Family Fun Day in a few weeks which will basically be like The Standard Style itself, only in person!

Christmas being a time to indulge in beauty and festivity, celebrating love and the togetherness of family, there is no better way to show warmth and gratitude to near and dear ones than bringing them all together and having lots of fun. The Fun Day will have the Standard family all in one place so we can all simply soak in the holiday spirit, connect and create everlasting relationships as well as generally celebrate Christmas in Style, literally!

Oh you simply cannot miss this though! There is going to be lots of activity going on, ranging from exhibition markets, and lots of entertainment and showcases that will speak to all sections of the magazine. With the theme of a family Christmas, these will include exhibitors and activities which cover the whole of Style.

You can expect to see your Style Stars and get pictures with them (and autographs, obviously!), gifts from Santa for the kids, fashion shows, makeover booths, entertainment by artists, bands and groups, exhibitions of gadgets and cars, garden and home, food and drink as well as cooking and baking shows.

This indeed will be the Christmas Family Fun Day of the year, and we are so looking forward to seeing you there! More on this shall be showcased in coming issues of the Style, so do make sure you grab your copy first thing in the morning every Sunday, just like you did today….. good on you!

My warmest,

Zim divided into readers and watchers

Prudie – Style Desk

29 Celeb News

To advertise in The Standard Style magazine please phone (04) 773930-8 Patience Mutimutema pmutimutema@alphamedia.co.zw Khalisto Manyanye kmanyanye@alphamedia.co.zw Nyasha Makovere nmakovere@alphamedia.co.zw

Emergency Numbers: 0772 122 122 Coming to save you www.roadangels.info

0732 122 122

0713 122 122

THE STANDARD STYLE / WOMAN / PROFILE 3

November 23 to 29 2014

Star Profile: Miss V Candy

Nonhlanhla Tutani Prudence Muganiwah

M

iss V Candy is a radio, television and music personality with a difference. The current well-known host of CLUB E on the national channel ZBC-TV together with Marc Mandisoul, the Xhosa born Zimbabwean beauty also used to co-host the Heartbeat of Radio weekdays show on the popular radio station, ZiFM. Recently, she has ventured into music and has featured on a track by NYLA of Brick and Lace. This experience has probably contributed to her decision to want to release her debut single ‘Mayhem’ which will feature the other sister Nyanda of Brick & Lace. The song is part of the Zambezi movie soundtrack.

Clearly quite a multi-tasker in the making, the fun-loving and easy going Miss V Candy is the co-owner along with Marc Mandisoul of Entertainment Afrika, a production company which was founded in February 2014. “I have loved entertainment from a very young age, music makes me high and I am driven by a desire to be a global personality.”

Among the things she loves most is meeting people and sharing her creative thoughts. “I love giving people an extension of what I feel and experience in my life through my work, especially on radio and I just love being able to make someone smile and make their day!”

Miss V Candy says it is her wish to inspire other young people and develop the film/TV production industry in Zimbabwe.

“I want to inspire young people, make them understand that it is okay to dream and never be afraid to do what’s in their heart and spirit, I want to help develop the industry through putting out productions that set a standard for others to aspire to and I see the local industry growing rapidly.”

She took a leap of faith when she left radio to set up her own business, which she says was her biggest challenge as “nobody thought it was a good idea, and adapting to the fact that now I just don’t wait for pay but have to generate income. It is a process but a worthwhile challenge. It’s not easy but I guess it’s going okay,” she says optimistically.

Miss V Candy says she puts her trust in God in all her endeavours. “I think believing in God and yourself is the biggest principle and the world will be a better place if we accept our differences and just acknowledge each other. We can’t all be teachers, bankers etc, everyone has their calling.”

The carefree personality who loves watching movies and listening to music, says she loves spending time with her parents, sister and brothers, “I enjoy being home with them and family functions and just growing the bond.”

As a high achieving individual who is on a mission to take the media by storm, the warm and soft spoken Miss V Candy says so far, she is grateful for the milestone she reached by recording a single with the one half of Brick & Lace. “Special thanks to Mr. Marc Mandisoul, for facilitating that and making it happen, it was a the moment working with a bonafide superstar and looking forward to the video.”

Currently working on a project to help young girls

who want to get into media as a business, she says she is positive it will soon make an impact on the scene and help not only to develop media personalities but media entrepreneurship for girls. “In the next five years I hope to be an international personality who will put the nation on the map through media, and have people all over the world recognizing it for beautiful things through my work, breaking barriers and new ground.”

Drawing her inspiration from Oprah Winfrey and generally women who have made a mark in a maledominated society as well as people who have not been confined by their backgrounds like Helen Keller and Bishop Tudor Bismarck, Miss V Candy is determined to get to the top. “I dislike proud people and no matter where you are humbleness is key and humility will bring you more blessings and fulfillment.”

Do you have any piece of advice you would like to impart to younger generations who are pursuing similar interests as yours?

I suppose one can only be inspired when Miss V Candy flashes one of her infectious smiles and says confidently, “The time is now, go for it, don’t be afraid and always keep aspiring to be the best you can be. Be fully sold to Jesus and carried by his amazing grace!”

4 THE STANDARD STYLE / WOMAN / FASHION

November 23 to 29 2014

Yolanda Lindsay Mabuto

Counterfeit H

AVE you ever been coaxed by a 70% off fragrance sale or approached by a sales rep who offered you a hundred millilitres fragrance for US$ and you could not resist? When something seems too good to be true, it probably is not genuine. You must be cautious of bargains because it is highly unlikely that you will find a genuine fragrance at a very low price and you have to be suspicious of what’s in it for it to be that cheap. If you’re not sure of the authenticity, do not buy it! It is reported that up to 10% of perfumes in the market place are fakes and these are easily absorbed into the skin and are highly harmful.

Dermatologist Jeannette Graf said she had never seen a reaction

perfumes

are harmful

from real perfumes, but fake ones can cause inflammation of the skin or respiratory problems. Counterfeit perfumes do not undergo the usual safety standards that are applied to all cosmetics and when cheaper ingredients are used, these may cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin.

Shockingly, urine was found as a substitute of stabilisers in fake f r a grances in addition to anti-freeze, bacteria and Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)-carcinogen that is considered to be one of the most toxic chemical for humans. Do not put your health at risk and choose your fragrances wisely.

THE WEDDING PLANNER

How to Control Your Guest List – Part 1 Rufaro Mushonga

L

ET’S assume you would like to have 300 guests at your wedding. You have to involve all stakeholders in putting together your guest list. So the bride has her list, the groom has his list, and parents on both sides have their lists. You put all these lists together and you end up with 800 guests in total. This can be a nightmare to deal with. Maybe you do not have the finances to host this number of guests. Maybe you do have the finances, but you don’t want a huge wedding –

and you don’t know even half of the guests that are on the list. Before you start working on your list, you need to explain to all stakeholders what your vision for your wedding is. Getting your parents to understand is not always easy, so make sure you approach them with caution.

Communicate your wedding vision respectfully to your parents

When it comes to wedding planning, parents need to be handled delicately. Yes, it’s your special day, but it’s also a very special day for them.

They are excited and would want all family members, friends and church members to be at the wedding. It is your duty as a couple to explain your vision to them. You will have to give your parents a specific number of invitations and limits to the number of guests they can invite.

Give them valid reasons why you have given them a limit.

Do not restrict them without an explanation, and do not treat them like children.

Work on their lists with them if possible.

Define the word “friend”

Invite

only

your

current

friends to your wedding. We all have “frenemies” on social media - you know - the ones you want to invite to witness your wedding because they once told you that you will never get married, or they rubbed their wedding celebration in your face while you were still single. Do not invite them. And are all your Facebook friends really your friends? If you haven’t spoken to them in more than a year, you don’t email each other or even chat online, do not invite them.

There are friends you used to be close to and they invit-

ed you to their wedding five years ago. You haven’t spoken to them since then. Do you really need to invite them?

If you are going through a diary from the year 2008 looking for people to invite, then get rid of that diary right now! 2013 and 2014 diaries are acceptable.

Don’t feel sorry for all your single friends by allowing them to bring a partner. They don’t have partners. Let them be single and mingle at the wedding. You can extend a “plus one” to friends whom you know are in serious relationships. Good luck with this one!

Remember, when you are feeling guilty about all the people you left off the guest list, you will never be able to please everyone, no matter how many guests you settle

on. So focus on having the wedding that you want, not on “people-pleasing.”

Rufaro Mushonga rufmush@gmail.com Photography by RedPhoto

THE STANDARD STYLE / INSPIRATION 5

November 23 to 29 2014

Becoming the person others will want to emulate Cynthia Hakutangwi

D

o you know whether you have what it takes to become a great leader, the kind who attracts people and makes things happen? True leadership develops from the inside out. If you can become the leader you ought to be on the inside, you will be able to become the leader you want to be on the outside.

According to British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, “Leadership is the capacity and will to rally men and women to a common purpose and the character which inspires confidence.” In the introductory remarks of this series on Reconciling your Private and Public Life for Optimum Productivity, we established that the key objectives were to identify and evaluate critical issues relating to the interplay between private and public life of the leader as well as to design a personal change process leading to optimum productivity.

Some of the external factors affecting public and private life we identified included Performance Pressure, Technological Pressure and Cor-

porate Downsizing. On the other hand, the internal demands identified which also exert tremendous demands on the lives of individuals included Success Sickness, a pressure which is often a result of a lack of strategic framework and the “Peers Pressure” which is simply personal indiscipline leading to spending resources to impress on things of minimal value to integrated personal life.

Growing up in the 80’s, I vividly remember the craze that followed Michael Jackson’s release of his popular hits Bad and Thriller, which literally took the world by storm. Young Michael in the prime of his music career then drew such an incredible followership that continues even to this day beyond his life on earth. Of note however, was the controversy that brewed when he created the impression that his original identity was inferior to the stardom and success he had achieved. It was at this point that some of his fans began to grow cold as they questioned his identity crisis. On reflection I realise that many of my peers did not think much about his apparent desire to

disassociate with his birth identity and race for as long as he remained successful in his music career. Their concerns only became real issues to them when the star started to suffer from the side effects of his earlier choices and decisions. This brought to my mind a realisation of the need to consistently remain true to our identity in spite of progress and success.

As a leader on any level,

Our Mothers’ Hopeful Hope Tafadzwa Zimunhu Taruvinga

Sweet melodies and mighty kicks I’ve seen them, mothers. I’ve seen these mothers in their numbers. They walk a resolute walk. A purposeful boisterous stride. I’ve seen their undying hope for lives but their own, when they’re quite prepared to die for their children. Before their children are born, they sing for them many songs. They refute the barrier’s existence.

They hope that their unborn sons can hear their songs of hope.

They hope and they know.

They know that their songs are the sweet melodies that foment the mighty kicks from within. I’ve seen them, these hopeful mothers.

Against All Odds, From Today They toil in the rain and in the muddy fields, the relentless mothers. They hope for the grains beneath to yield a million more. When they harvest the million grains, they pound each of them patiently. They will snatch the bottles of poison away from their sons’ firm grasps, and they will slap the foolish sons. The slapped will sit obediently and eat heartily, their mothers’ love. Their mothers’ hopeful hope, the epitome of all hopes, speaks to the hearts of those who dare. The audaciously bold who dare to start a new count on a new day. They can now fulfil their mothers’ dreams the slapped and audacious, in time without end. Against all

odds, against all uncertainties. There’s no love greater than that of these our mothers. And no greater hope.

And therefore, who can birth a hopeful tomorrow, starting today, if not ourselves? Tafadzwa Taruvinga is a Customer Service Consultant and the first author of a book on Customer Service Excellence in Zimbabwe, entitled “Serve Your Customers EXCELLENTLY, Or Not At All!”, published in June 2014. He is also a Member of the Advisory Council of Customer Value Creation International (CVCI).

Tafadzwa can be contacted on e-mail at tafadzwazt@ gmail.com and his profile is available on www.customervaluecreation.org/ About-Us

how you deal with the circumstances of life tells your followers many things about your character. Whilst we have no control over a lot of things in life, yet we do choose our character. In fact, we create it every time we make choices. It is our character that determines who we are, what we see and what we do. As we prepare to embrace yet another new year, let us spend some time looking at

the major areas of our life and identify areas we might have cut corners, compromised, or let people down.

Having done this we must commit to rebuild because it is one thing to face up to our past actions and another to build a new future.

Cynthia is a Communications and Personal Development Consultant, a Life Coach, Author, and Strate-

gist. She is the Managing Consultant of Wholeness Incorporated.

Her published book titles include “The Whole You – Vital Keys for Balanced Living” and “Intelligent Conversations: A mindset shift towards a developed Africa.”

E-mail: cynthia@wholenessincorporated.com

6 THE STANDARD STYLE / MAN / GROOMING

November 23 to 29 2014

Attention to DETAIL try good old starch to lock down your collar

Marshall Malikula It’s one thing to buy a shirt and it’s another how you wear it. Metaphorically speaking, the devil is in the detail. Styling makes all the difference, it’s the little things that matter -- attention to detail. There are quicker ways to transform your ordinary clothes from drab to awesome.

•

•

Bottom buttons of your blazers, jackets, waist coats and cardigans stay undone

•

The sleeve of your jacket should expose one and a half to two centimetres of the cuff of your shirt

•

•

P

For starters, before wearing a suit remove all tags and branding, especially on the sleeve Whether your suit is Gucci or Valentino please do not do it, it’s criminal!

•

Add a dimple in your ties

•

Never overload your pockets, it gives unsightly bulges in places you don’t need them

•

Opt for real leather belts with brass buckles that can double up for jeans and suits

•

Match your belt with your shoes

•

A fresh shine of your kicks makes all the difference

•

The ankles of your pants should never scrunch at the bottom.

Give a new lease of life to illfitting garments you love by taking them to a professional tailor

•

White Tee-shirt under a dress shirt is a relic of the 50s. Do not do it unless your shirt is sheer

Do not skimp on good quality fabrics, always choose the best

•

Invest in a good wrist watch

Nothing ruins your outfit than a shirt with flaps that fly in all directions. Invest in collar sticks or

Marshall Malikula is a Brand manager, Image Consultant, Stylist and he can be reached on marshmalikula@gmail.com

MY ACCESSORY OF THE WEEK

A good wrist watch

Re-energised Powertel, continues to grow as they rebrand.

OWERTEL, has embarked on an aggressive campaign as they set the tone right with the introduction of the new brand Powertel. The new dynamic Powertel brand with new corporate look has been launched recently and is set to move with the new campaigns and developments at the licensed Internet Access Provider. The new customer centric logo retains blue as the dominant colour with a forward moving arrow signifying innovation in the telecommunications industry. ”We are building on the best of the past and the best for the future. We have re-energised our look drawing strength from our history and heritage, whilst consciously remaining future focused” said Mr Willard Nyagwande.

In simple, the new logo fuses the old and the new to enhance and make a stronger statement of who we are, what we represent and our future focus. The new corporate identity that was adopted represents a cross integration of qualities embedded within the last two PowerTel logos- namely the current logo and its predecessor There are various celebrations around the brand with the following notable successes: Refreshed product scope Powertel recently increased their

New advanced billing system Customers and are able to enjoy real time value and convenience in recharging with the introduction of the advanced billing system by Powertel.

Interesting insights of the Powertel newly energised look Maintains the current logo name typography format.

product scope with the introduction of the new voice service, prepaid electricity, new virtual private networks standardisation and reduced cost on internet services. Powertel have also interconnected with all networks hence customers are able to call across networks at the most affordable prices.

Powertel also offers carrier services to other telecommunications operators and the new icon will set the brand apart as it represents their capacity to support every Zimbabwean telecoms operator. It also fuse in the dimension of new innovations that comes with networks capacity.

Increased capacity The recent optimization of the base stations, increased coverage and interconnection on voice amongst others are some of the reasons behind

the celebrations. Powertel have also increased their distribution capacity with the introduction of third party channels around Zimbabwe.

They also recently introduced their state of the art network operations centre which is set to introduce another customer dimension interms of technical customer resolutions.

National 24/7 call centre Powertel recently introduced their national contact centre which operates 24/7 thus giving unmatched customer experience to their customers. The call centre is also outsourced to other customers as virtual contact centre services. The award winning call centre serves Powertel customers and all electricity customers which makes it the biggest national call centre.

Retains the name Powertel Communications Retains the current payoffline“Imagine it, Live it!”. This symbolises giving customers the power to be in control through converged services. In this customers enjoy voice, data, and video all from single billing system.

Refreshes the corporate colours Blue- representing trust, strength, and dependability. We will endeavour to be customer centric always and we will continue to find solutions that will address our customer ever-changing demands.

Red representing excitement, boldness and youthfulness Black symbolising the elegance and formality of our brand Introduces a ‘Motion wheel’ symbolising the motion world- how we are continuously evolving, innovating and moving forward

The meaning of POWER! Progressive and Pioneering.

Objective Willpower Energy Resilience Powertel’s services includes internet services, branch to branch connectivity, mobile broadband service, professional services, carrier services for other telecommunications operators, voice services and other value added services that comes with internet.

NB: All correspondence will be directed to the below staff members.

Engineer S Maminimini Powertel Communications Managing Director Willard Nyagwande Powertel Communication Commercial Director Fullard Gwasira Zesa Holding Group Stakeholder Relations Manager Prosper Mutswiri Marketing Manager Powertel Communications Attach the brand architecture

THE STANDARD STYLE / MAN / PROFILE 7

November 23 to 29 2014

Star Profile: Napoleon “DJ Napstar” Nyanhi

Pics for Man Profile are by Tnash Photography or Tinashe Njagu

Napoleon “DJ Napstar” Nyanhi Prudence Muganiwah

N

apoleon Nyanhi, aka DJ Napstar has literally stolen radio listeners hearts through his smooth, easygoing and laid back feel whenever he takes over the mic. The talk show host, who hosts business, political, economic and social discussions from 6.30pm to 9.00pm on weekdays on Star FM says his passion is communication.

“Any channel that allows for selfexpression excites me and it gives me great satisfaction to know that I participate in giving someone information that can change their life for the better,” says the young DJ who worked as a dance choreographer for a while after university.

Nyanhi believes his role as a thought leader for young Zimbabweans is to keep them informed and encourage responsible living. “The media platforms afford me the opportunity to be a standard bearer for them and facilitate their participation in nation-building.”

Napstar speaks proudly of being the first Zimbabwean journalist to conduct red carpet interviews for awards live on radio from South Africa, an event which happened in April 2014 at the South African Music Awards. What he enjoys most about what he does, he says, is switching on the microphone and knowing that every word I say goes to the world and I can’t take it back. That risk exhilarates me!”

DJ Napstar as he is affectionately known, says one of his toughest challenges in building his career is not having enough money to do what he needs to do.

“I guess that’s everyone’s challenge but it’s still challenge.”

However a resilient attitude towards life and determination to reach his goals has led the young man and father to where he finds himself today. He lists his most important values as: - God first – Everything and everyone

else comes after God’s will - Excellence - kana wafunga kudya

imbwa idya iri hono!(grab the bull by its horns)

- Relationships are priceless - Punctuality – As an event host I’ve learnt the importance of time

management since events rely on

me to keep time - Emotional labour – my public

persona has taught me

to be happy even when I’m having

a really bad day for the sake of my

fans and clients.

Napoleon speaks passionately about the world becoming one global village and marvels at the way the Internet and social media in particular have made it possible for communication between two people from across continents to happen. “It has made it possible for me in Zimbabwe to converse with Larry King in the US in real time about issues in our industry.”

Napstar believes that we as Zimbabweans need to fully utilise emerging forms of media in order to be in touch with the rest of the world. “I am a proponent of the provision of internet connectivity to the remote parts of our country. Every Zimbabwean needs to be online.”

Being a family guy, DJ Napstar says family is his sanctuary. “My job can be really demanding but their support and ability to give me peace when I get home is priceless.”

Having studied marketing and thus a marketer by profession with seven years’ experience in TV production, DJ Napstar says he if he hadn’t chosen radio, he would have been in marketing and TV production. A firm believer in motivating others and pushing younger people to do better, the inspiring and positiveminded personality is also involved with the Boost Fellowship as a volunteer judge and facilitator for their university competitions on community impact projects.

Furthermore, he is also a member of the St Johns High School Alumni committee, which conducts career guidance days and fundraising activities for the school.

Typically starting his day off with gym at 5am, Napoleon usually follows this up with live traffic updates on radio which most are now familiar with, and this involves going around town noting traffic

issues for his traffic report which he then gives live on radio. The rest of the day is usually taken up by video shoots for his television programmes such as Coke On The Beat, Economic Forum and Superbrand Hub, production meetings at Star FM, preparations for his evening talk shows which involve research, calls to potential guests, and compiling interview material.

Citing chicken mushroom as his favourite food, Napoleon says he gets really annoyed by Zimbabweans who are ashamed of “being Zimbo”, “Especially those that seek sophistication by putting on a foreign accent… aaargrrhh I can’t stand that!!”

Not surprisingly, DJ Napstar’s role models are typically the people who taught him how to rock radio. “These include Innocent Tshuma, Comfort Mbofana, Tich Mataz, DJ Munya, Leander Kandiero and Admire Taderera. Their contribution was priceless and they continue to inspire me.

On TV presenting, I follow Larry King very closely.”

Asked if he had any other interesting facts that he would want Zimbabwe to know, DJ Napstar had a most amusing and cute answer said with so much pride, “The only prize I ever won in primary and high school was a traditional dancing prize in Grade 4!”

As a parting shot to the young people to whom he wishes so much to make a difference, Napoleon had this to say, “To young Zimbabweans I say relationships are the key to business and career success. Relationships can be in three forms: - Mentors – Someone at a higher level

than you who can impart life lessons

to you - Peers – those at your level with

whom you compare

notes and sharpen each other - Mentees – Those who are at a lower

level in whom you invest and raise to

a higher level than you are All your associates should fall within these categories. If they don’t, then they are of no value to you – harsh but true!

8 THE STANDARD STYLE / MAN / WHEELS Fact Jeke

B

ACK in the 80s into 90s we never had mini busses to take us from point A-B, just cabs and big Zupco buses driving to the city. Well, now it’s a different story all together, we have mini buses in all sizes from your 10-seater to the famous 18-seaters, which we commonly refer to as kombis.

Sitting on the showroom floor of Nissan Clover leaf Motors is a legend in passenger transportation. The Nissan NV350, comes with all the comfort, space and economy which any corporate or individual will enjoy.

First introduced as the Nissan E20 in 1973 and today carries a strong sense of nostalgia, and is remembered as one of the most legendary products of its time. The Nissan E20 was the great symbol of the Golden City on the move.

From Noord Street to Meadowlands, from Isando to Mamelodi, fleets of these tough and reliable vehicles streamed the highways and bi-ways and even went as far as the most inhospitable rural areas. This legend grew in all parts of South Africa before spilling over into Zimbabwe. The Nissan E20 had over several years established itself as the “Chief Taxi of South Africa”. Years on, revamped and eager to take the city roads and highways, Admire Ndumo and the Sales teams at Nissan CloverLeaf Motors on Mutare Road in Msasa are

November 23 to 29 2014

Return of a Legend– the Nissan NV350 ready to upgrade transport operators and add to your corporate fleet by ordering the Nissan NV350 Impendulo.

With exceptional fuel economy, a spacious and comfortable passenger area, dynamic bold styling and safety mean the Nissan NV350 Impendulo is the destination of choice for taxi operators who demand the best, both for their business and for their customers.

The bold, dynamic looks of the Nissan NV350 Impendulo, with its angled strut grille, create a powerful presence that shows you mean business. Inside, the generously sized driver’s cabin is designed to be comfortable, appealing and, above all, functional. A multifunctional instrument display is positioned centrally for increased visibility of the gauges and indicators. Large, thoughtfully designed storage pockets and drink holders complete the practicality of the driver’s cabin, offering an attractive and functional workplace for any driver.

Designed to carry 15 passengers and a driver in comfort, the Nissan NV350 Impendulo offers comfortable passenger seats with an easy-fold aisle seat to make entry and exit effortless, as does the large sliding door which opens high and wide. Convenience and com-

fort is enhanced with stylish side windows and back rests. It can also be used as a delivery vehicle or modified to be an ambulance.

With more space and legroom for passengers wherever they sit, every trip is a pleasure.

A fuel-injected 2,5 litre petrol engine ensures the Nissan NV350 Impendulo offers incredible economy along with the power to get the job done. Together with its 5-speed manual transmission, smooth and responsive acceleration from start to cruising speed ensures you deliver your customers to their destinations efficiently and reliably every time. The Nissan NV350 Impendulo’s ultra rigid body provides strength and stability in all conditions. Safety is maximised with ABS, Brake Assist, driver and passenger airbags as well as a Zone Body Structure that consists of safety and crushable zones. Getting your customers from A to B – and back again – safely and reliably every time.

This is not just any mini bus or kombi, it’s luxury with a capital letter “L”. For pricing and availability see the sales team at Nissan Clover Leaf Motors.

Email: missjeke@gmail.com Additional Source: Quickpic & Nissan SSA

THE STANDARD STYLE

HOME & GARDEN

COMPETITION

Send us a picture of your Home and enter “ZIMBABWE’S MOST BEAUTIFUL HOME” competition and stand a chance to win a self catering holiday for two couples in the picturesque Eastern Highlands

style@standard.co.zw

Specification: JPEG minimum size 2MB picture quality 300dpi

This week’s code: STDSTYHM30

10 THE STANDARD STYLE / HOME & GARDEN / TRENDS

November 23 to 29 2014

Fabulous Floors (Part 2) Hard Wood Floors There is no denying the beauty of a polished wooden floor. It is one of the most elegant types of flooring available. Hardwood flooring comes in a wide range of woods in either plank or tile form. Woods that one can choose from are Maple, Pecan, Beech, Cherry, Oak, Pine, Birch, Walnut, Hickory, Teak, Acacia, Sandalwood, Tiger wood, Mahogany, Pine, Rosewood, Mulberywood, Bamboo, Eucalyptus, Cumaru, Taun, Sapeli and Saligna. The list is endless and the type of wood you choose depends on your budget, purpose and durability. Some of these woods mentioned here are not indigenous to Zimbabwe but can be made available to you through local floor specialists who may import it for you.

Your paint provider can literally pick a shade from your wood finish and mix paint for your walls. This helps create a flow and balance out with your fixtures so that the room appears bigger or smaller depending on your preference. If your wood finish has a warm undertone, your wall colour must also have warm undertones, miss matching undertones will result in walls looking dirty and your floors looking aged and dull. Oak, mahogany, yellowwood and teak floors show understated elegance and are complimented well with beautifully crafted furniture that has wooden legs

Showcase your floor with well crafted furniture pieces – Photo - HGTV

Contrast with your ceilings, window and door frames or architraves Solid wood especially Teak is a great way to style your home in terms of frames for windows and doors. This not only adds value to your home but also give it’s a classic timeless appeal that stands out from the neighbourhood. Beamed or barrel ceilings that have contrasts can use the same wood as your floors to continue with the wood theme. To complete this look you can also have the same wood as your architraves and choose tinted windows to show case your wood.

Furniture and wall colours have to be in warm light natural or white shades so as not to drown your wood features

Create a sleek look with ebonised or dark wood floors. They work well with lighter walls for a balanced lived in effect – photo ww.luxurydesignfloors.ie The colour of your wood flooring plays an important role in deciding the final atmosphere of your décor project. Light woods, wood wash or wood stain give an illusion of space and plays to natural light. These are most suitable to smaller rooms. Dark woods draw in the size of a room and are best contrasted with light walls and high ceilings.

We look at contrasts to consider when choosing your wooden floors:

Contrast with your walls and furniture

Contrasting your ceiling, windows and door frames with hardwood floors to create a classic commonality that exudes luxury – Photo – www.jpdschoolofdesign.com

Contrast with your cabinetry For a country or farm house look with a modern twist, you can match your wooden floors to your cabinets using the same type of wood but different stain, finish and polish intensity.

Why you should consider wood?

Hardwood flooring provides a long-lasting product, wear resistant surface that could be refinished if necessary.

Wooden floors warm up a room are classic in nature and rarely go out of décor fashion, age well giving your floors old world charm. They are a perfect styling point for your home as they increase the value of your home.

White Wooden Floors contrasted with shades of white to create an illusion of space and purity - Photo: Houseto Home.co.uk

However, some hardwoods flooring may darken, shrink and expand creating gaps and bumps in the floor surface. It is imperative then that you review the pros and cons of each flooring option and be

You can match your cabinetry to your desired hardwood floors for a timeless look. Photo – www.amazonaws.com aware of your home’s humidity levels, floor water retention – i.e. is your home on a wetland and is it a special foundation, have you taken necessary precautions to insulate against dampness and any other that may affect wood.

Till then, Live and love your home.

Credits – www. Houzz.com, www.amazonaws.com www.luxurydesignfloors.ie www.decoist.com Noma Ndlovu is an Interior Designer & Property Stylist.

Feedback on unaminkosi@yahoo.co.uk. www.facebook. com/unamihomestyle +263775402083

THE STANDARD STYLE / HOME & GARDEN /INSPIRATION 11

November 23 to 29 2014

Affordable living room makeovers

Spacework

F

OR those of you who worry that your family room could win a drab decor award, then we have a treat for you; super stylish room makeover ideas that prove your living room can be transformed on a budget.

Firstly, take a look-feel tour in your living room and pick out areas where you can cut the clutter. According to designer Kathy Hoffman, “Clutter distracts guests from seeing the important pieces.

This is especially important in the living room because it’s often the room that gives the first impression of your home.” A clutter-free room makes it easy to put your favourite things on display. “Over the fireplace, create one focal point with a few accent pieces. Display photos in nice frames alongside a small collection of books. Large collections should be displayed in their own space, whether in a bookcase or on a shelf [1].”

Having cleared your room for its makeover; simply start by re-

arranging your living room furniture. Experiment with the room’s layout, to create a comfy yet conversational ambiance for your living room. To freshen up your furniture, add new toss pillows [2].

And for a bold feature statement, harness the transformative power of paint by painting the walls in an accent colour.

Adding style underfoot is a great way to update your living room. We love and enjoy graphic bold rugs because they are available in a wide variety of patterns and are a quick-and-easy way to add character to any room on a budget [3].

Since your living room is where you are likely to entertain guests and spend quality time with family, making lighting key for setting the proper mood. Create a feature with a sparkling metallic pendant [4]. Or get a floor lamp with a modern lamp shade.

Always remember that the right window treatment can transform

any room from bland to beautiful.

For your living room, select fabric that isn’t heavily patterned. For a continuous look you can select the fabric in a contrasting hue on the walls or floor [5]. And to create a wow effect, hang your curtains to a maximum of five centimetres off the floor.

As we approach the holidays where spending time with family will be almost daily, why not use these few ideas to transform your living room, ensuring maximum enjoyment in a cosy environment.

Images [1] Source: Better Homes and Gardens. Image by Unknown [2] Source: Hopewells. Image by Unknown [3] Source: Rug Factory. Image by Unknown [4] Source: Stories by Stella. Image by Unknown [5] Source: The Home Sitter. Image by Unknown

12 THE STANDARD STYLE / HOME & GARDEN / GARDEN

Grow a Rose Garden

R

oses have long been a favorite of flower lovers, going as far back as the ancient Egyptians. Roses were once considered disease-ridden, one-shot wonders to floriferous denizens. The earliest roses usually bloomed only once a year, but they gave off wonderful aromas. Old-fashioned roses can grow into large, thorny bushes, more vigorous than a modern hybrid tea rose.

Napoleon’s wife, Empress Josephine, surrounded her palace with every variety of rose. In the early 1800s, reblooming roses from China were discovered and interbred with old-fashioned European roses to extend their bloom period. These hybrids had fewer thorns and petals but rebloomed through the summer. Breeding efforts focused on improving flower form and expanding color selection.

The results were grandifloras, hybrid teas, and other long-blooming plants that required high maintenance.

Traditional rose gardens are rather formal affairs. The beds are often laid out in geometric patterns, with tree roses at each corner and an arbor of climbing roses at the center or rear. Your home rose garden doesn’t have to be quite so static. As long as proper planting distances are respected, the rose garden can take on any appearance from a near-formal style to

a flowing island with an irregular outline. The only rule that really should be followed is that taller plants should go in the center or rear of the bed.

Purists grow only roses in a rose garden.

Gardeners with less stringent ideas can introduce spring-flowering bulbs, noninvasive perennials, low-growing annuals, or other plants.

The upkeep of these other plants should not damage the roses they are designed to set off.

If you’re really adventurous, you can develop an entire garden of roses in individual containers on a patio or balcony.

Although roses are quite specific in their needs, you can find a place for them with a little searching in just about any yard. The first requirement is plenty of sun: six hours or more a day if possible. Some roses will do well with less. Early morning sun is better than late afternoon sun since the flowers last longer under cooler conditions.

Now, roses will adapt to most moderately fertile soils, even sandy ones. Just make sure you work in plenty of organic matter: compost, well-rotted manure, etc. Test the soil for pH before planting. Roses prefer a pH of 6.5 to 6.8, although they will tolerate levels from 6.0 to 7.5. Any soil that is extremely acid or alkaline should be corrected by adding, respective-

ly, lime or powdered sulphur.

Good drainage is essential in the rose garden. If your soil is constantly damp, consider either adding drainage tiles or raising the bed 8 to 10 inches above ground level. Soil that drains too well can be improved by adding organic material and through careful irrigation.

In well-drained soil, you can plant the rose deeper than in heavy soil, covering the graft with insulating soil. In cold climates, the graft union should be planted 2 to 3 inches below the soil line.

Proper placement is also essential for a successful rose garden. Avoid areas near large trees and shrubs, since roses are intolerant of root competition. A certain amount of air circulation is beneficial, so avoid low-lying pockets. Windy spots can be moderated by using a windbreak. In cold climates, planting on a slight slope will help prevent damage from a late spring frost.

Bare-root or packaged roses are best planted in spring after all danger of frost has passed.

In the deep South, the cooler winter months are the ideal planting time. Container-grown roses can theoretically be planted any time during the growing season. Avoid planting during the dry, hot summer months. http://home.howstuffworks.com/

November 23 to 29 2014

Classic Old-Fashioned Roses Select these classic roses if you want a more formal garden • Alba roses: Semi Plena, Konigin von Danemark • Bourbon roses: Louise Odier, Variegata de Bologna, Madame Isaac Pereire, Honorine de Brabant • Centrifolia roses: De Meaux • Damask roses: Madame Hardy, Comte de Chambord, Celsiana • Gallica roses: Rossa gallica officinalis, Cardinal de Richelieu • Moss roses: Mundi, Empress Josephine

THE STANDARD STYLE

1

FOOD & DRINK

In this issue of Food & Drink

2

(1,2) Inglenook Restaurant (3) Libbie (4) Zimbokitchen

3

4

14 THE STANDARD STYLE / EATING OUT / INGLENOOK RESTAURANT

5

1

7

6 2

November 23 to 29 2014

Inglenook Restaurant Cresta Churchill Hotel, Bulawayo

3

4 1) Inglenook’s full English breakfast is memorably good.

2) Lamb chops infused with mint liqueur, excellent chips etc costs US$14 3) Half-timbered exterior, the architecture of Elizabethan England 4) Inviting swimming pool on a broiling hot day in Bulawayo.

5) Apple pie, almond pie and a zingy custard parfait (US$3) 6) Garlic mushrooms were a popular starter course (US$3) 7) Prawns Provençale All pictures by Dusty Miller

Dusty Miller

H

UNGER is said to be the finest sauce!

And I was damned hungry, sitting down to a very late supper at Cresta Churchill Hotel in Bulawayo on the first day of the recent Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe 70th anniversary congress.

We were supposed to be staying at the Churchill, but it proved to be double-booked, so we had to move into one of Bulawayo’s very pleasant suburban lodges for the first two nights.

We’d had a very early light breakfast at home in Harare, a short drinks break at Kadoma Ranch, a mid-afternoon sandwich and fruit juice at the lodge and then made our way to the Churchill for the opening reception and – of course – a lot of talking by big-wigs.

Some of them came late.

Then talked and talked and talked. (Without saying much that really mattered!) Food for the reception was in the form of what looked to have been a lovely braai in the courtyard but the protocols seemed that they couldn’t start serving until after all speeches and Q&A session.

Sadly much of the once luscious juice-dripping meat was well past best, long before we finally got to the absolute final “…and finally ladies and gentlemen…”

At that we were into the award-winning Inglenook Restaurant quicker than rats up pumps!

The Churchill’s now a bit of

an odd hotel. It was supposed to be typically English (on the winding road to the Matopos and Rhodes’ Grave!) when I attended the official opening in—I think—1975: all Shakespearean-era half-timbered exteriors, mullioned and leaded windows. That’s still there, but there’s now some awfully ugly, totally out-ofplace, but probably politically correct, grainy photo blowups in the reception area.

The Inglenook (old English name for a fireplace) still has English hunting prints, Toby Jugs and bone china on display, but there’s now also Tonga fish traps, bows and arrows and stuff ! It’s as if someone can’t make his mind up about the theme!

I was ravenous and the chef ’s home-made stockpot soup of leek and potato hardly touched sides, accompanied by some really great still warm rolls and butter. Cresta group menus throughout the country—and the region— are now wonderful value for money and cooking is consistently reliably good.

Soup was just US$3, as were garlic mushrooms, wonderful looking salads were US$4 and rolled lasagna US$6.

For once I passed on prawns as a main, but everyone else went for them: prawns Provençale: six enormous pan-fried Mozambican tiger jobbies, with savoury rice, crispy noodles sauce and veg at the giveaway price of just US$14.

Fillet of local tilapia (I stress the local bit, I gather Lake Harvest are a bit miffed

because the market is being flooded with cheap and nasty Chinese imported bream!) with parsley potatoes and julienne of root vegetables was US$12.

My main was also US$14: great value for money for three good-sized pen-fed, succulent, juicy, grilled lamb chops which came with grand chips and seasonal vegetables, the meat being infused with a mint cream liqueur.

It was the Henry VIII bit, with lamb grease running through beard and not a scrap of magnificent meat left on clean bones!

Pork chops with tangy mustard baste and served with an interesting-sounding pineapple salsa were US$2 cheaper!

For the steak-lover (how I envy you!) T-bones, fillet, rump or sirloin with all the trimmings were US$13 and Churchill’s Carpetbagger: a chateaubriand steak (traditionally to share between two) topped with crab meat, calamari and mussels, wrapped in bacon and served with red wine Hollandaise sauce on a bed of potato lasagna au gratin was unbelievably reasonably priced at US$16. That’s some surf and turf dish and it SHOULD feed two pax. (Unless one is Desperate Dan or Homer Simpson!)

Puddings are US$3-US$5 and at the lower price I had a very satisfying and satisfactory crunchy miniature apple pie, almond pie with a palatecleansing zingy custard parfait.

We moved into the Churchill for the last night, when

supper was the Haz Awards Dinner at the Bulawayo Holiday Inn (subject to time and deadlines I may have told you about it in yesterday’s edition of NewsDay) but the Churchill breakfast was memorably good.

You can order almost anything you want, but after cereals, fruit and fruit juice from an attractive buffet in the Inglenook, it was a professionally served platter of two poached eggs, cooked precisely as ordered, bacon, pork sausage, baked beans, delicious grilled mushrooms on a herby potato cake and grilled tomato; followed by toast, marmalade and coffee.

Then it was on our way to battle with hundreds of kilometres of frustrating, dusty road works between Kwe Kwe and Kadoma. Goodness knows what has happened to some of the diversions through the veldt if those places got anything like the lashing we did on November 16. (That was 96mm, almost four inches, in Eastlea.)

A normally five hour drive took seven hours… each way…but Bulawayo was worth it!

Inglenook Restaurant, Cresta Churchill Hotel, Bulawayo. Four stars.

dustymiller46@gmail.com for many similar stories from over the decades go to my personal website/blog which is still under construction. Visit www.dailymiller.co

THE STANDARD STYLE / FOOD & DRINK / WINE 15

November 23 to 29 2014

Meet, Greet, Wine and Dine

“Wine makes a symphony of a good meal.”– Fernande Garvin

Lebbie Masavaya

W

ine, in my opinion, seductively speaks to food. One of the best decisions you can make is to be that link between the two. I had another evening to look forward to, food, wine, and new wine lovers. Thanks to Patricia and Patrice Laquerre for a splendid evening of Chilean wine and Peruvian cuisine. Inspired by his (Patrice) love for South American cuisine, particularly Peruvian food and Chilean wines.

I was amazed at the passion that stood amidst the artistically prepared food and wines to wonderfully complement this evening.

A Grappa sour got us all in the mood, as we longingly awaited the crux of the evening.

And it all began, open verandah seating, cool Zimbabwe breeze, and a colourful crowd of wine lovers and enthusiasts. A starter of Lake Kariba bream Ceviche and a Concha Y Toro Frontera Sauvignon Blanc made for a new topic at the dinner table. I’ve had bream in all sorts, but never a Ceviche. It was a pleasant change in taste, full of tangy and limey fresh flavours. The Sauvignon blanc, rose to the occasion and complemented the fish dish, full of fresh fruit and a zesty acidity, which gently reminded me of a summer taste.

The evening was off to a good start. With an amazing group full of fun, appreciation and laughter, the Aji de Gallina and Casil-

lero Del Diablo Chardonnay 2013, impressed the palate, including mine, which has reservations for Chardonnay. The spicy creamed chicken with rice toned down the sharpness of the Chardonnay and before we knew it, the glasses were empty and waiting for the next wine to be poured.

The Lomo Saltado, being Zimbabwean, brought me back “home”, a chunky stir fry of beautifully marinated sirloin steak with tomato, onion and fries. A Casillero Del Diablo Merlot 2013, elegantly filled with a blackberry palate and a Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, with perfectly balanced rich flavours, complemented tastefully. Peruvian food, Chilean wines, all

the elements were in sync.

A wonderful evening, and a Peruvian thank you to Julia Piscoya, for the beautifully crafted Peruvian food, and a warm Chilean thank you to Tricia from Brands Africa, for taking us through the wines. Fellow wine lovers, you can travel anywhere, with a glass of wine as your ticket. I was in South America, and looking forward to my next trip. Where is your next glass of wine taking you? Cheers, to that next destination.

MyLifeAndWine@icloud.com

16 THE STANDARD STYLE / FOOD & DRINK

November 23 to 29 2014

by Cakes by Tamanda

Savoury Scones Quick, easy and no fuss! A fun recipe that takes very little time to prepare and bake – and you can get the kids to help too. These scones are light and fluffy, keep well and taste great served warm or cold.

Ingredients:     

350g self-raising flour ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda pinch of salt 85g butter or margarine 284ml buttermilk or sour milk

Method: 1.

2.

3.

Preheat the oven to 180C. Mix the flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt in a bowl. Add the butter or margarine, cut into small pieces and rub in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

Tip in the buttermilk/sour milk and mix lightly and quickly to form a soft dough. Knead very briefly, then roll out to 2cm thickness and using a cookie or dough cutter, cut into sixteen 5cm rounds.

Tip: use a teacup to cut out the rounds if you don’t have a dough cutter.

Put on a baking sheet (no need to grease) a little apart, and bake for 12-15 minutes, until risen and pale golden.

Serving suggestion: cut scones in half and spread margarine and jam

Pan-fried Honey and Soy Steak 6 Servings

Honey and Soy Marinade

Here’s one of the many things you can do with your steak. The marinade helps to leave the steak nice and juicy as well as flavorful.

If you have never made a marinade before, well this one is more than easy to prepare in 5 minutes or even less you will be done. You can use it to marinade any meat or poultry dish you wish. Let’s get started!

Cooking Time : 40 minutes

Ingredients

 700 g beef steak  Honey and Soy Marinade  3 tbsp Oil for frying

Instructions

NB: Do not overheat your oil when you are ready to begin the frying as this may cause your meat to burn before it has even cooked. This is because of the marinade which contains honey. Let your oil be moderately hot.

Cut your steak into good sized pieces. Dip it into the honey and soy marinade. Stir until every piece is evenly coated with the marinade. Refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour to allow the flavours to infuse into the meat.

Heat oil in pan, add steak pieces and fry until both sides have browned and your meat is tender. And there you have it, your pan-fried honey and soy beef steak.

Enjoy!

Ingredients 3 tbsp pure honey 3 tbsp water 3 cloves garlic (chopped) 3 tbsp soy sauce ½ tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

Put garlic in bowl, add pepper, soy sauce and water.

Add honey, and stir until everything is mixed together (about 2 minutes) Your Honey and Soy marinade is ready for use.

Want to make them sweet? Add 2 tablespoons of sugar.

Want to add some fruit? Soak a handful of raisins or sultanas in boiling water for 10 minutes then drain and add to the dough.  Cakes by Tamanda is on Facebook and can be reached by email at cakesbytamanda@yahoo.com  Cakes by Tamanda – a cake for every occasion

by Rumbie - Zimbokitchen

November 23 to 29 2014

THE STANDARD STYLE 17

18 THE STANDARD STYLE / WINE

Share the joy and double the pleasure –

November 23 to 29 2014

Your Rookie Guide to Choosing Wines Bushman Rock

W

HEN thinking about the world of wines, sometimes you just don’t know where to start! Last week we gave a little glimpse into the different styles of wines and, with the hot summer days, we decided to introduce you to aromatic, sweet and zesty whites. As the summer rains start and cool down the evenings, we would recommend enjoying an evening on the verandah with friends, sharing a bottle of rich white wine, or even better, a blushing pink rose! If the zesty whites didn’t tickle your fancy, maybe you are better suited to these fuller and more confident pair.

If you enjoy soft cheeses, creamy pasta dishes, crab and lobster, a beautiful Rich White Wine is just what you have been looking for! Rich white wines are bold and confident, they can stand alone and have a full body of flavours. These wines have often been confused as being red wines when served at blind tastings or in dark glassware. This is because rich white wines typically undergo similar treatments as red wines in the winery to achieve the bold flavour. This usually means some oak aging in the gorgeous handmade oak barrels, to add that classic vanilla or coconut notes. In addition to the barrel aging the wines can undergo a process called ‘Malolactic Fermentation’. This changes the type of acid naturally occurring within the wines and makes it taste creamier. Many full-bodied white wines will age up to 10 years, although most are in their drinking prime at around three to four years. If this sounds like your kind of thing, we would recommend giving an Oaked Chardonnay, Sémillon, Viognier or Marsanne a try. Just remember, this full bodied white is best served cold.

There is also nothing quite like a good spicy and fragrant food, fresh, light smoked salmon canapés or scrumptious Greek cuisine. If this is making your mouth water, then a blushing pink Rose wine is just for you! Rosé wines are the literal mid-point between white and red wine, however they tend to behave a lot more like a white wine. They are typically served chilled and most are dry, but in Zimbabwe and South Africa you will find a sweeter, fresher and more fragrant type of Rose, mostly due to our unique climate and of course our good taste! If you travel over to Europe, you’ll find this style very popular close to the Mediterranean around the south of France, Mediterranean Islands, the Eastern Spanish coast, Italy and of course, a little closer to home, South Africa and even more so in Zimbabwe! If you are out for a meal and are thinking of having a Rose, but not sure which one to pick, we always recommend a Pinot Noir Rose as it never seems to disappoint and it is also slightly sweeter in Africa.

We had the pleasure of attending a sneak peak tasting of the soon to be released “Double Double” range of wines and were impressed by their semi sweet blended Rose but until that is released onto our shelves in February you may wish to get into training by having a try of these delicious blends of Rose Wine: Garnacha Rosé, Côtes du Rhône Rosé and a Provence Rosé.

THE STANDARD STYLE

FAMILY Mawarire Family

Send us pictures of your family and a short caption of your values. Email your photos with the weekly code in the subject heading to style@standard.co.zw Specifications: JPEG minimum size 2MB Min. 300dpi

20 THE STANDARD STYLE / FAMILY / PARENTING

Catch ‘em young!

A

shmil Infant & Nursery Schools provide quality Early Childhood Education in an English-speaking, unique, visually stimulating, enjoyable environment with state of the art equipment for children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years, including ECD-B (Grade Zero). The teachers are qualified and experienced, and have a passion for teaching and being with children.

The outdoor equipment includes colourful, safe trampolines, jungle gyms, ball ponds, and much, much more, while in the classroom, children enjoy equipment specially selected to fit their

small size.

Parents can decide between full day and half day care, knowing their children are well cared for.

Ashmil provides a high level of preschool education, and the children are given a healthy diet, with three meals provided every day.

Extra-curricular activities offered include Music & Drama, Swimming, Dance, and Gymnastics, each provided by an excellent professional in their own field, while Computers is offered as part of the school curriculum.

Both branches are equipped with a borehole and a generator, and the Eastlea branch has a sparkling, well secured pool for the

swimming lessons. Transport is also available.

The Eastlea branch, conveniently located in Fereday Drive, parallel to Robert Mugabe Rd, is the latest addition to the Ashmil Infant & Nursery Schools family. Although only established in September, parents have already found a home away from home where their children love to be, and from the interest shown, 2015 promises to see many children join the Ashmil family.

2015 Registration is currently in progress. Why not come along, and see for yourself what Ashmil has to offer.

November 23 to 29 2014

THE STANDARD STYLE / FAMILY / EDUCATION / COVER TO COVER WINNERS 21

November 23 to 29 2014

First runner up

Second runner up (continued)

Sibongumusa Ncube / Mtshabezi High SchoolForm 1 & 2

We had to turn back We had to turn back from the path our ancestors and forefathers had walked on if we were to undo all the damage they had caused.

We had to make an effort to cease all the pain and suffering happening all around us. We owed it to our people.

I was the heir to the great Mzimkhulu clan, the owners of our little quaint village on the outskirts of the small rural town of Gwanda. My ancestors had first travelled to this land once flowing milk and honey like the biblical land of Canaan, in the early 1900s. Back then, the land was covered with vast forest filled with lush green vegetation. Legend has it that the land was so fertile, you could successfully plant the crop in a quarry. Due to their great numbers, unmatched weapons and Herculean strength, the Mzimkulus quickly took over and named the village after themselves. There was only one problem.

The Mzimkhulu chiefs were never known their patience. They were far from just noble leaders.

True to their name which means large home, they ordered for the trees to

be cut at an alarming rate and used the timber for the several numbers of huts at the grand royal court and also for the kraals which were large enough to accommodate elephants. They ruled by dictatorship. The people had no say and were completely and utterly voiceless. If land needed to be cleared, fire was used.

Needless to say, within a few years the land was bare and desolate, nothing short of a wasteland.

People started leaving in large numbers, not all too eager to watch their home trashed by some dimwitted leaders whose only quality was some day they would die. My father was different. Still, though he tried to restore the land but he failed. When the time came for me, however, to take my rightful place as chief, I knew that I would do everything in my power to turn things around.

I called abafowethu, the royal siblings, so that we could put our heads together to come up with a solution to save our beloved homeland. The few people left were miserable bitter souls who had lost their lust and zest for

life, but when they noticed our attempts to revive the dead land, they were inspired to help in any way they could. Soon they were fired up, planting trees and starting gardens using seeds and seedlings donated by a local farmer. We also applied for a government loan. Though the government officers did not take me seriously because they had never come across a female chief before, the loan was approved.

We used the loan to start projects which would generate some income. We were also able to start constructing a dam thanks to donations from generous business men. Within no time, the loan has been paid back. It was a slow and long process but finally our our little village was growing and developing in a way I had never imagined.

For their hard work and immense help, I made obafowethu my royal council of advisers. We continued to work together for the good of our home and our people. We had so many plans for the future but right then we were content celebrating how we successfully turned back the fate of our village.

Second runner up Takudzwa Falanela / Form 3 & 4 / Second Runner Up

The body drifted towards us It’s not every day that you get to go out on a thrilling life time experience with your very own mother. Though it was quite frightening I enjoyed it. I t might seem awkward but every time the horrifying memories of all the screams and gnashing teeth crosses my mind I feel a tingle.

Up until now I still remember the whole event and how it unfolded as if it has just happened. That November morning I had not gone to school. We had just finished writing end of year exams and my attitude towards school those days was completely negative. SO what did I do? I complained of stomach pains and pretended to be gravely ill. I have to admit I am quite a good actor infact I have always been.

Coincidentally my mother had also not gone to work that day. She had taken a day off from her jod which I think is quite stressful.

Unfortunately for me my pretence worked a little bit too well and my mother and my mother had to make sure

that I get attention. She forcibly dragged me to the car since I did not want to see any health experts fearing that they might the truth about my status.

We left home for the clinic and luckily when we arrived it was not yet open as we were too early.

It just happened that at the clinic my mother received a phone call from one of her suppliers in Banket asking her to come and collect the cosmetics that she had ordered.

How she celebrated after receiving the call for some reason she is very fond of cosmetics and now there was no time to waste, her order had to be collected.

Leaving me at the clinic was definitely not an option once more she dragged me all the way to Banket with her. The car moved swiftly than usual turning a roughly three hour long journey into an hour long one. We arrived in a short period of time and so she collected her order. Honestly I had never seen her that happy before. There was something about cosmet-

ics that drove my mother insane and I just could not figure it out We set off on our return journey to Harare and it is in this long tract where all the quite intriguing events unfolded. It just happened that the car moved into a muddy hole and was stuck. My mother tried to work her driving magic out of this mess but it was all in vain. We tried to push out but our strength just could not match the muddy hole.

It was crystal clear we simply needed to help to do this. The question was however, where? We were in an unfrequently used road and surrounded only by trees in a thick forest.

For a moment we were hopeless. It was the when my mother who always brought forth assumptions assumed that there could be a village beyond the forest where we could get help.

I could not deny it because frankly I had nothing better in mind. We bravely penetrated the still forest armed with nothing more but just

our arms and legs. We had gone what I believed to have been halfway through the forest when it happened.

There he was a male figure sitting on the branch of a tree a few meters ahead of us eating what appeared to be raw meat. His clothes were torn, muddy and covered in blood. From the looks of his hair you could easily tell that he had never stepped in a barber shop in his life. His face was riddled with scars and black spots.

The man’s skin was partly covered in dust and mud. He was wearing no shoes and his feet were almost as long as my own arm. He was so odd, horrific and bizarre. In fact, I began to wonder if he was human.

The man sniffed around the way dogs do as if his senses were receiving something and actually they were. His yellowish chubby eyes immediately caught us in their vision.

We both took a few steps in reverse direction and that was when he produced what I believed to be his laugh. It was unexplainable more like a monkey sound. I could feel my heart throbbing vigorously with

terror He jumped from the elevated branch and landed quite perfectly.

We did what every prey does best when it encounters its hunter. We ran for our lives and so the man gave chase. Even when I once took part in an athletics competition I had never moved that fast. It was my mother who took me by surprise, a woman in her late 40’s managed to keep up with a teenager in terms of speed.

We could hear him panting like a dog behind us and his velocity was incredible.

Suddenly my mother tripped and fell. Even though I was terrified by this monster I was not going to leave my mother to face demise. I seized running and turned only to see him already wrestling with her. She was now screaming desperately. I guess it was both rage and terror that drove me to pick up a big rock and throw it at our nemesis The rock landed directly on his forehead and he fell aside. Oh God! What had I done? He got up and charged at me with hostility written all over his face. Before I knew I was

already on the ground. He punched and kicked me mercilessly and the pain was just unbearable. My mother got back on her feet and ran into a bush. How could she leave her son to die? I asked myself little did I know that she had something in mind.

The next thing I saw a log crushing into the attacker’s face. He fell aside once more and there she was my mother standing before me with a gigantic log in her hand like a comic heroine, “so that’s what she was up to” I said to myself. She helped me up and we watched the man’s body lie still. For a second I thought he was dead but all of a sudden, the body just arose!

The body drifted towards us and so we ran. We eventually found ourselves in the road. Though it was stuck we got into the car. When my mother turned on the engine, I could see him approaching. She stepped on the gears with all her might. Somehow the car must have known that our lives were on the line. Like a kangaroo it hoped out of the muddy hole and went off before the monster could lay a finger on it.

22 THE STANDARD STYLE / FAMILY / HEALTH

November 23 to 29 2014

Stress management

By Dr Farzana Naeem

W

E generally use the word “stress” when we feel that everything seems to have become too much – we are overloaded and wonder whether we really can cope with the pressures placed upon us. Anything that poses a challenge or a threat to our well-being is a stress. Some stresses get you going and they are good for you without any stress at all many say our lives would be boring and would probably feel pointless. However, when the stresses undermine both our mental and physical health they are bad. Stress is a feeling that’s created when we react to particular events. It’s the body’s way of rising to a challenge and preparing to meet a tough situation with focus, strength, stamina, and heightened alertness.

We all react differently to stressful situations. What one person finds stressful another may not at all. Almost anything can cause stress and it has different triggers. For some people, on some occasions, just thinking about something, or several small things that accumulate, can cause stress Stress isn’t always bad. In small doses, it can help you perform under pressure and motivate you to do your best. But when you’re constantly running in emergency mode, your mind and body pay the price.

If you frequently find yourself feeling frazzled and overwhelmed, it’s time to take action to bring your nervous system back into balance. You can protect yourself by learning how to recognize the signs and symptoms of stress and taking steps to reduce its harmful effects.

The events that provoke stress are called stressors, and they cover a whole range of situations — everything from outright physical danger to making a class presentation or taking a semester’s worth of your toughest subject.

The human body responds to stressors by activating the nervous system and specific hormones. The hypothalamus signals the adrenal glands to produce more of the hormones adrenaline and cortical and release them into the bloodstream. These hormones speed up heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, and metabolism. Blood vessels open wider to let more blood flow to large muscle groups, putting our muscles on alert. Pupils dilate to improve vision. The liver releases some of its stored glucose to increase the body’s energy. And sweat is produced to cool the body. All of these physical changes prepare a person to react quickly and effectively to handle the pressure of the moment.

Stress management can help you to either remove or change the source of stress, alter the way you view a stressful event, lower the impact that stress might have on your body, and teach you alternative ways of coping. Stress management therapy will have the objective of pursuing one or more of these approaches.

Stress management techniques can be gained if you read self-help books, or attend a stress management course. You can also seek the help of a counselor or psychotherapist for personal development or therapy sessions. Many therapies which help you relax, such as aromatherapy, or reflexology, may have a beneficial effect.

It’s important to learn how to recognize when your stress levels are out of control. The most dangerous thing about stress is how easily it can creep up on you. You get used to it. It starts to feels familiar even normal. You don’t notice how much it’s affecting you, even as it takes a heavy toll.

The signs and symptoms of stress overload can be almost anything. Stress affects the mind, body, and behavior in many ways, and everyone experiences stress differently.  By DR FARZANA NAEEM clinical psychologist at annex and sessional clinical psychologist at UZ

November 23 to 29 2014

THE STANDARD STYLE/ FAMILY / HEALTH 23

The importance of an eye exam

T

he eyes are said to be the windows of the soul but they also provide a view of your health in general. We want you to be able to see the beautiful events in your life! Everyone should have a regular eye exam at least once every two years.

The eye examination:  Identifies any need for vision correction with

spectacles and/or contact lenses.  Checks the physical condition of your eyes.

How healthy are your eyes?  Screens for eye disease.  Can identify undiagnosed general disease

including high blood pressure, diabetes,

high cholesterol, thyroid disease and brain tumours.

For a comprehensive eye exam have your eyes examined by a properly qualified practitioner. Patients should understand that only an in-person exam by an optometrist can determine how well they can see.

Anyone claiming to perform an exam without physically examining the patient is offering insufficient ambiguous information. Machine only exams may miss important health concerns. Visit our website www.zoa.co.zw to get a list of registered Optometrists in your area.

GLAUCOMA Blindness due to glaucoma is most common in persons of African descent, but it can be prevented.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause progressive damage of the optic nerve. There are no early symptoms and vision loss is irreversible. Your optometrist can detect glaucoma in its early stages and advise you on the best course of action. This educational message is brought to you by the Zimbabwe Optometric Association www.zoa. co.zw

St Michael’s 24 Hour Accident Emergency & Maternity Clinic (19709 Unit N Shopping Centre Seke Chitungwiza) All times Emergency numbers: 0774 125142, 0734 503518

24 THE STANDARD STYLE / FAMILY / GETAWAY

Zim’s answer I to Cesar Milan

Rosie Mitchell

T’S a wonderful thing when timings turn out perfectly in serendipitous fashion. All year, we’ve been battling imbalance in our family of rescue dogs which recently reached six, throwing it even further out of whack. As described last week, the worst, most traumatic in-pack fight almost killed one of these, left my legs rather the worse for wear, and put paid to our trip to the Vumba for the Mountain Run.

ZIMBABWE PARKS AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

MARKETING MANAGER Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced personnel for the above Senior Management position in the Commercial Service Division based at Head Office. The incumbent will be reporting to the Director – Commercial Services.

Duties of Position: shall include the following: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Formulate, direct and coordinate marketing activities to promote Parks products and services on the local, regional and international markets, Develop marketing strategy based on the Park’s objectives and market characteristics, Marketing and distribution of all Park Products, Develop pricing policy, balancing Park’s objectives and customer satisfaction, Use sales forecasting and strategic planning to ensure profitability of Park’s products and servic es, analyzing business developments and monitoring market trends, Carryout market research and market analysis for the Park’s products, Coordination, distribution and monitoring of promotional materials, working with production and advertising companies, Coordinate, organize and participate in promotional events and trade shows, Acting as liaison between the suppliers and clients.

The Person: The ideal incumbent should possess the following: ■ Possession of a first Degree in Marketing and/or Tourism related degree, ■ A postgraduate qualification, that is an MBA, Masters in Marketing and/or Tourism will be an added advantage, ■ At least five years experience in the hospitality industry of which three must be at Management level, ■ Strong interpersonal skills, professional maturity, openness, analytical and collaborative skills, ■ Relationship building and networking skills.

■ Clean class 4 drivers’ license, Interested candidates should submit their written applications including CVs and Certified copies of academic and professional qualifications to: Human Resources Manager Parks and Wildlife Management Authority Cnr. Sandringham Drive & Borrowdale Road P O Box CY 140 Causeway Harare Or hand deliver at Parks Head Office’s Records Office, no later than 30 November 2014.

November 23 to 29 2014 However, just a week previously, Ryder Dog Training, responding to a new special offer, placed an ad in a fortnightly magazine my company publishes, The Zimtrader. In vain we’ve been trying to locate professional help with our canine problem. I immediately got in touch, described the situation, and was more than impressed by their evident in-depth knowledge, experience and credentials. Then came the dreadful incident, demonstrating just how much we needed this help! Literally the morning after brothers Peter and Stanford Muguwu of Ryder Protection Services visited for a thorough two-hour assessment, our intensive three-week training course began!

As was pointed out, and made us chuckle, being fans of TV series ‘The Dog Whisperer’ (Cesar Milan), it was really we who needed the training! Our dogs lead ‘the life of Riley’, being run through the bush off leash an average 30km a week, but this freedom has eventually come at a price to the humans and the two weaker members of the pack as it grew. Like overindulgent parents, we failed to set boundaries or instil enough obedience to manage so many. So six days a week, it’s dog (human) training at home at 6.30am sharp – a probably long overdue shock to the systems of ‘Not Morning People’, but what strides are being taken, and how fast!

The extraordinary Muguwu brothers studied their skill (also, I’d say, art!) in South Africa, have taught dogs to find narcotics, explosives and landmines, have worked war zones in Iraq, Afghanistan and South Sudan, and without doubt, know their stuff. Getting our small, survivalist rescued rural Zimbabwean dog to obey and refrain from turning on her pack members, must seem child’s play! Not only are we enjoying the process immensely, we are fascinated by it, and our two problem dogs are very rapidly falling in line. No doubt I will have more tales to tell – it has only been a week, but the relief is immense – there is after all hope!

2014 Donnybrook Challenge – A Challenge Indeed!

T

HANKFULLY my battered legs had mended sufficiently to run the 28km Donnybrook Challenge, a race I’d been looking forward to all year, organised by Run/Walk for Life, in Zimbabwe headed by friendly many-times Comrades-runner Mel Barnes. The injuries mostly did not hurt on the run. The heat, on the other hand, was another matter! November 15 was an absolute scorcher. Combined with bursts of strong head wind, the blazing humid heat took quite a toll, adding a whole other level of challenge to this event, which comprises a very pleasant 7km lap partly on the race track, partly on surrounding dirt roads through bush, which could be run or walked from one to four times, or as a relay.

The only snag? There’s not a lot of shade! I was delighted when Blessing Banga trotted up beside me, as we’d run the same race together in 2013 and given the very tough conditions, the companionship helped us both keep going, as we really struggled with the heat and intermittent wind. Accordingly, we ran it much slower than last year but were proud nonetheless to finish. There was an excellent turn out for this, the second edition, and it was a friendly, festive morning during which participants had to dig deep to keep going in challenging conditions – all good training, with the Europcar 20 Miler looming on 7 December!

THE STANDARD STYLE

ARTS & CULTURE

1 In this issue of Arts & Culture

2

(1)ZASH 2014 (2) Breaking New Ground (3) Arts (4) Bookworm

3

4

26 THE STANDARD STYLE /COMMUNITY/ BREAKING NEW GROUND

Follow Your Heart, says Alice Makaya Patricia Mabviko-Musanhu

M

any a times, life has an interesting way of taking us on a journey to where we must go. It’s not always easy or apparent where one is going to end up in life. However, there are those who believe that if you take time to listen and follow your heart, you will soon find the way. Conway Twitty simply said, “Listen to advice, but follow your heart”.

Alice Makaya, founder and TV talk show host of the “Alice Makaya Show” is one of those individuals who has always been drawn to the public space. Growing up as a young girl, she took an interest in fashion and beauty contests and her name always stood out in the public sphere. After completing A’ Level, she left for England to study journalism and even whilst there, her name soon became known by people in the surrounding area.

“I love talking to people and connecting with people. It seems to come naturally to me,” she said.

In 1993, this natural gift to build rapport with people opened a door for her in South Africa. She was offered a job with an airline and spent eight years travelling around the world, meeting different people. This opportunity helped to strengthen her confidence as well as develop new skills in communicating with people from different cultures.

It was no surprise therefore that when she returned to Zimbabwe in 2009 her first port of call was the national broadcaster where she was offered an opportunity to read the news.

Two years later she felt a heavy burden to do more to make a positive impact in people’s lives.

“I was also inspired by the talk show guru Oprah Winfrey. I felt that there was no platform for people in Zimbabwe to showcase their talents as well as their successes in business and the arts. This is how I came up with the “Alice Makaya Show”.

Since launching the show Alice has had an overwhelming response locally as well as from the region. In 2012, she received the Victors Awards for upcoming talk show host. Through interviews with different experts and personalities, the “Alice Makaya Show” has helped to give advice and solutions to some of the challenges that people face on a day to day basis.

Inspite of the prevailing economic hardships, Alice remains determined to continue using the show to build people lives and to make a difference in the community. However, she admitted that this has not been an easy task.

“One of my biggest challenges has been lack of capital to inject into my production company to enable the production of the show to flow smoothly. However, by God’s grace I have always managed to keep the show afloat even when I have not been able to secure sponsorship,” she said. One thing which has helped Alice to keep the show going is her attitude towards business. She believes that it is important to build and nurture relationships with clients and or business partners. It is out of relationships that businesses grow to become successful. It is also important to have

“One of my biggest challenges has been lack of capital to inject into my production company to enable the production of the show to flow smoothly. However, by God’s grace I have always managed to keep the show afloat even when I have not been able to secure sponsorship,” foresight and not to try and maximize making profits on one project or one product.

“I believe people should look beyond projects to nurturing long term business relationships that will bring more business it the future. The temptation sometimes is to put money ahead of relationships. By putting unnecessary emphasis on money, I believe that we miss out on things that have more value,” she said.

Alice said that she is driven more by passion rather than the need to make money from the Show.

In addition to interacting with different people on her talk show Alice also anchors news on Good Morning Zimbabwe and is a financial advisor to an insurance company. Patricia Mabviko Musanhu is a Company Director/Producer at Black and White Media Productions. She can be contacted at pmabviko@gmal.com

November 23 to 29 2014

November 23 to 29 2014

THE STANDARD STYLE / ARTS 27

ZASH 2014 –

An introspective glance Kuda Mupawose Manyepxa

Z

IMBABWE is recognised as one of the countries in Africa with a high literacy rate, which in is synonymous with professionalism and ability to execute. However, despite this, the country is endowed with exceptional talent in the realms of arts and crafts, entertainment and beauty and ultimately hair dressing. It is thus regrettable to note that the hairdressing industry has been thwarted by a myriad of factors that can be addressed if given the attention it deserves.

The hair & beauty industry is one that has a down casted reputation marred with stigmatisation of low achievers and non academics that lack business acumen and professionalism. However, the crux of this stigmatisation emanates from the limited support and recognition by society and the relevant authorities.

The hair& beauty care industry has the potential to create employment and alleviate poverty hence it deserves recognition and assistance to desist it from plummeting to unprecedented levels.

The objective of the Zimbabwe Afro and Sleek Hairshow, which was held at the HICC on Saturday the 15th of November 2014, was to elucidate factors that have hit the industry in a bid to regularise the highlighted issues. Research has been conducted using a participatory approach which included the hairdressers within the Central Business District, and a repetitive pattern of comments and sentiments was sighted. The findings in the research illustrate how the industry is being affected: • The import tariffs on hair care products are steep regardless of the fact that Zimbabwe does not have manufacturing plants for the bulk of the inputs required in this industry.

• The ministry of higher education is not conducting thorough surveys in the accreditation of some of the colleges offering hair care and beauty education leading to the misuse of some chemicals which eventually have ripple effects on clients.

• The ministry of finance has not come up with any revolving funds to enable this sector to grow to levels where the respective participants can also form part of the banked economy thus contributing meaningfully to the Gross Domestic Product of the country.

• There is solemn abuse with regards to rentals charged with regards to properties where the hair care participants operate, thus decreasing their disposals incomes and making their efforts fruitless .This could be regularised by the local government.

• In addition to the above-mentioned the five licensing procedures demanded by the city health arm of the local government are arduous thus leading to an amplified level of corruption which forces hair & beauty care industry participants into irregular practices in a bid to enable them to operate.

The solutions to these difficulties should not be prescriptive but rather consultative so that all areas of concern are addressed. The hair & beauty care industry is a billionaire industry in some economies and Zimbabwe has the potential to also emulate and even supersede these economies if given the support and recognition.

APPOINTMENTS

Tel: +263 (04) 300119/300984/300977/309999/ +263 772 978 763| info@hifa.co.zw| www.hifa.co.zw www.facebook.com/officialhifa |www.twitter.com/hifa_Official | www.issuu.com/hifa

The Board of Trustees of the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Tafadzwa Simba as Associate Executive Director of HIFA with effect from the 1st of October 2014. Tafadzwa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Zimbabwe and is currently on the roster of the Oxford High Performance Leadership Programme at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.

Tafadzwa's full-time association with HIFA began in 2003 and he has headed various sections and projects within the Festival. The unique overview of the Festival's operations and the wealth of experience that this gives him is extensive. This, coupled with his first-hand experience of festivals within Zimbabwe, the sub-region and Europe, will allow him to offer a robust and dynamic contribution to the Festival's highly experienced leadership team in line with HIFA's tradition of excellence.

The HIFA Board of Trustees is also pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Mind Chamisa as HIFA's General Manager with effect from the 1st of October 2014. Mind holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Zimbabwe having attained a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree from the Midlands State University. His full-time association with HIFA began in 2006 and led to his latterly being the Festival's Head of Administration.

His comprehensive understanding of the creative industry and associated stakeholder needs, borne not only of his practical experience but also of his two extensive theses on the Festival, are a key asset to the management of the organisation.

Mind's long-running and multi-faceted association with the Festival puts him in good stead to continue his invaluable contribution to the Festival's operations.

28 THE STANDARD STYLE / ARTS / BOOKWORM

November 23 to 29 2014

Zimbabwe divided into readers and watchers

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

Bookworm

Z

imbabwe is suffering from a “worrying cultural divide” with less people reading books for pleasure and more watching films. The country is now divided into two categories, those who read, and those who prefer TV and DVDs. I know a lot of friends from school and university who have confessed countless times that they don’t ever want to see a book in their lives again. No exaggeration. Many people hate books, and hate reading in general. Often, this is the result of insufficient exposure to quality reading material.

In Zimbabwe our education system is mainly rote learning, learning facts that you are forced to recite on demand in order to pass exams. But is that really reading? My friends still wonder how I still manage to find time to read. Every pay day with the little peanuts I am paid, I still dedicate a small portion to buying books.

As a student at an out of way rural boarding school in the Musengezi area, after every school holiday I had a friend who used to bring me a plastic bag full of books from home. “You are the only person I know who reads. Kumba kwedu hapana anoverenga zvimabhuku izvi [nobody reads these at my house]” he would chuckle handing me the goods. Some of the books turned out to be real gems, which I still keep to this day – Marx and Engel; Rousseau; PB Shelley, Soyinka, etc Today people do not read because of too many distractions brought by new technologies. Many young people, especially those under 30, now see technology as changing how people read, and perceive physical books as obsolete. Indeed, the internet and computers have greatly changed how we read or perceive books. Everyone would rather surf the internet and access information on social media than read.

But there is a worrying cultural divide linked to deprivation. Our flawed political culture has created two classes of people, the have and the have-nots. Most non-book readers tend to live in areas of lower deprivation with children growing up in poverty and deprivation. Of course, there will never be a onesize-fits-all solution when it comes to social mobility, but reading plays an important role – more action is needed to support families.

TV and the Internet have turned Zimbabwean culture into a post-literate scrubland full of film credits and reality TV spinoffs. Buried beneath it, I think there’s a pessimistic story to tell about Zimbabwean book culture.

Without question, the Zimbabwean book-

worm is now a rare species than two or three decades ago, when we didn’t enjoy today’s abundance of highly distracting gadgets. I am part of the generation that grew up exchanging dog eared copies of Pacesetters or reading second hand Sidney Sheldon and John Grisham books that we bought from the Rezende pavement booksellers.

With bookshops becoming fewer and fewer, and pirated DVD’s ubiquitous on our streets going for a dollar for two, reading is fast becoming just a school exercise and nothing more. Zimbabwean children are growing up with no love for books because of the way they are being acculturated.

Studies have shown that, on average, people who read regularly are more satisfied with life, happier and more likely to feel their life is worthwhile. And frequent readers are more likely to be satisfied with life, happier and more successful in their professional lives.

Watchers probably resent readers as smug know-it-alls at times like this. JK Rowling globally changed how young people perceive books. They think having watched any one of the Harry Potter boo2ks is as good as having read the book. I can confess now, I am put off Harry Potter – the books and the subsequent films.

I might just be imagining this, but it seems that publishing is now a little bit unsure of itself. Everywhere you look, it is easy to get the feeling books feel lacking unless they have a smiling TV celebrity on the front of it, or at least some film stars from the movie version.

Yet books remain a pure essence in themselves. It pains me that fewer people read than they should. A learned friend once argued, “but people read. They just don’t read what you expect them to read.”

I’m not talking about functional literacy, which is quite high in Zimbabwe. Nearly everyone can read newspapers, menus, and everyday e-mails. But when it comes to books the fact is that most people outside of scholarly or academic professions don’t spend much time reading. It’s just not something they do, and it’s not surprising.

Though TV and new mobile technologies provide easy, passive, one-way communication that demands little attention or cognitive engagement from their audiences, this is a massive social problem. We are losing the majority of the new generation. They will not achieve anything close to their potential because of poor reading or no reading.

Feedback: bhukuworm@gmail.com

Nyarai Chapingidza

T

he Group of Twenty which is also known as the (G-20 or G20) is an international forum for the governments and central bank governors from 20 major economies. Brisbane was the host of this world summit for 2014 and world leaders from 20 respective countries came to Brisbane last week to discuss key global issues. It started in 1999 as a meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in the aftermath of the Asian financial crisis. In 2008, the first G20 Leaders’ Summit was held, and the group played a key role in responding to the global financial crisis. Its decisive and coordinated actions boosted consumer and business confidence and supported the first stages of economic recovery. G20 leaders have met eight times since 2008 (G20 2014).

While Zimbabwe is not part of the G20, our neighbouring country South Africa is and was represented by President Jacob Zuma and other official G20 delegates.

For those who are not heavily into politics, this particular event may not sound interesting or worth investing your time in. However, the content discussed leading up to this summit and at the official meeting can be useful knowledge and I believe that there is always something to learn in every situation. I challenged myself to get involved and participate in events leading up to the official meeting.

I attended the Brisbane Global Cafe – an international centre of thought leadership that was held ahead of the G20 Leaders Summit in Brisbane. The event was also live-streamed online and coverage included items from local and global media outlets. A rich array of technology pioneers, scientists, entrepreneurs, researchers, inventors and new-world thinkers were attracted to this major curtainraiser event ahead of the summit (Choose Brisbane, 2014). These individuals flew to Brisbane from places that include Cape Town and some live streamed from places such as New York therefore the opinions and talks were different based on cultures and how each individuals economy functions.

The lessons I took away from attending this event is that the world is full of opportunities. Firstly, you have to be willing to step outside your comfort zone and speak to different people who come from different walks of life.

Anyone can be a teacher and it is important to network. Secondly, failure is something that is not always fully embraced in many cultures and as a result, often stifles many individuals and their talents are not tapped into fully. The lesson of embracing failure is important for everyone, especially entrepreneurs. Do not let the fear of failure deter you from achieving your goals.

THE STANDARD STYLE / ARTS / CELEB NEWS 29

November 23 to 29 2014

Channel O announces its five star performance lineup for the 2014 Channel O Africa Music Video Awards #CHOAMVA14 Here is the full list of nominees: MOST GIFTED MALE ARTIST TITLE CASSPER NYOVEST DOC SHEBELEZA DAVIDO AYE RIKY RICK FT OKMALUMKOOLKAT AMANTOMBAZANE K.O. FT KID X CARACARA SARKODIE ILLUMINATI MOST GIFTED FEMALE ARTIST TITLE THEMBI SEETE THUNTSHA LEROLE BUCIE FT HEAVY K EASY TO LOVE LIZHA JAMES FT UHURU QUEM TI MANDOU TIWA SAVAGE FT DON JAZZY EMINADO SEYI SHAY IRAWO MOST GIFTED NEWCOMER ARTIST TITLE DREAM TEAM FT TAMARSHA, AKA & BIG NUZ TSEKEDE CASSPER NYOVEST DOC SHEBELEZA EMMY GEE FT AB CRAZY & DJ DIMPLEZ RANDS AND NAIRAS DIAMOND NUMBER ONE PATORANKING GIRLIE O (REMIX)

W

ith only two weeks left until the biggest music video awards ceremony takes place, Channel O has announced its lineup for the 2014 Channel O Africa Music Video Awards.

The #CHOAMVA14 reach full throttle LIVE at Nasrec Expo Centre in Soweto at 20:00 on Saturday, 29 November and the performer lineup consists of an eclectic mix of artists who are guaranteed to keep viewers entertained.

Davido, Cassper Nyovest and Skhanda Republic commander K.O, will be bringing to life on the Channel O Africa Music Video Awards stage the hits that have earned them their impressive five nominations each. Other performers include, the prince of Hip Hop AKA, Kwesta, Patoranking, the princess of House Bucie, Riky Rick, Olamide and DJ Dimplez who has undoubtedly had a suc-

cessful year as one of SA most sought after Hip Hop club deejays, plus those mind-blowing surprise collaborations the awards ceremony is synonymous with and loads more!

Viewers can also look forward to an honorary performance that pays homage to a pioneering group that dared to be different and ultimately shaped the Kwaito genre in the ‘90s. Who could it? All will be revealed on Africa’s biggest night in music.

“2014 has been an incredible year for music and our strong performance lineup is testament.

We have tons on surprise performances in store, as we celebrate the talent that fuels our diverse music industry. This year’s Channel O Africa Music Video Awards are once again going to be a night to remember,” says Channel O Africa Manager Leslie Kasumba.

In their 11th year, the Channel

O Africa Music Video Awards are the only public voted annual music video awards show broadcast around the continent that exclusively feature African artists.

Voting is still open and takes place across a wide range of digital platforms: via the website and mobile site - voting on the website and on the mobile site [www.channelo.tv] is free and you are allowed to vote up to 100 times on both platforms respectively; via WeChat voting on WeChat is free. To vote using WeChat on your mobile, go to the app store on your phone, download the WeChat app, create your profile, then search for Channelotv and add the account. You can vote up to 100 times! For terms and conditions andmore information, log on to www.channelo.tv.

Voting closes on the 23rd of November at midnight.

MOST GIFTED DUO, GROUP OR FEATURING ARTIST TITLE UHURU FT OSKIDO & PROFESSOR Y-TJUKUTJA DJ CLOCK FT BEATENBERG PLUTO (I REMEMBER) R2BEES FT WIZKID SLOW DOWN K.O. FT KID X CARACARA KCEE FT WIZKID PULL OVER MOST GIFTED DANCE ARTIST TITLE UHURU FT OSKIDO & PROFESSOR Y-TJUKUTJA DAVIDO SKELEWU DJ CLOCK FT BEATENBERG PLUTO (I REMEMBER) P SQUARE PERSONALLY BUSISWA FT VARIOUS NGOKU MOST GIFTED RAGGA DANCEHALL ARTIST TITLE BUFFALO SOULJAH TURN UP OREZI RIHANNA JESSE JAGGZ FEAT WIZKID BAD GIRL PATORANKING GIRLIE O (REMIX) SHATTA WALE EVERYBODY LIKES MY TING MOST GIFTED AFRO POP ARTIST TITLE DAVIDO AYE MAFIKIZOLO FT MAY D HAPPINESS DIAMOND NUMBER ONE FLAVOUR ADA ADA IYANYA JOMBOLO MOST GIFTED KWAITO ARTIST TITLE UHURU FT OSKIDO & PROFESSOR Y-TJUKUTJA CHARACTER FT MONO T & OSKIDO INXEBA LENDODA BIG NUZ FT KHAYA MTHETHWA INCWADI YOTHANDO DJ VETKUK VS MAHOOTA KHABA LENJA DJ CNDO YAMNANDI INTO MOST GIFTED R&B ARTIST TITLE 2FACE FT T PAIN RAINBOW JIMMY NEVIS FT KWESTA BALLOON GB COLLECTIVE FT BRIAN TEMBA & REASON CHOCOLATE VANILLA DONALD CRAZY BUT AMAZING NIYOLA TOH BAD MOST GIFTED HIP HOP ARTIST TITLE CASSPER NYOVEST DOC SHEBELEZA KHULI CHANA FT DA L.E.S & MAGESH HAPE LE HAPE 2.1 PHYNO ALOBAM CARACARA K.O. FT KID X AKA CONGRATULATE MOST GIFTED SOUTHERN ARTIST TITLE DJ CLOCK FT BEATENBERG PLUTO (I REMEMBER) CASSPER NYOVEST DOC SHEBELEZA AKA CONGRATULATE ZEUS PSYCH K.O. FT KID X CARACARA

MOST GIFTED WEST ARTIST TITLE R2BEES FT WIZKID SLOW DOWN DAVIDO AYE BURNA BOY FT D’BANJ WON DA MO OLAMIDE TURN UP DR SID FT DON JAZZY SURULERE

30 THE STANDARD STYLE / ENVIRONMENT

November 23 to 29 2014

Preparing for the rainy season Michael Nott A clean clear drain allows excess water to flow away.

This storm water drain inlet has no cover.

Broken storm drain covers are a danger to pedestrians and children.

The drain has been cleared to channel water off the road into the ditch.

Clearing the silt out of the drain. The soil from here makes good compost.

An overgrown non functional drain which causes rain water to overflow onto the street.

GREEN NEWS

Green Tips

5

In a glittering ceremony held at the HICC recently on 13th November, RTG and Environment Africa in association with the Nyaradzo Group presented their 17th Environmental reporting awards. The awards went to: Environmental Reporter of the Year 2014: Best Print News Reporter 2014: Best Features Reporter 2014: Best Documentary Reporter – Electronic Media: Environmental Photo of the Year 2014: Best Print Media House – Environmental Coverage: Best Electronic Media House – Environmental:

Hector Murambedzi – ZBC Kenneth Matimaire – Freelance Journalist Andrew Mambondiyani – Freelance Journalist Hector Murambedzi – ZBC Munyaradzi Chamalimba – The Herald Harare News Spot FM

Well done to all of you and keep up the good work, keeping us informed about environmental issues.

F

or quite a few years now environmentalists have been warning us about climate change.

In fact, in September this year the UN held an emergency summit on climate change to try to find a solution to this very serious global problem.

For Zimbabwe predictions are that our rainy season will become shorter and more erratic and that when the rains do come the chances are that we’ll get heavier and more violent storms that could lead to flooding and other damage. In a recent report on urban flooding (www.jamba. org.za) it was noted that, “Climate change manifests itself in, amongst other things, storm occurrence and flooding. This problem is further compounded by unguided rapid urbanisation and limited capacity of urban local authorities to address this issue…This is due to the fact that as densification increases, water run-off from the roofs of buildings alters the urban land cover and land surface, including blocking existing natural storm water drains. Poor solid waste management in the settlements further complicates the problem.” The recent heavy storms in Harare seem to be evidence of exactly this.

So what can urban and suburban dwellers do to cope? The answers are really mostly common sense. We should all keep pressurising our local councils and other authorities to keep our existing storm water drains clean and functioning properly and where necessary to add to or develop the existing infrastructure. Driving through the city centre on Monday this last week during the heavy storm, traffic came to a standstill in some places. The drains have not been cleared in months or probably years and on some roads the water was at least 50 cms deep. It’s not only dangerous to drive in these conditions, you can easily damage your motor vehicle because you can’t see the potholes or other obstacles.

Pedestrians are also at risk as some of the storm drains have broken covers or no covers at all. The water can also damage the road surface and most of our roads are in a deplorable state already.

In suburban areas residents can help to improve the situation by keeping the drains and ditches outside their properties free of rubbish and flowing freely. An half an hour a week of clearing up litter outside your house will make a huge difference. By the way, if your ditches are silted up the soil from inside the drains is usually rich in decomposed material and makes great compost or even potting soil. Other organisations like schools and clinics can also help by keeping their drains litter free, as well as educating people not to throw litter in the streets.

You can report illegal dumping and littering to the City of Harare on telephone numbers 752637 or 770339. And there’s a new hotline to report illegal littering from vehicles on 705661/2. Give the registration number, the type of litter being thrown out and where the offence took place.

There are a few other simple things you can do around the house too in order be better prepared for heavy storms. Make sure that all your gutters and downpipes are clear. A blocked gutter can overflow under the roof and damage or destroy your ceilings and leave water stains on the walls. Check the trees in your garden, especially the ones near to your house.

Old trees or trees with dead branches should be trimmed so that a branch, or even the whole tree, doesn’t fall on the roof. Old Cyprus trees and gum trees are particularly susceptible to falling over in the rainy season. Trim them back or better still replace them with indigenous trees which are better able to withstand our extreme weather conditions. Don’t park your car under a tree if it seems like a big storm is on the way.

Steeply sloping sites are susceptible to soil erosion so dig contour ditches or plant fast growing ground covers. If you have dips or depressions where stagnant water collects fill them in or work out a drainage solution. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other bacteria. Remember that a gravel driveway will allow water to soak into the ground, while a solid tar or cement driveway will simply cause the rain water to run off and be wasted.

November 23 to 29 2014

106

Health & Beauty

MEN’S Sexual Health ProductsErection Boosting-Bigman, Topman, Coffee, V8, Delay Balm etc - 0773818400 208060

200

Situations Vacant

THE STANDARD STYLE / MyClassifieds 31

400Building Materials 506 Security

ALUMINIUM sliding doors assemblers, installers & repair specialists. 68 Kaguvi Street, Harare.0774 469 419. fortfaberglass@gmail.com

Attractive salary. Wholesale, supermarkets want security guards, till operators, shop workers.0775967598; 0777553789; 0737087654

WISHES SANDS 5 & 10 cubic Pitsand ..................$80/$150 riversand .............$100/$180 3/4 Stones .........$240/$480 Coal Rubbles ........$120/$200 Gravel ..................$100/$180 Common bricks ...$180/1000 0774 392047; 0772949980

WANTED 17 workers urgently attractive salar y 500+ accommodation Call 0778954081, 0716950052

Sales and Highlights 414 Auction

208154

208147

WANTED: Private guards to work in shops, cleaners, shop assistants, merchandisers. Call: 0779867756; 0733839163; 0716950052

STRATEGICALLY PLACED, FULLY ARMED MOBILE UNITS STATE-OF-THE-ART TACTICAL COMMAND CENTRE

MILTON PARK CAR SALES

500 Building R O O F L E A K I N G S , waterproofing, gutters, rooftrusses, ceilings, plumbing, repairs & new installations. Call 0772206923, 0734830441, 0715812079 205386

513 311PlotsFor& Properties Sale 207960

UNDER 6 MINS AVERAGE RESPONSE TIME

801 Vehicles for Sale

Flats To Let

KWEKWE BEST INVESTMENTS. 25 Acres $25000, Deposit $5000.

Installments $500 & 75 Acres, Deposit $15000. Phone: +263 712 410 138; 0773 028 989

RAPID RESPONSE

ACCOU N T I N G Se r vi c e s , company formation, updating company returns, project proposals. Phone 0772682955, 0772807352, 04 710454 199336

SAITA Safaris Guest Lodge, 64 Palmer Road, Milton Park, Harare. Executive rooms. Call:0712 736 239; 0773 989 655; 0738 620 300

NEW BLOCK OF FLATS 2 Bedroomed Lounge, Fitted Kitchen/Lounge,Bathroom, Walled and Gated.Rent $450 + Deposits Call:0772 261 037 0772 211 301, 0716 405 980

FAST, SILENT, EFFECTIVE

Opportunities 702 Business

NEAT 3 Roomed Cottage Affordable in Ardbennie Area.

Phone: 0772 863 550, 0712 714 984

Northway Heights

ISO9001:

To advertise in print or online Call:04-773930-8 Email: sales@myclassifieds.co.zw or visit: www.myclassifieds.co.zw

Services available throughout the country

300 Accommodation Available

1 Beds $550-$675, 2 Beds $680-$850,Bedsitters $380$450 all inclusive Boreholes, Generator for lights extra $25 for unlimited wifi. 0773077066 0713385600, 0733855958.

R

OVER A DECADE OF EXPERIENCE IN THE WATER INDUSTRY!!!

Harare: 086 4410 7953 Bulawayo: (09) 230803/4

208092

304

MyClassifieds Search Find Buy Sell

Farming and Equipment

BEES Services on offer.

Removals, hives, excluders, 2day- courses, livebees. Also barcodes. Call 0714315282/ 0772528230 208039

Get news update to suite your lifestyle.

Opp Prince Edward School.

First Garage with Gazebo Toyota D/Cab raider 2010......30K Recent import choice of 2 Red and white with canopy Mazda Bongo Kombi............6,5K Recent Import Nissan Caravan 3 litre Kombi...8K Recent Import (chinguruwe) Ford Ranger Recent S/Cab.......9K ML320 Petrol.........................10K C200 Cmpressor...................6,5K Merc 280 Diamond Shape.....25K C200 Box Merc.......................4K BMW 318 Manual.................6,8K Honda Fit Recent..................4,8K Nissan 2,5 2T Truck............9,5K Nissan 2,5 T Truck..................9K Pajero.....................................5K Toyota Hilux S/Cab..................9K Kombi Toyota 5L Hiace.........5,5K Merc E220 CDI......................13K Volvo 560 CDI......................6,8K Mitsubishi RVR.....................2,5K BMW 740I............................6,5K Buble Toyota...........................4K D/Cab SDX.......................... 7,5k R4 2 Door Toyota ................3,8K

Contact Sales Team Danzo 0772 409 167 Danzel 0775 874 951 Jimiza 0772 393 584 Open Sundays

Text ‘YES’ to 35569.

Pay only 80 cents per week.

Receive news updates every morning.

Mobi News

NEWS 365

“News every day of the year”

32 THE STANDARD STYLE

November 23 to 29 2014