Standard Style 14 Dec 2014

I SSUE 33

decEMBER 14 to 20, 2014

Photography by Loyce Maturu

The Standard

Style

Star Profile

Inside

Marc Mandisoul

style@standard.co.zw

Patience Muzanenhamo-Lusengo

2 THE STANDARD STYLE / CONTENTS The Standard

Style

December 14 to 20 2014

Contents P08

Woman & Man 3 Woman Profile

Patience Lusengo

5 Motivation

Tafadzwa Taruvinga

7 Man Profile

Marc Mandisoul

Home & Garden

P14

9 Home of the Week

Enter our competition

10 Trends

Painting your wals

12 Garden

Garden Tips for December

Food & Drink

P07

P09

14 Restaurant Guide

St Elmo’s

15 Wine

Lebbie

Whilst the exact origins and the meaning of the song are unknown, it would be apt to say that it’s a most beautiful.

Christmasy song which just uplifts one and puts them into the mood to drum like the drummers, swim like the swans and dance like the ladies on the ninth day!

19 Family of the Week

Wilford family

22 Education

Cover to Cover winners

24 Family Getaway

Europcar 20 Miler 2014

Who doesn’t want to sing the famously elongated “fiiiive golden rings” bit? I know back in high school, as a Girl Guides Ranger during the nativity play we performed every December, I literally fought for that part! All things celebratory are special, good people. And because your readership, your business with us, and your loyalty to our brand, is that special to us, we extend our invitation to you and your families, and your neighbours, and the whole world, and it’s brother – to come switch the Christmas lights on with us at Old Georgians’ Sports Club in Groombridge, Harare, on the 20th.

Family

Arts

P19

As the day draws nearer and the countdown to The Standard Christmas Family Fun Day begins, this old favourite Christmas carol keeps ringing in my head, and I will sing just the one verse from the bottom up, simply because it’s the nicest one: On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 12 Drummers Drumming 11 Pipers Piping 10 Lords a Leaping 9 Ladies Dancing 8 Maids a Milking 7 Swans a Swimming 6 Geese a Laying 5 Golden Rings 4 Calling Birds 3 French Hens 2 Turtle Doves and a Partridge in a Pear Tree!

26 Breaking New Ground

Val Maasdorp

28 Bookworm

Dambudzo Marechera

29 Celeb News

Do come one, come all, let’s sing it together and make merry!

Prudie – Style Desk

Idris

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

December 14 to 20 2014

Star Profile

Patience Muzanenhamo-Lusengo “Patience, hard work and perseverance always pay off…”

Photography by Loyce Maturu

Prudence Muganiwah Patience Muzanenhamo-Lusengo’s passion is creativity, developing and creating winning situations. “I love the fact that I can create dreams that can come true for people, love that I can make a change in someone’s life for the best,” she says of herself.

Born in Zambia to Zimbabwean parents, the young girl moved to Zimbabwe in 1980 together with her parents, and attended Bishopslea Primary and subsequently Arundel High school. Patience then proceeded to Ravensbourne College of Art and Design in the UK in 1990, graduating with a BA HONS Degree in Graphic Design and Communications.

1994 was to see her in South Africa were she began work as a Fashion Buyer for the retail store Edgars in Johannesburg, proceeding in 1998 to buy the Topco Modelling & Grooming School franchise for Johannesburg, a Modelling Agency and a Modelling School.

“In 2000 we changed the name to Noir Models as a reflection of who we are in Africa and a celebration of our African beauty. Noir represents ethnic models, with the aim to represent a small but strong group of models, artists and celebrities. Noir Models is proud to be major player international entertainment market, and interacts on a continual basis with modelling agencies/ entertainment companies all over the world, for new faces, new artists and new trends,” she explains.

Noir Models represents top personalities and models to name a few -- Claire Mawisa, Mischief, Adimabo, Peter Ndoro, Tich Mataz, Hlomla Dandala of “Isidingo” fame, Fabian Lojede of “Jacobs Cross” fame and Liz Ogumbo, Miss South Africa, Miss Junior SA,

Blush Miss Teen, MTN Gladiators AK, ‘Lightening’. Miss Teen SA 2005, Face of Fashion Week 2007. The organisation creates professional corporate workshops to equip business and individuals with information and skills necessary to have a perfect personal, social and professional image.

Drawing inspiration from the people she meets, Patience says she believes everyone has an inspiring story to tell about how they got to where they are and where they want to be. “I have so many role models, as there are so many people out there that have done so much, some with big stories we have heard and some with small stories we haven’t heard.”

Patience has also been the brains behind Uvevane, a Communications, PR & Marketing Company, established in 2002 and born out of Noir Models. Uvevane is an events management, communications and marketing company, which focuses on the entertainment industry. She explains, “We deliver strategic, innovative, tailored events and PR for clients, with the knowledge of effective communication with a non-traditional solution in creating innovative events, marketing strategies and Public Relations.”

The driven personality has also been responsible for coordinating the Miss Zimbabwe International Pageant and Fashion Shows since 2001.

These shows which always aim to bring Zimbabwean beauty and talent to the foreground, are conducted in the US, Canada, Germany, Australia, the United Kingdom and South Africa.

Patience is also the current coordinator for Code Teen, a project which she describes as “the new millennium experience which speaks the language of the 21st Century Teenage Girl to motivate, inspire and empower teen girls on crucial adolescent life skills issues.” With Code Teen, which she aims to take to the rest of Africa and beyond, the aim is to create a unique and funky platform for teenage girls from all social backgrounds and ethnicity’s to interact and support each other – dealing with mutual issues and experiences irrespective of race and social background. Through her Code Teen programme, she does a lot of mentoring to young girls and boys about their life and careers.

“This year Code Teen’s presence was felt in

colleges and universities throughout South Africa and Zimbabwe, and transformation, self-love, self-respect and self-belief was taught to almost 20 000 girls!”

Speaking of her career path, Patience says it has ultimately resulted in extensive experience in empowering youth and ensuring they achieve their personal goals and potential.

Married for the past 21 years now to Zenzo Lusengo, an Investment Banker, the couple have three children. “I love the fact that all my kids are very talented, which makes my house a very vibrant place to be, as there is always something creative happening in my house.” She states that her biggest life achievement thus far has been finding the balance of running three successful businesses, being a full time mom and being a loving wife. The avid yoga enthusiast says she loves to drink wine, dance, travel, and entertain at her house.

But as with everything good, Patience’s road has not been smooth sailing. She explains how tough it was being the first black woman to open a modelling agency in a very hostile environment in South Africa. “Prejudice is one of the biggest problems in the world and if we learn to accept each other the way we are, it would solve a lot of our problems. But despite all odds, I managed to create an agency that is now recognised as one of most reputable in South Africa, Africa and the rest of the world!”

Patience is a firm believer in loyalty as a value. “Be loyal to people that are close to you, to yourself, and never judge any new people you meet.” She also adds that patience, hard work and perseverance always pay off. “Always take the risk, as you don’t ever want to ask yourself, I should have, could have, and would have.”

As a parting shot to the young generations who look up to her as an inspiration, as well as to the women out there, Patience says, “You are imperfect, permanently and inevitably flawed and you are beautiful. Not everyone out there is perfect and what you might hate of your self, someone out there would love it.”

Within Patience, clearly, lies a heart of gold, a heart that embraces one and all, and a positive mind that can do absolutely nothing else for one except move them upwards and forwards!

Poison in my lip-gloss!

It's

Yolanda Lindsay Mabuto

M

ost ladies cannot live without lip-gloss! Cosmetic companies lure us with their fruity, sweet-scented, brightly coloured, classicly designed tubes filled with “poison”.

It was only after a few applications that I noticed that something was wrong with my lip-gloss. I had bumps on my tongue and a rash on my lips. On average we ingest 24 to 87 milligrams of lip product each day, but WHAT ARE WE EATING? I noticed that most of my lip-glosses do not have an ingredient label.

Why? Shouldn’t we know what’s in it or it’s not important? After some research I found out that lip-gloss/stick is actually the most toxic cosmetic that women use. There are numerous lowgrade toxic imitations of brands being sold that have been found to contain ingredients that irritate the skin and which in the worst cases, cause permanent damage to both the body and the brain if they contain toxic compounds like lead, cadmium, chromium, manganese and aluminum.

The first three are unacceptable ingredients in cosmetics sold in Europe. What of Zimbabwe? Although it’s safer to use brands that show ingredients you won’t see heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and mercury listed but that doesn’t mean it is free of them?

Worrying isn’t it? If you suspect that your product is toxic, do some research on it and see whether you should keep or toss it. Although the cost of beauty is pain, it’s not supposed to be death.

finally

here

& it's

fabulous!

Shop online for local fashion!

Clothing & accessories by Zimbabwean designers!

72-hour delivery all over Zimbabwe!

info@zedlabel.com | www.zedlabel.com | fb.com/zedlabel | @zedlabel

4 THE STANDARD STYLE / WOMAN

December 14 to 20 2014

THE WEDDING PLANNER

Wedding Décor Obsessions – What’s Hot and What’s Not?

Rufaro Mushonga

O

ne of the most important aspects of a wedding for brides is the décor. I have been thinking about the days when I was working in the hospitality industry, and how things have really evolved when it comes to wedding trends. Today, if you are having a classy wedding, there are certain standards that you have to maintain, whether you like it or not. Many couples fail to agree on the type of décor they want, and more often than not, it’s because the groom does not understand why he should hire guest chairs that cost US$4 each, and how a marquee can cost more than US$5 000. But of course, on the wedding day when it all comes together, it looks absolutely fabulous. So to the grooms out there, these are the décor issues that you will have to deal with during the planning process.

The Clear Span Tent If you are going for sophistication, then you need to know that the “peg and pole” tent is not sophisticated. If you want a “wow” from your guests as they arrive at your reception venue, you will need to hire a “Clear Span” structure. To put it simply, a Clear Span Tent “clearly spans” a particular area, meaning there are no poles or ropes, or any obstructions within the tent. The clear span tent looks stunning on the outside and inside, especially when it has been draped and lined with fairy lights and LED strip lights in your wedding colours.

The Wimbledon, Chiavari, Ghost Chair and Phoenix Chair What? No more plastic chairs with

chair covers and a tie back? Well you can get away with having plastic chairs with spandex or stretch chair covers at your wedding ceremony. But the Wimbledon chair is now the ceremony chair of choice. For your reception, you can choose between a chiavari chair, ghost chair and phoenix chair. Chiavari chairs have become the most popular chairs in the world for special and high profile events. These days it’s also acceptable to use Wimbledon chairs for an outdoor reception. A Ghost chair is exactly that – it’s a transparent chair.

You wouldn’t think that a chair that is practically invisible would have an effect on your décor would you?

The Charger Plate These days, your dinner plate needs a plate. The plate for your dinner plate is called a charger plate. Charger plates have been in existence for a couple of centuries, but have only recently become an essential accessory at a wedding dinner in Zimbabwe. A charger plate is a decorative base plate for your starter and dinner plate. Think of it as a place mat. Using a charger plate can completely transform your table setting. A charger plate cannot be used as a dinner plate!

Having a classy and sophisticated wedding does not come cheap. If this is what you want, then you have to “renew” your mind when it comes to your wedding budget. Change your mind set, and give yourself more time to plan for your wedding. It’s worth it.

Rufaro Mushonga - Wedding Planner rufmush@gmail.com Décor by Venue Umwinzii

THE STANDARD STYLE / INSPIRATION 5

December 14 to 20 2014

The Gift of Self Embrace (Part 1) Nobody said it would be Are you in a healthy easy relationship with yourself?

Nyarai Chapingidza

Cynthia Hakutangwi

R

eading Orville Lloyd Douglas’ article on “Why I hate being a Black Man” conjured some very contemplative thoughts in my mind. In his article posted in The Guardian of November 9 2013 Orville laments on how “we espouse 'black is beautiful', but the true image of blackness is ugly. If we confront our selfhatred, maybe we’ll have real pride.” Describing the context and community in which he lives Orville further explains that “a lot of the time I feel like my skin colour is like my personal prison, something that I have no control over, for I am judged just because of the way I look.”

Working with individuals in their personal development pursuits I have recognised a common thread that haunts many individuals in spite of their race, age, tribe or allegiance and I have traced that to faulty foundations in self-definition and issues of authentic personal identity.

One of the chief causes that can cause individuals to feel like they are in a prison emanates from prolonged periods of living fictional lives in order to measure up to unrealistic standards set by systems, culture, practices and people around them who enslave them to fit into unreasonable

moulds. It is this same cancer that has destroyed innovation and creative thinking in families, organisations and communities.

Whilst many individuals may find it easier to fill the roles their family and friends expect of them, rather than becoming who they really want to be, living such a fictional life drains the critical life energy they need to pursue the things they truly value. The temptation towards selfhatred because of biological and physical attributes or other that cannot be altered is highly destructive. I have met individuals who hate absolutely everything about who they are. They hate their body, their face, their hair, their shape, their voice, the way they move, their thoughts, and literally everything they do. They glow with admiration of everyone else around them but themselves. In some instances others can even hurt themselves and a part of them feels great because they believe they are hurting something so horrible. Self-embrace does not imply that we overlook our areas of weakness and settle for mediocrity but rather that we forgive ourselves in areas where we have failed, accept where we are and apply ourselves

to be the best we can be using excellence as a standard. Whilst they may appear to exist a very thin line between excellence and perfectionism, the latter feels constrictive, judgmental, painful (especially when the mark is missed), and is fuelled by feelings of lack, of wanting to be accepted and liked. Excellence on the other hand is honourable, accepting, and is fuelled by feelings of love and pure intentions of being in service and becoming a better version of yourself each day. When your behavioural life, your public persona is at odds with the values, beliefs, desires, passions and visions that define your authentic self then it is possible you may be living a fictional life that has you ignoring your true gifts and talents while performing assigned or inherited roles instead.

Cynthia is a Communications and Personal Development Consultant, a Life Coach, Author, and Strategist. 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. Facebook: Wholeness Incorporated

M

any of us have dreams, goals and aspirations in life that we would like to fulfil and achieve but how many of us are willing to go through whatever it takes to reach these goals? This is where many of us go wrong. We have these big dreams for our lives but we don’t make room for the challenges that come with working towards our goals. Elizabeth Gilbert, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Eat, Pray, Love, says: pursuing your passion or working toward the thing you have asked for is not a day at the beach. It is not going to be easy. Instead, there will be extremes, many of which will make you question your entire purpose. Expect to be challenged, expect to be hurt, expect to feel lost, expect to feel despair, expect to be double-guessing yourself at every turn.

These words serve as a powerful reminder that it is okay to feel fear and doubt. You do not have to feel perfect and great all the time, to be sure that you are on the right path or are close to a breakthrough in your life. Perhaps it is the complete opposite of how you expected to feel.

You may have been expecting to feel happy yet you are stressed than ever. You may have been expecting people to applaud you for your little accomplishments, yet people are jealous of your success and cannot bring themselves to being happy for you. All this can be draining and can ultimately affect you and everything you have worked for.

It is important to know that regardless of what it is you want to achieve in life, most of the time it will not come easy and you will not always feel right inside but those experiences should not deter you from your journey. Keep going no matter how you feel. Make room for those challenges in advance and remind yourself that it is not a day at the beach, expect to be challenged.

The 8 Essential Rs for a New Beginning... [Part II] Tafadzwa Zimunhu Taruvinga

O

ur journey of The 8 Essential Rs ensues.

Your tasks for the past week were to slip away into some Retrospective Introspection and Realistic Goal-Setting. Ideally, you should now have a list of goals which you are contemplating for the New Year that is 2015. Next, you ought to Review the Set Goals which you’ve listed, as well as engage in some serious Resource Auditing.

Reviewing Set Goals

Last week, you’d have decided which goals you think you can pursue in 2015, asking yourself questions that are as realistic as possible, and more importantly, answering them alike. How do you review set goals then? And you have to make this practical, if it will work. Critical to remember is that you have already resolutely decided on the list of goals. In other words, if you still have reservations about whether a goal should be on the list, revert back to Realistic Goal-Setting. Reviewing is about getting into the depths of “why” you want to pursue each particular goal. Does the goal fit into your holistic bigger picture dream for your life?

Resource Auditing

This fourth stage is as pragmatic and it gets

when it comes to new beginnings. This is the “how” of your new journey. More often than not, we savour the euphoria of making new resolutions, but we sometimes don’t ask ourselves what resources will be required in the time imminent. How much money will be required and are there adequate income streams? How much time will need to be allocated to each goal? Will such time and money be available given one’s current job and other commitments? Are there other income streams available in addition to one such job, in order to achieve each goal? Naturally then, a detailed plan with time deadlines, strict time management and adequate budgets will be required. That is your task for the week, reviewing goals and developing a thorough resource audit.

Tafadzwa Taruvinga is the founding Management Consultant of Competus Customer Service Consulting (Pty) Ltd, which provides Customer Service Excellence Training and customer-centric IT Solutions. He is the author of “Serve Your Customers EXCELLENTLY, Or Not At All!”, as well as “In THIS Lifetime...You can live your dream”. Tafadzwa is a Member of the Advisory Council of the US-based organisation, Customer Value Creation International (CVCI). You can get in touch with Tafadzwa at tafadzwazt@gmail.com or visit his Facebook pages at www.facebook.com/tafadzwaztaruvinga and www.facebook.com/mazibhuku

6 THE STANDARD STYLE / MAN / GROOMING

December 14 to 20 2014

Whats your colour?

Marshall Malikula

O

ur choice of colours can either make us pop or look frail. Not all colours are going to suit your complexion. Wear the wrong colours and you may end up looking like the mummy.

According to the Fitzpatrick scale skin tones are classified into fair, golden, bronzed and dark. There are two main general classes of skin tones, either one is warm or cool skinned. Warm skin has yellow undertones and cool skin has blue undertones. So, how do you know which class you belong? Do a swatch test in front of a mirror by placing piece of yellow fabric next to your face. If it’s flattering then your skin is warm. Take a blue swatch of fabric to check for cool undertones. Another thing you can do is checking your veins, if they are blue then you got cool under tones. If they are green you’ve got yellow undertones, which makes your skin warm.

Warm-skinned men look good in pastels along with bright warm colours. However this should be done with tact. Going extremely bright or very shiny is not recommended. In this case, your clothes will wear you or down play your features. Dark-skinned

people must take advantage of mixing warm and cool colours. For example wear a pastel shirt and a blue sweater over it. Cool colours work wonders if you wear them as accessories or in combination with warm hues. Try cool coloured bowties on brightly coloured shirts for instance.

Cool or fair skinned men, must choose light colours like beige and other pastels. However, do not limit yourself to hues as fair as your skin. Try turquoise (a bright shade of blue), Rich purples, and Emerald green and deep reds such as burgundy. Avoid black as it will make you look washed out. Mostly Caucasians fall into this category.

In conclusion, the colour of a back ground determines the impact of colour. For example, red on a black background will pop and will be muted on a pink background.

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

My accessory of the week; Suede brogues

THE STANDARD STYLE / MAN / PROFILE 7

December 14 to 20 2014

Star Profile:

Marc Mandisoul

“Stay true to your goals and vision…”

Prudence Muganiwah

H

is name is the one behind many films, radio programmes and TV shows. But does anyone really know the face behind this name?

Marc Mandisoul is a film maker, radio presenter and television producerpresenter whose passion lies in entertainment in all is forms.

A host on the Weekend Breakfast show on Zimbabwe’s first private and increasingly popular radio station ZiFM, as well as Heartbeat of Radio, a show he co-hosted with Miss V Candy on the same radio station, Marc has also produced music videos for popular artists such as Roki. Songs such as ZIMA Award winning Chidzoka, and Buffalo Souljah’s Bum Jive, which was playlisted on Channel O and MTV Base, boast of his talent.

Marc was also director on Estate Blues, the NAMA award winning local soap on ZTV. Currently a host on CLUB ‘E’ TV, an entertainment lifestyle show running on ZTV with Miss V Candy, he says CLUB ‘E’ is his biggest achievement thus far. “Starting it with Miss V Candy and our own production label Entertainment Afrika is my biggest achievement because we started with absolutely nothing and have created so much out of it.”

His first international film Zambezi, which was shot in three different countries, is in post-production. “My previous local films Dirty Groove and City of Dreams have been broadcast on M-Net Africa Magic and Dirty Groove received special jury mention at the Zimbabwe International Film Festival 2008.”

Marc has also recently co-produced international tracks for Miss V Candy in collaboration with Brick & Lace, the Jamaican girl group based in Miami. He is also working on other collaborations in conjunction with other artists such as REHAB studio, Anonzi Xander and Young Nash.

“I enjoy being able to give people something to watch and listen to after a day of hard work or during

moments when the struggles of life are weighing them down and just want to kick back and be entertained. I also love to create and be able to paint images that resonate with people from different walks of life and cultural back grounds.”

He says to date, making the movie Zambezi was his toughest task as it has taken him two years to produce the film due to financial constraints. “Trying to make everything function by uniting different production houses in the country for common purpose was also a mammoth task, it’s never easy working with various egos.”

However, Marc says he owes his success story largely to hard work and self-discipline. “Being able to endure difficulties and seeing the bigger picture always, is vital. People will have opinions about you and your work, even family and friends -- but you need to be able to stay true to your goals and vision even if it doesn’t seem to make sense to anyone financially or creative wise.

A father to two, Marc speaks glowingly of his angels.

“I have amazing kids, Jermaine and Aaliyah, they rock and rule my world and they give me a reason to wake up every day and do what I do. I love going out with them for movies and ice-cream and sitting through endless hours of cartoon network!”

Listing one of his pet peeves as people with negative energy, Marc believes in positivity and remaining resolute and focused. In his community, Marc is involved with the setting up of a Talent Academy in Sentosa, Harare, where they are currently training television talent, presenters and crew and working with them on CLUB E and future projects.

Inpsired by Honourable Minister Supa Mandiwanzira in terms of business and vision, Tich Mataz -- television wise, Peter Johns in terms of radio and Quentin Tarantino in terms of film, Marc says one interesting, but little known fact about himself is that he was once a pastor in a local church.

Marc, ever-ambitious, says in the next five years he sees Entertainment Afrika, his production label, taking over Africa. “And my life- long film project, State of Malambia finally being shot in Hollywood.” He also has plans of venturing into serious politics! “I think politics is dirty and fun.”

To young aspirants, Marc says, “For one to be in the local entertainment industry, they need a strong personality, huge heart and expect to work long hours with no pay but when the money comes you go for months not worrying about the things of this world. Stay true to your vision always.”

It is obvious and reassuring that Marc is very hopeful and determined to see the Zimbabwean entertainment industry improving in the next few years. “I see Zim Entertainment becoming a key income generator in the economy and huge employer of many and I am certain I will play a huge role in the development of this industry by creating world class opportunities in terms of film, television and promoting and nurturing talent!”

8 THE STANDARD STYLE / MAN / WHEELS

December 14 to 20 2014

Hyundai’s all-new Santa Fe ready for adventure.

Fact Jeke

T

he all-new, third generation Hyundai Santa Fe with striking styling and luxury and performance features that are bound to make it a compelling and very popular contender in the large SUV segment, is here in Zimbabwe and available at the Clover Leaf Showroom Floor in Harare and in Bulawayo.

The top-end SUV in Hyundai Automotive’s local model range enters our market in three derivatives with a choice of features, drivetrains and, ultimately, prices that will suit the savviest customers’ preferences.

Buyers in this premium segment are given a choice between the front-wheel drive Santa Fe Premium and the two all-wheel drive derivatives – the Executive and the Elite. When carrying more passengers is a priority, the Executive and Elite with their third row of seats that fold away into the cargo floor in the rear, offers another option to make it an even more versatile vehicle.

Stylish, spacious and comfortable, the all-new Santa Fe is loaded with features. Fuel-efficient and advanced at every level, Hyundai brings new energy and a very attractive alternative for the SUV segment.

The all-new Santa Fe displays Hyundai’s cutting-edge capabilities through its “Fluidic Sculpture” design, impressive fuel economy and a host of standard features that add functionality and comfort.

The third generation of Santa Fe is designed to be manageable in a city environment, with flexible seating arrangements and clever use of internal space.

Built on Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design philosophy, the exterior of the all-new Santa Fe invokes the impression of irrepressible motion through the model’s unique “Storm Edge” styling, which captures the strong and dynamic images created by nature during the formation of a storm.

The exterior is highlighted with rectangular lenses for the front Xenon headlights, LED side repeaters in the rear clusters, and gloss black finishing on the door frames and pillars, reminiscent of the treatment found on luxury saloons.

At the rear, detailing includes a sporty twin muffler with double exhaust tips, a diffuser style moulding beneath the bumper, and an LED highlevel brake light. Very attractive alloy wheels are standard – 17” rims are fitted to the Premium derivative, while the Executive comes with 18” and the Elite with 19” rims. A full alloy spare wheel is

located under the cargo floor.

Boot space in the all-new Santa Fe is 1 003 litres in the Premium 5-seater, and 994 litres in the 7-seater Executive and Elite. A new centre console storage box, deep door pockets and a sizable lockable glove box contribute to the overall storage space in the new Santa Fe.

When it comes to comfort, staying cool on hot days is essential in Africa. All models come with Dual Zone Climate Control, with a switch to activate the air conditioner for the second- and thirdrow passengers. A glove box cooler also keeps contents chilled.

The flagship Elite model features a tiny video camera that assists the driver when reversing or parking by showing in the rear-view mirror what is going on behind the car. This will help a few ladies out there.

The all-new Santa Fe offers a superb audio system with four speakers and two tweeters and fuel consumption figures of 8 litres/100 km for the Premium FWD and 8,3 litres/100 km for the AWD Executive and Elite derivatives have been recorded in combined European testing cycles.

Suspension is by Macpherson struts at the front, and a multi-link arrangement at the rear.

Dynamic dampers deliver saloon car-like levels of comfort and control, whilst the Flex Steer sys

tem offers improved precision and feel.

With the all-new Santa Fe, Hyundai continues to build on its reputation for creating some of the safest vehicles in the market. Cutting-edge preventive safety systems offer optimal driving stability and require minimum effort from the driver, yet deliver maximum results on virtually any road condition.

A wide range of active safety technologies are also deployed in the new Santa Fe, helping the driver at all times and providing maximum protection in an accident.

If you love adventure with a hint of class this is it for you.

Additional Source: Quick Pic & automiddleast. com Email: missjeke@mail.com

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: STDSTYHM33

10 THE STANDARD STYLE / HOME & GARDEN / TRENDS

Walls

PART

1

December 14 to 20 2014

Painting Your Walls

Semi - Gloss finish paints reflect light go for lighter shades to a summery feeling - image: Behr Paints

High Gloss finish High gloss paints have a reflective quality that is very shiny.

Minimise use of dark high gloss colours on walls as these can be too clinical and harsh. High gloss colours are good on trims and doors and modern furniture for an eclectic or contemporary look. This paint is generally very durable and easy to clean but will magnify every imperfection on your wall.

The right colour and finish of paint adds luxury and stately elegance - image: Behr Paints When choosing paint you need to consider the type and purpose of your room, base, tints, sheens and the ambiance you want to create. You can contrast your walls, reflect light, create depth, warmth, add a luxurious touch and tone down or enhance colours. This is achieved by creative use of different paint finishes. There is no rule that says you have to use one colour.

lent for contrast trims and sleek finish wood work or for creating accent walls. Eggshell paints are available locally.

Paint comes in some of these finishes - Satin sheen, high gloss, semi- gloss, cashmere, matt, eggshell, suede, metallic and many more. We look at some of them. Note that with some paint brands, the higher the gloss the more durable the paint and the more pricey they are. With all paint jobs please do not skimp on preparatory work because every bump, scratch, brush stroke, hole and nail will show ruining what would have been good paint work. No superior paint will cover a bad surface.

Eggshell finish hints at relaxed luxury - image: Behr Paints

Flat Finish

Satin Finish

This is the normal paint that we all know. Available in a wide array of shades, it is affordable and can be used on interior walls to create mood and depth in various tonal zones. You can use one main colour and vary the shade. To bring out the richness of the dark colour you can then contrast your cornices, frames and skirting with a white in a semi-gloss finish. The flat or matt finish has no shine or gloss. It’s the best option if want to cover uneven walls, cracks, or other imperfections, as this doesn’t reflect light. Check with your manufacturer on how washable your paint is as some may easily get dirty and prove difficult to clean.

It has more sheen than eggshell or satin and cleans better than egg shell or matt finish. It works well with for woodwork, walls, doors, and hallways. Some brands call it velvet sheet or Velvaglo; it is a high performance non drip enamel paint which spreads well and holds its colour well. Its only let down is it if not applied correctly it will show imperfections or uneven brush strokes.

Matt or flat finish can be contrasted in various shades to create interest - image: Behr Paints

Paint adds texture to your walls - image: Behr Paints

Egg shell

Semi-Gloss Finish

General Paint guide – source www. Houselogic.com

This paint has a slight hint of gloss and is super smooth almost like dustless chalk. It’s good for walls and holds up better with cleaning than flat finish paint. It can be applied to wood and dries to a washable satin finish. It can be tinted to any colour and is best suited to areas with high activity. This finish does reflect colour especially in lighter shades. This paint is excel-

Semi-gloss paint has a subtle sheen and used on doors, trim and cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms. Washes easily and reflects light very well. Take care with pre-paint preparation work, as poorly prepared surfaces can be a bit distracting when highlighted by a semi-gloss surface.

Avoid costly mistakes and visit your local paint distributor as they are well trained and will give you the best advice. They will also tint paint to your specifications. Till then love and enjoy your home.

Credits – www.plascon.za . www.behr.com www.houselogic.com www.housebeautiful.com www.decoist.com Noma Ndlovu is an Interior Designer & Property Stylist. Feedback on unaminkosi@yahoo.co.uk. www.facebook.com/unamihomestyle +263775402083

Gloss finish paints reflect light go for lighter shades to a summery feeling - image: House Beautiful

As a general guide for choosing a paint finish- follow the basic below.

December 14 to 20 2014

THE STANDARD STYLE / HOME & GARDEN /INSPIRATION 11

A Green, Blue & Silver Christmas Colour Scheme

Here are this week’s DIY décor ideas to add eamto your green, blue and silver Christmas look.

winter interior. Don't be afraid to use your nd preferences . But keep it practical. This nter indulgences - chocolate, coffee and

biggest decisions you have to make when eature in the room. Creamy hot chocolate ing room. You can set off your living room ut. If your lounge suite is brown don't panic. ng interest to the space with highlights of es, such as leather, sheepskin, suede and ter.

To begin, remove the caps from glass or plastic ball ornaments and attach them to a foam ball with hot glue. Insert a dowel into the foam ball. Use a ribbon, to tightly wrap the dowel in stopping before you reach the bottom. Fill a hobnail vase or other container half-full with modelling clay; insert dowel. Finish off the top clay with marbles.

Experimenting with different textures and hues brings out a classic look, like the wreath on this shuttered window. Silver-painted pinecones bring texture to the arrangement, while turquoise balls create a playful look.

matched. For a less dramatic but equally ving room. Go ahead and rescue those old em. Visit a professional frame shop to help up them together for impact on your wall. A n you photograph people in colour, you essence of a natural setting and goes past

Use this centrepiece idea for that sophisticated festive appeal.

offee with a spew of sweet cream to cozy way you accessorize your space. Filled, hing touch for any room. Add mellow mood , set a collection of cream candles into it ms in a similar colour from table runners to id lots of pattern , as these tend to always

Use what you already have in your home to dress up this holidays gathering with icy blue and white.

well. UseSpacework banding on cushions, pull out the To create a sophisticated Christmas living room use a light and airy holiday colour scheme that incorporates light green, bright blue, and silver. Create a feature on your mantel with oversize stockings in light green-and-blue, and beneath, wrap up potted lemon cypress trees in teal

paper and green ribbon. To complete the colour scheme decorate your Christmas tree with an assortment of blue, silver, and green glass ornaments, and colour-coordinate a sea of wrapped packages in blue-and-white .

References Fun and Festive Christmas Colour Schemes. [Sa]. [O].

Available: http://www.bhg.com/christmas/indoor-decorating/ christmas-colour-schemes/ Accessed on 2014/11/27

Images [1] Source: Better Homes and Gardens. Image by Unknown [2] Source: Better Homes and Gardens. Image by Unknown [3] Source: Traditional Home. Image by Unknown [4] Source: The House of Smiths. Image by Unknown [5] Source: DigsDigs. Image by Unknown [6] Source: The Sweet Adventures of Sugarbelle. Image by Unknown

his week!

Christmas treats like these cookies can double up as your table décor, together with table coverings and placemats.

12 THE STANDARD STYLE / HOME & GARDEN / GARDEN

December 14 to 20 2014

Green Gardening Tips for December December is the perfect time to work on your soil and your garden. Here’s the skinny on what you should grow and work on in December: Vegetables Sweetcorn should be up and growing. Mound or hill up the soil around the base of the plant to develop more support roots from the stem.

These roots will keep your plants more stable in the wind. Now is a good time to plant some climbing beans around their base. The beans will use the corn stalks as a support and you can grow two crops in the space of one.

Tomatoes will be actively growing. Don’t pinch out the lateral growths completely. Let them grow as they will increase your yield.

If you are growing them on a trellis as with beans, just thread the growth through the climbing frame. If you have trained them to

stakes, attach the side-shoots to the next stake to make a wall of fecund tomato plants.

Why not grow your own turmeric? They take about two years before you can harvest the roots but they look extremely ornamental in the meantime. Buy some roots at the greengrocer and plant them about 5–7cm deep in a fertile semi-shaded spot. Use the leaves to wrap fish in before cooking and enjoy the delicately beautiful flowers before the stems fall over and they are ready to harvest.

Fruit Trees A leisurely survey of your espaliered trees is required now. Take a break from this hectic season and monitor the new growth. Get into the garden with a glass of wine, your secateurs and some soft ties. Pinch out the tips of new growth and tie back, or down, stems that will form the structure of your espalier. Remember, the aim is to produce as much fruiting wood as possible and minimise long, vertical growth that will only produce leaves. Make sure the espalier is kept as close as possible to its vertical frame or support so none of the plant is in shadow. Heavy growth from the top

will shade lower branches, which will cease to be fruitful. In the case of deciduous trees, make sure you follow the pattern you have designed for them at planting; that is a fan shape for cherries, peaches, nectarines and figs, or horizontal training for apples, quinces, medlars and pears.

Compost and Soil: How to Make Christmas Compost You will need: 1) One bucket of your own compost or garden soil. Never use potting mix as this has been sterilised and contains none of the soil life that makes successful compost.

2) One bucket of fresh manure or one-third of a bucket of blood and bone if you can’t get your hands on manure. Choose sheep, cow or chook manure.

3) Some comfrey leaves and flower stems.

4) Three or four leaves of yarrow (Achillea millefolium).

5) Some dry leaves, shredded paper or cardboard.

In your wheelbarrow, mix the compost/soil, manure/blood and bone and roughly chopped comfrey leaves and stems. Fill your decorative buckets two-thirds full with this mixture.

Tuck one leaf of yarrow into each bucket. Top

your bucket with 20cm of shredded paper/ cardboard or dry leaves and dampen them with a fine mist of water. Tie your Christmas ribbon around the top.

Now that’s at least three easy-to-make presents done and dusted! The bucket can sit for a while until the Christmas crush has finished, when the grateful recipient can incorporate it into their heap. What could be a better gift than more compost for the garden? http://www.lifestyle.com.au

THE STANDARD STYLE

FOOD & DRINK 1

(1,2) Eating Out (3) Wine (4) Zimbokitchen

In this issue of Food & Drink

2

3

4

14 THE STANDARD STYLE / EATING OUT / ST ELMO’S

December 14 to 20 2014

St Elmo’s, Avondale

1 6

2

3 7 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8)

4 Dusty Miller

U

NTIL recently it wouldn’t have been really necessary to insert the Harare suburb, Avondale, in the title of this piece.

There was only one St Elmo’s in Harare; indeed in Zimbabwe.

But in the past few months the local St Elmo’s franchise (I’ve also seen them in South Africa and Australia) spread its wings. Robbie Mellor’s team have opened a St Elmo’s takeaway only at Borrowdale Brooke and another St Elmo’s sit-down restaurant and takeaway at Borrowdale Village.

Further wing-spreading saw the team taking over The Mill (formerly Miller’s Grill, at one stage the incomparable Wombles) at Ballantyne Park.

I suppose time will fully relate how wise this expansionism was during what we all hope is the absolute nadir of the Zimbabwean economy. I mean, can it really, possibly get any worse?

Apparently The Mill is absolutely pumping with free-spending diners and drinkers…so well done on that one, Robbie!

5 I was first almost dragged in to the Avondale St Elmo’s by my then teenage daughter, Adele, when she was in gym slips and writing GCE. She’s now going on for 33 and is a mother of two in Oxfordshire.

(I can still recall what we ate that lunchtime, having driven to Avondale because a very weird Chinese restaurant in Samora Machel had been closed overnight….never to re-open!)

Since then I’ve probably returned about twice a year but I’ve never seen the place as under-patronised as it was on Wednesday at sun-downer time. The school vacs were with us and kids eat Italian free at St Elmo’s on Wednesdays, which made the reduced trade perhaps more noticeable.

Were the former punters grazing at the Borrowdale branch, I asked myself. Were they a couple of doors away at the new Avondale Mugg & Bean (where eggs Benedict which costs R55 across the length and breadth of South Africa will set you back nearly double that figure: US$9 and a US$3 “bottomless” coffee is insipid almost to the point of tasteless?)

It was lovely sitting on the St E verandah on a balmy night enjoying a cooling breeze after a broiling day as the sky turned a score

8

St Elmo’s, Avondale staff. New GM Tandie Makwara is second from right Chicken and avocado salad Minestrone soup Michaela digs into pasta carbonara Ice-cream-and-chocolate sauce Kids eat pasta and pizza free at St Elmo’s on a Wednesday Pasta marinara had mussels, prawns, line fish and calamari Gypsy spit starters All pictures by Dusty Miller

of shades of greens and blues just before night fell. Avondale sure is the place to peoplewatch and I often feel as if the United Nations mixture of rich men, poor men, beggar men, thieves and cabinet ministers (or is that tautology?) don’t realise they are being watched.

We were made hugely welcome by new general manager Tandie Makwara, who’s worked there several years and deserves the promotion, and new recruit Anthony Hunt, who I thought for a second, may be a Robbie Mellor brother.

Our kid to eat free was Michaela, although looking very prematurely grown up in cocktail frock and make- up; she ordered haloumi to start with at US$6. Her sister, Jessica, went for US$7,50 gypsy spits and mum, Charmaine tried the mussels in a creamy garlic sauce, which are great value at US8.

The girls did much mixing and matching of appetisers, I had a richly dense chunky minestrone soup which was very good, but I don’t think US$7 good! It had a wee tantalizing hint of chilli in its construction.

The place had begun to fill up a bit more by now. There was (presumably?) a boisterous mainly male office Christmas party attacking huge steaks and mountains of chips (US$17US$37) and a family with lots of kids. (But only one lightie per adult eats free!)

Briefly stonked, strafed and dive-bombed by flying ants, we mooted moving indoors, but they soon bomb-shelled and gapped for the night! For a brief second I’d had a wiggly, wriggly termite matted in what little is left of my thinning greying locks, one up my right

nostril, and another in my left ear; the floor was covered in gossamer white ant wings.

Then they’d gone! Great!

Thankfully there was a civilized gap between appetisers and main course when we sipped drinks, Charmaine and Jessica---tut, tut---smoked and we did much more peoplewatching and discussing.

Michaela had pasta carbonara, with ham, bacon, salami, cream and mushrooms (US$14) Jessica a healthy (but huge portion) of chicken and avocado salad, costing US$10,50 and Charmaine and I the pasta marinara: creamy spaghetti or penne jam-packed with mussels in the half-shell, prawns, calamari and line fish at US$16. I prefer this dish served plated attractively as at St Elmo’s rather than delivered in a crimped tinfoil envelope like at Da Eros.

Michaela doesn’t eat puddings or anything sweet, such as fruit or tomatoes so skipped that course. (She also has coulrophobia: an irrational fear of clowns, and guess what? St Elmo’s often have clowns at weekends!) An interesting youngster!

Jessica went for a very rich looking chocolate brownie, the adults had the ubiquitous ice-cream and chocolate sauce apiece..

I ended with filter coffee, Charmaine had a post-prandial single malt Scotch and we were on our way replete, rejoicing and fairly knackered by 8pm. As I keep saying: Manhattan Island, Ha-ha-ha-rare (Africa’s fun capital) is not! dustymiller46@gmail.com

THE STANDARD STYLE / FOOD & DRINK / WINE 15

December 14 to 20 2014

Basic Beginnings – It’s WINE Shopping Lebbie Masavaya

“You can enjoy a US$15 bottle of wine as much as you can enjoy a US$100 bottle of wine”– Joe Bastianich

S

hopping for wine can be a daunting experience. Buying wine for yourself and on opening you’re faced with a wine hard to swallow, the decision is easy, you simply pour it down the drain. What happens when you’re shopping for your guests? All eyes and the expected wine experience fall on you, and this is where wine shopping can be intimidating. Wine shopping does not have to be a dreaded experience. In fact, this experience can be so exciting, you won’t regret having tried it out. With the mood of the festive period picking up, if you haven’t already showed face in a wine shop, it’s not too late, “wine up”, and let’s get wine shopping. A safe and easy way to begin your shopping, is to know what the wine is for? Is it a social glass or for a dinner party? We can easily find ourselves, instinctively, looking at the price of the wine first, before we determine what we want.

Yes, I know price means everything, but per-

haps we could change things around, just this once and see the results. I’d love to hear about your journey with this new experience, wine enthusiasts.

Light-bodied white wines are extremely palate friendly when entertaining. Sauvignon Blanc is a very popular entertainment wine, that’s easy to love, crispy and refreshing.

South Africa’s most widely grown grape variety, Chenin Blanc, full of zest and excitement, is also a pleasant option for an entertainment wine. Rosés, which come in sweet, and dry, make a delightful social glass, which is full of light subtle flavours, yet enjoyable. An array of easy drinking red wines is also available and ideally, purchase of both white and red is advisable to give your guests a choice. A Haute Cabrière, unwooded Pinot Noir comes to mind, as it’s one wine I have never forgotten, that displays a lot of freshness and an easy on the palate style.

For that dinner party, thanks to most winemaker’s, there is a short note describing the wine at the back of every bottle, with some even making suggestions as to what meal you can drink the wine with. A simple and basic note to remember when shopping wine for a dinner party, the weight of the food and wine should equal and not inundate the other. Full flavoured wines should be matched with fully flavoured food.

Wines with acidity, like your Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling, pair beautifully with citrusy food, while spicy and salty foods are tastefully furthered with wines with a touch of sweetness.

Let this first step take you to wine places you’ve never been. Let your wines for this festive season, mark the beginning of guided “wine shopping”. To all wine enthusiasts, may your love for wine keep growing.

Pictures from www.google.com

16 THE STANDARD STYLE / FOOD & DRINK

Low carb Grilled Tandoori Chicken salad 3-4 Servings Cooking time: 45 min In the spirit of promoting healthier eating habits, I prepared this low carb grilled chicken salad.

This is not to totally omit the carbs (as I put forward that you do need them to have a balanced diet) but to just reduce the quantity you partake daily, weekly, monthly. You can have this salad on its own as a light lunch or supper (as a matter of fact I prepared this one for the love of my life). Or you could serve it with roast potatoes and white sauce. It’s pretty easy to make and the results are fantastic… a burst of flavour in your mouth.

You’ll enjoy every bite.

Ingredients  300g chicken breast  150 ml butter/sour milk (you may use lacto/ amasi)  40 ml lemon juice  ½ tsp chopped fresh ginger  ½ tsp chopped garlic  ½ tsp salt  ½ tsp ground cumin  ½ tsp ground black pepper  ½ tsp whole coriander  ½ tsp curry powder  ½ tsp mixed herbs  ½ medium onion, cut into rings  3 lettuce leaves

December 14 to 20 2014

by Rumbie - Zimbokitchen

 1/2 medium cucumber  1/2 punnet cherry tomatoes  Homemade Salad dressing (optional) Quick Instructions 1. Get your ingredients together.

2. Take your chicken breast and put it in the bowl/ marinating container. Season with salt and the lemon juice. Close the container securely and refrigerate for 30 min.

3. In the meantime prepare your marinade.

Put your buttermilk/ sour milk in the measuring jug. Add all the spices and herbs. Give a good mix until everything is fully incorporated.

4. When the 30 min is up, pour the marinade over the chicken breast, making sure it’s well coated. Close the marinating container once again and marinate for 24 hrs.

5. 15 min before you’re ready to grill your chicken preheat the oven. Put the chicken in the oven proof dish, discard the marinade and grill at 180 degrees for 30-40 min or until the chicken is browned.

6. Allow the chicken to cool a little before slicing it into strips. Break the lettuce into rough pieces, cut your cherry tomatoes in half and the cucumbers in any way you wish. Put all the ingredients in a bowl and toss gently. Refrigerate until required.

Drizzle salad dressing just before serving.

Enjoy!

www.zimbokitchen.com

Cream Cheese Lemon Cake Another great and simple cake to add to the Christmas sweet table Ingredients: 185g butter, softened 185g cream cheese, softened 1tbsp grated lemon rind 330g castor sugar 3 eggs 150g self-raising flour 100g plain flour Method: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Preheat oven to 160 degrees. Grease a 20cm diameter, round baking tin.

Beat butter, cream cheese and lemon rind in a bowl using a mixer until light in colour. Add sugar and beat until fluffy.

Beat in eggs one at a time until combined.

Combine self-raising flour and plain flour and sift lightly. Add flour to wet mixture in two batches Bake for at least 45 minutes and test with a skewer or toothpick for readiness.

Dust with icing sugar when cool.

Cakes by Tamanda is on Facebook and can be contacted by email cakesbytamanda@ yahoo.com Cakes by Tamanda – a cake for every occasion

by Cakes by Tamanda

December 14 to 20 2014

THE STANDARD STYLE / CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 17

18 THE STANDARD STYLE STIVAL OF THE RNATIONAL FE

HARARE INTE

December 14 to 20 2014

ARTS

#HIFA2015 Theme Unveiled The Festival in 2015 is an opportunity for artists, implementing partners and audiences to think creatively, to express ideas clearly, and to communicate a powerful artistic vision.

The arts can articulate the best aspects of who we are as individuals, as productive and imaginative communities, and as a vital, multi-dimensional nation.

28 APRIL - 3 MAY 2015

HARARE GARDENS AND SURROUNDING VENUES -www.HIFA.CO.ZW-

TREAT yourself and your loved ones and celebrate Art and Culture whilst being part of the hottest artistic event on the country’s social calendar…

SIGN UP for the hifAmigos programme now and enjoy: Same subscription rates as 2014, Discounted HIFA tickets + VIP privileges and many more benefits.

NS: BSCRIPTIO Fee ANNUAL SU Subscription ry o g $20 Cate Membership ) rs a e y 2 1 – $35 os (5 ) Junior Amig rs a e y 9 1 $55 os ( 13 – Young Amig ) + rs a e y $80 ry (60 Concessiona $200 General Troubadour

Email: amigos@hifa.co.zw Call: 0772 978 763

We are our words, so speak; we are our ideas, so think; we are our communal commitment to being expressive, so ARTICULATE. Are you a #HIFA2015 Amigo?

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THE STANDARD STYLE

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

The Wilford Family

20 THE STANDARD STYLE / FAMILY / PARENTING

December 14 to 20 2014

F I L MS

Paddington Africa Premiere comes to Zimbabwe

By British Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Catriona Laing

Fairytale castles, the Queen’s house and a clock called Ben.

Paddington Bear Westminster

See Britain through Paddington’s eyes. visitbritain.com/paddington

PADDINGTON IS CHRISTMAS 2014

© Paddington and Company Limited/STUDIOCANAL S.A. 2014 Paddington Bear™ and Paddington™ are trademarks of Paddington and Company Limited

I

AM absolutely delighted that this festive season the British Embassy will host the African Premiere for the film Paddington, which was STUDIOCANAL’s biggest release for 2014. It is significant that the premiere is taking place in Harare. It reflects the long shared history between the UK and Zimbabwe, with strong ties, characterised by a common language and culture that includes adored childhood characters like Paddington Bear.

The Paddington film is a celebration of the iconic bear, as well as the best of what the British film industry has to offer to the world. The British Film Industry plays a key role in the UK’s economy with 10% of tourism to the UK being attributed to UK films that have gone global.

Paddington was first created in 1958 in the books written by Michael Bond.

His books have sold over 35 million copies, with 70 different titles in 40 different languages. People across the globe, Zimbabweans included, came to know of Paddington through reading stories about his adventures as children.

Paddington finally made it to the big screen thanks to a partnership between STUDIOCANAL and VisitBritain. The film is about the hilarious adventures of the famous bear who arrives at Paddington Station in London from Peru and explores UK’s art and culture, in-

novation and entertainment.

Following the release of this movie, the UK will launch a three-hour Paddington tour in London dedicated to the bear and the inspiration behind the film.

Paddington has taken the British creative industries by storm. It has resulted in over 25 million Paddington Bear toys being sold and over 23 million jars of marmalade being made across the globe.

With Christmas just around the corner, I invite you to celebrate Paddington with us by either watching the film or getting a Paddington story book for your child.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy, peaceful and prosperous 2015.

THE STANDARD STYLE / FAMILY / EDUCATION 21

December 14 to 20 2014

Paddington Bear: exclusive first picture from his new film

A tempting tower of the finest cakes or a humble marmalade sandwich?

Paddington Bear Afternoon tea in Britain

See Britain through Paddington’s eyes. visitbritain.com/paddington First production picture of Paddington Bear from his forthcoming movie, which stars Colin Firth as the voice of Paddington (Photo: Studio Canal)

By Alice Vincent

P

addington Bear has been a London landmark ever since February 2000, when a bronze statue was erected in his honour in the railway station after which he is named.

This autumn, however, Paddington looks set to conquer the world, as a new film brings his peculiar charm, duffle coat and marmalade sandwiches to a worldwide audience. (Although he is already big in Japan.)

This exclusive picture marks the first sighting of the new-look Paddington from the forthcoming film, which arrives in British cinemas on 28th November. Paddington stars Nicole Kidman, Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Jim Broadbent, Peter Capaldi, Julie Walters and Colin Firth, as the voice of Paddington.

The bear from “Darkest Peru” was first seen in October 1958, in a much-loved children’s book written by Michael Bond, who lived near Paddington Station at the time. The ensuing series has since been translated into 30 languages and sold more than 30 million copies. Bond was inspired by a lone teddy bear he found in a shop and bought for his wife. In Bond’s story, Paddington is discovered at the station by the Brown family, with a note reading: “Please look after this bear. Thank you.”

“This Christmas, a new generation of children will be able to discover Paddington Bear for themselves

Things you didn’t know As Paddington Bear prepares for his big-screen debut, we find out why there’s more to him than marmalade and duffle coats 1. You’ll never be able to find Paddington’s address Paddington’s address, 32 Windsor Gardens in Notting Hill, does not exist in real life. Author Michael Bond amalgamated his parents’ address at Winser Drive, Reading, with his own in Arundel Gardens. Tourists who descend upon the real-life Windsor Gardens in west London are often disappointed to find a street of council flats and no number 32.

2. Paddington might never have existed if Michael Bond had done his Christmas shopping earlier Before his fictional version appeared on page, Paddington existed as a real teddy bear. Bond saw it “left on a shelf in a London shop and felt sorry for it” on Christmas Eve 1956, and took it home as a present for his wife Brenda. The couple were living near Paddington Station at the time, so Bond named the bear Paddington and started to write stories about it, “more for fun than with the idea of having them published. After 10 days I found that I had a book on my hands. It wasn’t written specifically for children, but I think I put into it the kind of things I liked reading about when I was young.”

PADDINGTON IS CHRISTMAS 2014

© Paddington and Company Limited/STUDIOCANAL S.A. 2014 Paddington Bear™ and Paddington™ are trademarks of Paddington and Company Limited

Source: The Telegraph and mental_floss

22 THE STANDARD STYLE / FAMILY / EDUCATION

December 14 to 20 2014

MEET THE WINNERS LILIAN MASITERA

masiteral@yahoo.com 0772 924 796 Rise above, Take flight & Move on!

Usave Saskam,

verenga udzore pfungwa

Sibongumusa J Ndlovu

First runner

Sizani High School, Bulawayo Form 3 & 4

Nobody Cares Anymore When grandmother visited, the ever radiant smile was missing. She was not the usual fountain of jokes and wisdom. Today she seemed lost in a world of her own.

It was obvious to everybody that something was wrong.

It was after supper that the dark cloud seemed to have been removed though not completely. At least she began to talk. “Things have really changed’, she paused.

Everybody was quiet and attentive. We all patiently waited for her to proceed.

She took out a handkerchief and blew her nose.

We waited patiently: “just when I disembarked from the bus I saw a man beat-

ing a woman. The woman could have been a wife or a girlfriend. He was beating her in front of all the people at the bus rank and nobody attempted to stop him.

She paused again. “Nobody seemed to care. Some people even continued with their business as if nothing had happened.”

She went on to talk of a pick pocket who snatched a purse from a woman and ran for a short distance, opened it and took whatever he wanted and threw the purse away. All that also was in public view.

“Why is it nobody cares anymore?”

Grandmother was staying

Tavonga Chilundo

Second runner

Arundel School, Harare Form 3 & 4

Nobody Cares Anymore I flipped through the pages that had led me down memory lane. Each picture showing my face with a wide grin plastered across it. The smile spread out from ear to ear and the happy glow was evident in my eyes. In spite of this, the pictures that tugged at my heart the most were the ones where she stood beside me. Her arms hanging across my shoulders protectively, with her mothers’ love showing clearly in her eyes.

I closed my eyes as my tears began to well up. The pain of her death escaping from my quivering lips as deep seated sob. An image began to crystalize in the darkness behind my eyes.

A memory, of the day my

mother and best friend left me for good came back to me.

Lost in time, I watched as once again, the coffin was shut for the last time.

Just before the top went down I caught a glimpse of her pale skin. I remembered how icy she had felt when I had held her in the bath room during the body viewing. I thought back to how there had been a lack of heartbeat when I had laid my head on her chest at the final attempt at a goodbye. A relative wearing a ceremonial black dress came and placed a kind hand on my shoulders. She assured me it was going to get easier, but I knew she could never understand, seeing as her mother was

alone in the dark bushes of Nkayi. All her children had moved to town and some where even in South Africa. Father and mother had begged her to come and stay with us but she had bluntly refused. She had said she could not leave grandfather alone.

Grandfather would think she had deserted him.

Grandfather had died more than ten years ago. His grave was adjacent to the cattle kraal.

The main purpose of Grandmother’s visit was to accompany my sister Ethel to her prospective in-laws.

She was pregnant. As custom she was accompanied by elder women to the in laws to inform the about the pregnancy. The husband to be would either accept the responsibility or refuse.

The following day when Grandmother and sister returned from my sisters pro-

spective in-laws, my grandmother was in no mood to talk. She walked straight to the bedroom she was using during her stay. Ethel came behind. Her eyes were red and swollen. As soon as she got into the sitting room she cried bitterly. I hugged her and tried to comfort her.

“My young sister, John says we never even had a relationship. “But sister ……..”, she cried even more.

Just then grandmother entered the sitting room.

Everybody was seated including mother and father.

“Nobody Cares Anymore.

The boy lied clearly in front of us. His family seemed happy and supportive of him. They are not even worried that their throwing away their own blood.”

Grandmother said in a sad tone.

The problem is our own daughter. How can she just go sleeping with anybody?”

father said angrily. I never saw the anger that was registered on my grandmothers’ face.

You also don’t care!

Shouldn’t you be supportive to your own daughter in these difficult times After these words Grandmother left for the bedroom. The following morning she boarded the bus to Nkayi.

If I did not understand what grandmother was saying then, I understand it now.

My father passed away last year. His siblings shared his property. All of them are gainfully employed. Schools opened recently but I was not one of those who wore uniforms going to school. I was supposed to write my ‘o’ level examinations this year but I have not even registered. Surely nobody cares anymore.

sipping a cup of sweet tea in the next room.

When the coffin had begun to descend into the hole, specifically dug out to swallow my mother, fresh tears flowed down my cheeks, blurring my vision. Yet another relative dressed in black, claiming to be my mother’s sister (somehow) came and dabbed a soft tissue at my eyes before notifying me that as the only child it was my duty to throw the first fistful of dirt into the hole that had stolen my pillar of strength away from me.

I stumbled forward before bending over and grabbing some dirt in my right hand, whilst frantically wiping away at my running nose with my left hand. Behind me I heard sincere voices whispering sorrowfully, “Poor baby what a shame”.

After disposing of the dirt I walked back to the mass of mourners and was almost immediately embraced in a bear hug by yet another well-meaning relative.

Back at home a quiet

buzz had filled the habitation my mother died in.

Three or four aunties came to question whether I was warm enough, if I had enough to eat and whether or not I was in need of a hug. Their eyes had shown sympathy, care and concern. They had come to help me mourn, they had wanted to make sure I was capable of moving on. Every time a tear had fallen down my face, escaping my vigorous blinking, there was always an aunt or an uncle handing me a tissue.

Whenever I had curled into a foetal position and wept uncontrollably, an aunt or an uncle had pulled me into their lap. They had cared.

It was five weeks after the grievous event that I noticed the change. The phone calls that had plagued my phone seeking after my wellbeing had begun to diminish. The frequent visits that had often meant sweets, chocolates, and a shoulder to cry on had started to dissipate. With time moving on, my rela-

tives had done the same.

They stopped mourning and they stopped grieving.

Weeds started to accumulate around her greave and the flowers were hardly replaced. Relatives stopped inviting me for coffee dates and most nights I found myself taking refuge in my pillow. The teacher stopped excusing me from homework and my aunt made me do more housework. The sympathy had turned into contempt and the care into disinterest.

Coming back to reality, I opened my eyes as a tear skipped past my cheeks splashing onto the image of my mother with her head thrown back in laughter. I heard my widowed father yell my name from somewhere downstairs and I quickly ran to wash my face, wincing at the thought of being scolded for not moving on. Nobody is concerned with my wellbeing anymore, nobody wipes my tears anymore, nobody comforts me anymore. Nobody cares anymore.

THE STANDARD STYLE / FAMILY / HEALTH 23

December 14 to 20 2014

Coming Soon

New HIV Prevention Tools for Young Women. Is Zimbabwe prepared?

Paediatric Hernia

Definate Nhamo, AVAC Fellow with Pangaea Zimbabwe AIDS Trust

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HIS World AIDS Day is a promising one with several new HIV prevention interventions for young women on the horizon.

It is in Zimbabwe’s best interest to prepare for these emerging strategies now. Just last year, HIV prevalence among pregnant women aged 15–24 in Zimbabwe was a startling 10.4 percent. This number is indicative of a larger trend in southern Africa where adolescent women are up to eight times more likely to become infected with HIV than young men.

Young women’s high rates of HIV are due in part to biological, social and economic factors making them more susceptible. Because efforts to promote abstinence, monogamy and the use of male condoms have not been enough to stop HIV among girls and young women, researchers have been working to develop women-initiated biomedical prevention interventions. Years of scientific exploration here in Zimbabwe and around the world are finally starting to pay off. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), microbicide gels and rings are three methods that could potentially turn around the endemic rates of HIV in young women.

Some microbicides are gel-like substances that could be used in the vagina and/or rectum to reduce the risk of HIV infection during sex. A South African microbicide study (is testing whether a microbicde gel containning the antiretroviral drug tenofovir is safe and effective at reducing women’s risk for HIV or genital herpes. Study results are expected in early 2015 (next quarter!).

South Africa is planning for success by preparing rollout in the communities that would need new interventions most. Zimbabwe should prepare too.

There are also twin studies to determine if a monthly vaginal silicone ring with the antiretroviral dapivirine could prevent HIV in women. These studies are ongoing in eastern and southern Africa,

Dr Kudzai Munanzvi

including right here in Zimbabwe, conducted by the University of Zimbabwe¬–University of San Francisco Collaborative Research Programme. Results are expected in 2016.

If results show either the gel or ring are safe and effectively prevent HIV, the world could possibly have one or more new woman-controlled methods that could help decrease HIV incidence rates and protect more women from HIV. The time is now for civil society to create demand, and for policy and regulatory bodies to consider how they could rapidly introduce new interventions.

In the meantime, there is a proven HIV prevention strategy that Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and Child Care could begin to implement now.

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a

proven HIV prevention method that reduces risk of HIV in women and men. Those who are negative take the antiretroviral pill Truvada once a day to prevent HIV. When taken as prescribed, Truvada can reduce chances of acquiring HIV by more than 90 percent. Studies in Botswana, Kenya and Uganda have proven that PrEP can work in women. Demonstration studies are underway in several countries, including Zimbabwe, to understand the best way to rollout this new intervention and bring down high rates of new infections in young women.

Ensuring timely access to PrEP for women, will pave the way for microbicide gels and rings. Let’s hold our leaders accountable: they must ensure Zimbabwe policy lives up to scientific promise.

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ELCOME to the new weekly column aimed at demystifying various health related issues.

Once every month we will have a question and answer section. Our topic this week is paediatric hernia. A hernia is a protrusion of an organ or tissue from its normal position due to a defect in its containing wall. Hernias are the most common surgical condition in children. The most common types of hernia are umbilical and inguinal hernias.

Umbilical hernias, also known as guvhu dende in Shona, usually close by the time the child is four years old. They only require operation if they are large, have a history of complication or have not closed. Inguinal hernias are more common in boys. They occur in the groin usually on the right. However, they may occur on the left side or both. All inguinal hernias

require operation.

Symptoms of hernias are a mass which appears when the child is crying, coughing or straining and disappears when the child lies down. Complications arise when herniated organs become trapped and blood supply is compromised.

This can lead to loss of bowel or testicle. Clinically, the child complains of pain; may vomit and stop passing stool. This is a surgical emergency.

The operation for a hernia in children takes about thirty minutes and the child is usually allowed home on the same day.

There are no restrictions on food.

The wound should be completely healed in 7-10 days. If you suspect that your child may have a hernia, visit your GP or clinic . Your child will be examined and, if necessary, referred to a paediatric surgeon.

Till next week; stay healthy!

24 THE STANDARD STYLE / FAMILY / GETAWAY

The T Europcar 20 Miler 2014 – steaming hot, very festive!

Rosie Mitchell

HE Europcar 20 Miler is a much anticipated race on the local running calendar, and a race with a very long history.

It culminates the running year, carries significant prize money, and attracts many of the country’s most talented runners, as well as lots of recreational runners who enjoy the festive atmosphere and the challenge of a 32km race that is almost entirely uphill – except at the very beginning!

This year’s edition, starting as usual at 6am way out on the Shamva Road, took place on a particularly hot, humid day, making it even more of a challenge. 211 runners entered for the full distance, of whom 137 finished the race – demonstrating just how hot it really was; high temperatures can significantly affect one’s running performance and stamina, and heat exhaustion and cramp can hamper entrants badly – and did. As the race was also open to relay teams of two, another 78 runners entered in that category, running 16km each.

A large number of members of both Harare Athletics Club – race organisers and race inaugurators an amazing 44 years ago - and Run/Walk for Life - came out to participate in this exciting event, which was well supported along the way by families and well-wishers, and had ten festive water points with corporate sponsorship, into the bargain!

It was my fourth experience of the Europcar 20 Miler; my first, in a 16k relay team, the following three, taking on the full distance, having initially said that I never would – but then, I used to say that about the Comrades

December 14 to 20 2014

Marathon, and now I’ve registered for that for next year, too!

I enjoyed the event immensely. Considering myself, for reasons of serious work and personal pressures, somewhat less prepared than I should have been in training terms, and being rather sleep deprived as well, I decided to conduct my own experiment in this year’s event. Having not tried this before, I opted to intersperse running with short but regular walk-breaks, from quite early on. This is a well-known strategy used by some runners to make their energy and stamina last the distance, so that there is something left to give in the last few kilometres when one normally becomes rather fatigued, especially in a hot, uphill race such as this! I had no idea what the outcome would actually be, having not tried this before. I usually run most of the way in races, regardless of distance, often starting rather too fast, in my wild enthusiasm, a pacing error for which I pay later! I generally take a few walk-breaks right near the end. I finished my previous two 20 Milers very exhausted.

It is quite hard to force oneself to take walkbreaks from early on, as most runners don’t do this, and it felt rather intimidating as others streamed past during my walk breaks, some looking sideways at me and some even commenting! But, both to my surprise and delight, my experiment paid dividends! I was astonished to find myself full of energy even in the last 3 kays, actually to be overtaking people at that late stage in the race, and to finish over 18 minutes faster than the previous year, actually putting on a sprint in the last half kay! For the first time I cracked the ‘Sub

3½ Hours’ and recovered faster than usual, too. Like last year, I was Third Master Lady home - not that remarkable as there are few of we over 50 lady runners who enter these events in this country, but it is rather nice that there are prizes in this sport for Veterans (over 40), Masters (over 50) and Grand Masters (over 60) all the same. Running is an unusual sport in that many people continue participating into middle and older age, and do very well too, often running faster than many who are much younger in fact. In running, it has been shown in long term studies that it takes 7 years to reach peak and then 45 years to come off it – meaning that if you peak at 20, you will only start losing speed (provided you keep training, obviously!) when you are 65 – food for thought, indeed! I started running in 2004, and only began running actual races in 2008.

Despite being over 50, just two months ago, I ran my fastest 8km ever, by 4 minutes - somewhat proving the veracity of this theory.

The 20 Miler is Zimbabwe’s longest established running event, this year’s being the 44th edition. First man home was Wirimai Juwawo, and first lady, Faith Nyasango. Europcar has been generously sponsoring it for several years. Various companies have over its decades, put their name to this challenging race, while the route remains the same, starting out on Shamva Road, taking Enterprise Road to Newlands, turning right into Churchill Avenue, and ending at Old Georgian’s Sports Club. There were prizes for the top three finishers in all age categories and a festive and enjoyable prize giving and very social time at the race’s end was enjoyed by runners, supporters, organisers, and sponsors.

THE STANDARD STYLE

ARTS & CULTURE

1 In this issue of Arts & Culture

2

(1) Stimulus Women Network (2) Superbrand Winner (3) Bookworm (4) Celeb News

3

4

26 THE STANDARD STYLE /COMMUNITY/ BREAKING NEW GROUND

There is a way to cope with life-threatening illnesses and loss – Val Maasdorp Patricia Mabviko-Musanhu

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ife-threatening diseases can be a very difficult and traumatising situation to live with for both the person who has been diagnosed as well as the immediate family. When a loved one is diagnosed with a lifethreatening illness, it is almost inevitable for them to be overwhelmed with fear, especially the fear of death. Among those diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses, there are some who live longer and others who do not. Sometimes what determines whether someone lives longer or not lies in understanding and knowing how to care for a patient with a life-threatening disease, a field known as palliative care.

“When someone has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, the most important thing to do is to try and improve their quality of life by providing relief from pain, affirming life and offering a support system to help them live as actively as possible until death,” said Val Maasdorp, Clinical Manager at Island Hospice, a non-governmental organisation that survives on donor funding. The main

objective of palliative care is to offer “relief from suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual”. She said that in addition to pain management, other practical steps include integrating psychological and spiritual elements as part of palliative care.

This is because there is a strong emotional reaction that follows such a diagnosis. “Usually the first thoughts are what will happen to me or my kids, am I going to be in pain or why did this happen to me? Some of them can feel scared and isolated especially upon receiving the news,” she said.

When it comes to emotional reaction it is important that people who are attending to the patient exercise patience, show compassion as well as a high degree of understanding. Val said that every individual has their own emotional path and emotional management involves helping them to find their own path so that they come to a place of accepting as well as learning to live with the condition positively. She added that one also needs to

be sensitive regarding the patient’s spiritual position and work more to strengthen the patient’s spirituality and avoid condemning, judging or criticizing them. “Our greatest advantage as Island Hospice is that we have been

December 14 to 20 2014

in operation for more than 35 years and we have a pool of trained and highly experienced nurses who offer excellent service in the area of palliative care,” she added In a case where one does not survive the illness, it is also important to know how to deal with surviving individuals regarding the loss of their loved one. “In attempting to console someone it is not advisable to encourage them to put the death of their loved one behind them as a way to try and help them move on,” she said. This can sometimes isolate them to a point where they are no longer free to talk to you about the pain they are going through.

Val said that such advice can be motivated by the fact that people either don’t know what to say and yet feel that they must say something. She added that telling people not to think about it also does not help them to forget about it. It is necessary for one to grieve when they have lost a loved one. The best thing to do in such a case is to be silent, listen to them as they share their pain and grief. “Just being there for them is good enough support. What is important is to help them find their way to accepting the situation so that they can learn to live with it,” she added.

Island Hospice can be contacted on enquiries@islandhospice.co.zw Patricia Mabviko Musanhu is a Company Director/Producer at Black and White Media Productions. She can be contacted at pmabviko@gmal.com

An empowered woman needs an empowered man Stimulus Women Network

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ith the backdrop of the end of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, Stimulus Women Network in partnership with The Embassy of Sweden, hosted their ‘Women in Entrepreneurship Dialogue’ round table discussion on December 10th, the last day of the 16 Days. ‘This was a deliberate decision because we wanted the final thoughts of these 16 days to be positive and hopeful in the exploration of financial freedom for women enabling them to have choices where they face violence in the home’ said Stimulus Women Network Chair, Rudo Nyangulu-Mungofa.

The event was specifically designed to inspire the entrepreneurs in attendance to grow their businesses through which they would achieve personal economic emancipation but they will also be positioned to employ women as their businesses grow which enables other women to become economically emancipated also. The keynote address for the event was delivered by Gladys Kanyongo, Director of The Small Enterprises Development Cooperation [SEDCO] who highlighted the disparity between men and women in industry and commerce; women make up 50% of the world’s population and 40% of the world’s workforce yet own 10% of the world’s wealth; women when they borrow are 90% more likely to repay on time than men who are at an average of 40% yet more men than women seek funding to grow their businesses – There is a need to work ON your business more than IN your business she said which will enable you to be more strategic she said.

The second speaker at the event, Paidemoyo Chideya- Mazhandu shared her entrepreneurial journey with the audience and highlighted how difficult it was for her to breakthrough as a woman in business in Zimbabwe. She also shared how her husband, Trevor Mazhandu has been a consistent source of support and encouragement for her as she seeks to establish her fashion brand in Zimbabwe and this has led to her having clothing lines in both

Truworths and Edgars today. Mrs ChideyaMazhandu is an excellent example of a woman economically emancipated, which she said was as a result of hard work, focus and sheer determination to succeed coupled with a supportive husband and family who enable her to do all she does.

Elton Mjanana the third speaker was introduced by his wife, Edith weUtonga, a popular and accomplished Zimbabwean female base guitarist and vocalist, after she say her hit song, “rudo”, a love song inspired by her husband. Mr Mjanana shared about his choice to support his wife in her career and thereby enabling her to be economically emancipated.

‘Elton is an excellent example of how the 21st

Century African man should be, his attitude and mindset is very much of a man seeking to have a partnership relationship with his wife based on a foundation of love rather than to dominate based on violence and physiological abuse. We need more men like him in our society, men who apply culture correctly, who understand that being the head of the home does not mean he should be a tyrant rather a loving shepherd’, said Mrs Nyangulu-Mungofa.

How do we make a stand against gender based violence and see women economically empowered? - The conclusions reached from the discussion by the men and women present were; we need to invest in and build our businesses and become employers and seek to em-

ploy men and women in equal numbers; the importance of living in the home and beyond what you seek to impart in the next generation of men was also highlighted; ‘we need to reach our children by what we do’ Finally the need to “use your words” a phrase introduced by Rachel Mugamu which she explained means to say it as it is, highlight positive and negative behaviours and attitudes and for women to not be afraid to speak out against injustice and to be strong enough to stand for what they believe .  If you would like to attend a similar event email women@stimulus.co.zw to register your interest and get added to the mailing list.

December 14 to 20 2014

Barkers Ogilvy wins 2014 Superbrand Award

THE STANDARD STYLE / ARTS 27

Z

IMBABWE’S oldest advertising agency, Barkers Ogilvy, hosted a double celebration this week after winning the 2014 Superbrand award as best agency in Zimbabwe and sharing the Financial Mail Adfocus award for best agency network in Africa.

This was the second year in a row in which the agency won the Superbrand best agency award, while the Adfocus network award – shared with sister agencies across the continent – has been won by Ogilvy Africa for six consecutive years.

Agency chairman Alistair Carlisle was elated with the wins, which he said were a stimulant for a further drive for service excellence within the agency, as well as recognition of achievement by the whole team of 45 people within the company.

“Naturally, we are all very proud to be part of this unprecedented accolade of winning the award for our Africa network, especially as we in Zimbabwe were one of the founding principal drivers in building the network,” he said.

“This network now has 50 offices in 28 countries, with further representation in 22 other countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

We share this award, in the sixth year of receiving it, with all our clients, who encourage us to reach for new horizons. We share with them, too, the Superbrand award, which is a national award that is equally as pleasing as the international one.”

Barkers Ogilvy, established in 1957, has long been the largest advertising agency in

Barkers Ogilvy chairman Alistair Carlisle and creative director Eb Ayisa admire the Superbrand certificate before putting up in the company’s hall of fame. the country, and has been linked to the Ogilvy and Mather international agency network since 1996. Ogilvy and Mather is, in turn, a division of WPP, the world’s largest advertising and marketing communications organisation.

Earlier this year Ogilvy won the prestigious Cannes award as world agency network

of the year, while other awards have also been won in the international Effie awards and, for Barkers Ogilvy, in Zimbabwe’s own advertising communication awards competitions, the Ngomas.

Baby Steps Nursery School graduation ceremony

Nyasha R. Makovere

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ABY Steps Nursery School, a multi-cultural daycare and preschool, situated in the heart of Greendale, Harare, held its colorful end of year Prize giving and Graduation day on Saturday 6th December 2014 at the school premises.

It was attended by hundreds of parents, siblings and preschool graduates. A red carpet was laid out for the guests and the graduates to feel the high level of organization and preparedness.

A world class decorated 500 sitter white tent that was pitched up in the green open space, clear testimony of the high quality service of raising up “responsible citizens” for our beautiful country.

Addressing the gathering, the guest of honor, Dr. Mufunani Tungu Khosa, an edu-

cationist and business consultant, said, “It is important for parents to realize and acknowledge that children learn from a very tender age. They learn from everything around them.

They learn through observing our lives as adults and parents and therefore it is critical and indispensable upon us to always portray high levels of integrity and good character in both our day-to-day speech and actions.”

Children took up the stage show casing their artistic presentations through a well choreographed children’s mock wedding.

The school is driven by a deeply rooted desire to make a difference in all the affairs of human life through the provision of quality educational foundation. The executive school director, Mr. Shingi Ndiya, in his presentation, quoted a famous author saying, “Regard

man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education, alone, can cause it to reveal its hidden treasure and enable mankind to benefit therefrom.”

When children are exposed to good education from a very tender age, they will develop good morals, they will become responsible citizens who, not only become successful in their lives, but can contribute meaningfully to the general good of any nation. Taking children from as young as 11 months old up to five years, Baby Steps Nursery School provides a safe, secure play and learn environment.

One can only now look forward to future great strides by the school in the year 2015 ahead. Congratulations to all Baby Steps Nursery School graduates, parents and staff.

28 THE STANDARD STYLE / ARTS / BOOKWORM

December 14 to 20 2014

What’s booking at

The Spotlight Harare’s central booking office Reps Theatre Foyer, Belgravia Shopping Centre Tel: (04) 308159 or 0771 357204 Open Mon-Fri 9am to 4pm, Sat 9am to 12 noon ON REPS MAIN STAGE

SLEEPING BEAUTY 4 – 21st December 2014 6.30 p.m. nightly (no Sundays and Mondays) Matinees 2.30 p.m. Saturday 6th, 13th, 20th and Sunday 21st.

Tickets from $6.00 to $14.00 depending on when and where you sit Special prices for children and Reps Members.

AND

NOTHING USUAL

Reps’ New Year’s Eve Variety Concert One Night Only – Wednesday 31st December at 7 p.m.

All Seats $10.00 IN THEATRE UPSTAIRS The Repteens Present:

EASY STAGES

3rd – 6th December 2014 7.00 p.m. nightly – Matinee 2.30 p.m. 6th December

Marechera’s attacks on falsity and pretence in Zimbabwe Bookworm

All tickets $5.00 On Sale at The Spotlight

Membership for WILDLIFE AND ENVIRONMENT, ZIMBABWE Collection of Membership Fees being undertaken by Reps as a Community Service.

Also on sale: latest copies of Ndeipi magazine Plus

InnSider Cards New InnSider cards and renewals can be done at The Spotlight for discounts at the Inns of Zimbabwe Group We also sell airtime for

Econet – NetOne – Telecel and uMax Collect from here the latest copies of community free papers Harare News and Zimtrader And don’t forget that Reps membership forms are also available!

If you would like to sell tickets through The Spotlight call the Reps office mornings only 335850 for information

In the last quarter of 2014, we have been subjected to sustained Mickey-Mouse spates in Zanu PF. The much-awaited congress did not change the political narrative.

Robert Mugabe, 90, was confirmed and endorsed as the ruling party’s only candidate for the 2018 elections. There is nothing more morbid than this.

People have wondered what Dambudzo Marechera would have said about this entire political circus. He did say, “I am afraid of one party states, especially where you have more slogans than content in terms of policy and its implementation.” Zanu PF remains a party of words, no substance. Marechera was aware of this truth, hence he was unpopular with his contemporaries, some of whom, remain to this day “big chefs” in Zanu PF. He could see through them – as crooks, opportunists, and empty heads.

But who was Dambudzo Marechera?

Quite disconcertingly, instead of revealing himself a little more with every page, Marechera seemed to disappear progressively.

His life and work teem with contradictions of every sort.

One of the questions Marechera embodied was that of identity, in the most mathematical sense of the word, and he dissects its complexity in The Black Insider.

It seems, he did everything in his power to confound and confuse us, to throw us simultaneously on and off the scent, to pull us into a dizzying dance of identities that pulverizes all possible points of reference and, ultimately, compels us to ask ourselves the same question he seemed to ask himself every minute of his life: who is Dambudzo Marechera and does really exist? The incomprehension into which he plunges us gradually takes on the aura of a philosophy.

Is there a single irrefutable statement that can be made about him? He was born.

That much is certain. But his age changes with every retelling of his story while growing up in Rusape. What about his name?

For a long while, he was known as Charles Marechera but it seems the expulsion from Oxford University for disorderly behaviour and other unspecified misdemeanor and the subsequent publication and fame of his maiden book, The House of Hunger, made him reinvent himself and became widely known as Dambudzo Marechera.

Marechera offers a unique and invaluable record of pre- and post-independence Zimbabwe as he lived to witness the transition. But what most Marechera scholarship stubbornly fails to acknowledge or suppress in its vein to ‘Europeanise’ him and despite the author’s own denials and apparent controversies on the matter is that he was a Zimbabwean and it is clear Zimbabwe was the centre around which his creativity largely revolved. Of course, the European experience deepened his insight into human affairs.

From the very beginning, he contrasted strikingly with the closed, static and monolithic bravado the new Zimbabwe government adopted in the first years of independence. Instead of change, he saw ignominious stasis. Marechera was uncompromising in his pursuit of the often unpalatable truth.

While Robert Mugabe & Co attempted from day one to create a whole generation that thinks in a “Zanufied” way, it was in this context that Marechera helped to keep alive alternative and pluralistic concepts of political and individual morality, social justice and national identity. And it is partly these values, and his colourful personality

that The House of Hunger Poetry Slams held in Harare and Johannesburg celebrates.

On his return from exile in 1982, what Marechera saw was what he had always known before he left: nothing had changed in “the house of hunger.” Its spiritual emptiness was even more apparent. The nemesis was no longer white. The new leadership had replaced the whiteman in his big house and even copied the way he conducted his business. In any case, Fanon’s pitfalls of consciousness were manifesting in this theft every hour that the new black middle class lived, and the immoral ground on which they stood. This was the subject of his last book to be published in 1984 while he was still alive, Mindblast.

Marechera did not agree with the politically instrumental view that literature must serve the revolution and its leaders. He is the only writer who articulated the black rage of the deceived povo in a manner unprecedented in Zimbabwean literature. His style of communicating this rage bespoke of a boiling urgency and an audacious sincerity. Marechera was a chronicler of rage because of his great love for his people. His love was neither abstract nor ephemeral. It was a strong bond with a devalued people whose daily struggles he identified with.

And the only way for him to reach the truth was by dismantling or “stripping naked” any kind of disguise, pose or attitudinising. This is where Marechera’s political importance lies. He confronted the atrocities committed against his people in colonial Rhodesia, and more significantly he attacks falsity and pretence in post-colonial Zimbabwe.

Feedback: Bhukuworm@gmail.com

December 14 to 20 2014

THE STANDARD STYLE / ARTS / CELEB NEWS 29

BIG BROTHER HOTSHOTS

Big Brother Africa’s first Hotshot was born on 7 December 2014 when Africa chose Idris as the winner of AfricaMagic’s Big Brother Hotshots.

After 63 days of 24/7 drama and thrills, the Tanzanian housemate charmed not only the women of the house, but the entire continent and won himself the amazing USD 300 000 prize. Big Brother Hotshots was produced for AfricaMagic by Endemol SA. For more information log on to www.bigbrotherafrica.com

IDRIS IS AFRICA’S ULTIMATE HOTSHOT!

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anzania’s Idris emerged from the Big Brother Hotshots house at the end of Sunday night’s thrilling 2-hour live extravaganza with USD 300 000 in the bank! He picked up an avalanche of viewer votes from the continent after 63 days of fun, drama and intrigue to become the hottest of the Hotshots in the 9th season of the continent’s most epic reality show.

Idris saw off the challenge of 25 other housemates through 9 weeks of extravaganzas, weekly tasks, ‘freeze’ challenges and even an epic prank in true Big Brother style. After he’d picked himself up off the floor after the announcement, Idris told IK he was feeling exhausted after the “long ride”.

“Big love to everyone in Africa, I have so much love out there, I’m going to give back every single day,” said the man from Arusha.

The show kicked off with a show-stopping performance from 17 evicted housemates, who got the chance to remind the continent of their Hotshots credentials.

The glamorous finale was a star-studded affair, also featuring performances by the One Campaign Artists, Nigerian star M.I. and South Africa’s Unathi Msengana. Even the Top 8 housemates got in on the action, with a performance of their own to sum up their time in the house!

IK took viewers back through all 63 days of Big Brother Hotshots, with reminders of the Hotshots’ stellar performances during the extravaganza tasks, the tender moments – and the explosive ones – they all shared, and all the fun they had learning about each other’s cultures, countries and personalities.

Evictions were never far from everyone’s minds, though, and when the SizweNtsalubaGobodo auditor delivered a bulging envelope to IK on stage, he got down to business. Over the course of the show, he evicted Butterphly, M’am Bea, JJ, Sipe, Nhlanhla and Macky2 from the house in pairs, leaving Idris and Tayo to count their lucky stars as the rest of the Hotshots looked on enviously from the stage.

As the time for the winner announcement drew near, Big Brother summoned the duo to the Diary Room for a final few words of encouragement before sending them out of the house to join IK on stage, through a curtain of fireworks.

Sivan Pillay, Managing Director of Endemol South Africa said: “We are very proud to have produced another great season of Big Brother Africa Despite the devastating setback of the fire, it has been a monumental achievement to entertain the continent with our broadcast partner Multichoice”.

For more information about Big Brother Hotshots, visit www.bigbrotherafrica.com or stay in touch on social media - follow @bigbroafrica on Twitter, @bigbro_africa on Instagram and on Facebook at facebook.com/bigbrotherafrica.

30 THE STANDARD STYLE / ENVIRONMENT

December 14 to 20 2014

Black gold for planting.

Organic bin for the compost.

Green Tips (8) Cooking food for your garden in ‘the kitchen’.

Black Gold – Part 1 Michael Nott

W

ith the 2014/2015 rainy season having finally started in earnest, you need to be feeding all the plants in your garden – vegetables and other crops, flower beds, shrubs and trees (especially fruit trees) and even your lawn. Artificial chemical fertilizers are not only expensive they’re also not great for the health of your plants or for your soil. Chemical fertilizers can actually be detrimental to your soil as well as causing problems with ground water supplies. Most of us in Harare are reliant on borehole water and it would be catastrophic if our underground water becomes severely polluted.

Many commercial fertilizers are high in nitrogen which breaks down into nitrates which, because they are water soluble, travel easily through the soil into waterways, streams and rivers and into underground water. Not only that, it actually builds up in the water over a period of years. Too much nitrogen in the water boosts the growth of algae which deprives the water of oxygen and creates ‘dead zones’ where no other life can flourish. We’ve already seen this happening in Lake Chivero, which is the capital city’s main water supply. Many chemical fertilizers also contain ammonia which is also harmful to health.

Studies quoted on the website www.

sustainablebabysteps.com state that groundwater contamination from excessive use of chemical fertilizers has been linked to gastric cancer, goitre, birth malformations, hypertension, testicular cancer and stomach cancer.

The nutrients in chemical fertilizers are intended to feed the plants, rather than the soil. Good healthy soil is a delicate balance of microbes, microscopic fungi and bacteria, as well as insect life like crickets, wood lice, centipedes and earthworms. Excessive use of artificial fertilizer disturbs this balance and can actually make your soil poorer. Healthy soil produces healthy plants which are less susceptible to disease and pests, so you’ll need to use less chemical pesticides – or better still, none at all. Fertilizer and pesticides are also harmful to a host of other creatures like bees, butterflies, lady bugs and even birds, so compost is definitely more environmentally friendly.

The best way to feed your soil and your plants is to use good compost, often referred to as ‘Black Gold’, because of its precious contribution to your garden.

Compost, unlike fertilizer, promotes healthy microbe growth and feeds the complex food network contained in the soil creating a more nutrient rich soil.

The result is soil that allows the plants and vegetables to feed themselves. Composting can help to make heavy clay soils easier to work and make sandy soils more nutrient rich. It also helps the soil

to retain water in dry spells and helps prevent soil erosion during the rains.

Compost improves the soil, neutralising both acid and alkaline soils, bringing the pH levels to the optimum range for nutrient to be absorbed by plants. Unlike chemical fertilizer which releases nutrients quickly, compost will keep on feeding your soil for months or even years.

You can buy readymade compost from some plant nurseries, but you can make it yourself for free. There’s really no single correct way to make compost and experts all have different theories about the best method. It’s a great way to get rid of garden waste like grass clippings and dried leaves without burning them and causing air pollution as well as irritating your neighbours. You can also start keeping an organic bin in your kitchen and throw in vegetable peels, fruit and vegetables that have gone off, tea bags, coffee grounds and even old newspaper and paper towels – basically anything that will break down and rot can be used. You’ll be helping the environment by keeping a large amount of organic matter from going into the dumpsites, like Pomona, and helping to relieve the pressure on our council’s waste management systems.

A compost heap is basically like a natural kitchen where food is prepared to feed your soil and your plants. Next week we’ll talk about the different methods for making your own compost.

It’s Summer and it’s the holiday ‘silly season’! What better way to entertain friends and family than with a braai, barbeque, ‘goche goche’ or whatever you want to call it?

Here are a few ideas to make your event more Earth friendly.

1. If you have the option, go for a gas braai. Wood or charcoal fires cause more air pollution from the smoke. If you really want that smoky taste try using a Cobb grill – they’re available from most camping and outdoor stores and they use far less fuel.

2. Have plenty of big jugs of ice cold water, homemade lemonade or iced tea rather than cans of fizzy soft drinks.

3. If you do have cans of beer on offer put out a clearly marked bin for the cans to go into, then after the party drop them off at a recycling centre.

4. Plastic cups can be recycled or reused. Waxy paper cups are more difficult to recycle and don’t decompose in the compost.

5. If you do use plastic or paper cups have a marker pen handy so people can write their names on their cups and not use more than one.

6. If you have enough use your own dinner plates which just need to be washed and can be reused many times. Plastic plates can be reused or recycled. Paper plates (not the waxy kind) can go on the compost but food and sauces need to be washed off first. Don’t burn the paper plates.

7. It doesn’t have to just be about meat – grilled vegetables are great too. Buy vegetables and salad ingredients fresh from one of the many farmers markets around town. Apart from grilled mealies, butternut, brinjals and baby marrows are great too.

8. Pay attention to the smaller details. Cloth napkins can be washed and reused whereas paper napkins are used once and thrown away. Homemade decorations are better than store bought ones, or decorate with flowers and pretty leaves from your own garden.

December 14 to 20, 2014

104

THE STANDARD STYLE / MyClassifieds 31

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32 THE STANDARD STYLE

December 14 to 20 2014