Style 8 march 2015

The Standard

Style MARCH 8 TO 14 2015

I SSUE 44

Inside

Danayi Chapfika

Star Profile

Philip Chiyangwa

2 THE STANDARD STYLE / CONTENTS

From Style Desk

The Standard

Style

March 8 to 14 2015

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CONTENTS Woman & Man 3 Woman Profile

Danayi Chapfika

5 Motivation

Cynthi aHakutangwi

7 Man Profile

Philip Chiyangwa

Home & Garden 9 Home of the Week

Enter our competition

10 Trends

Wall Paper Trends

Marriage is one of the age old institutions celebrating love, that has withstood the test of time. But regardless of that fact, it is quite appalling to note that probably the number of people you know that are tying the knot, is sadly equivalent to the number of couples you also know, that are splitting up!

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Is this all necessary? How do couples get to such extremes though, I wonder.

Food & Drink 14 Eating Out

Dusty Miller

15 Wine

Afdis

It is our hope at the Style desk, that our new column, Your Marriage with Evan, which is by popular, trendy and versatile Pastor Evan Mawarire who is also a marriage counsellor, motivational speaker and author of marriage books, will give an insight into what marriage is all about. Hopefully, one or two couples learn a thing or two as he attempts to break the ice and give advice on matrimonial issues. His unique, out-of-the-norm approach should appeal to younger generations as he tries to work within their contexts.

Family 19 Family of the Week

Saruchera family

24 Family Getaway

National Institute of Allied Arts

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Arts 26 Breaking New Ground 28 Bookworm

What is causing all these break ups, tension in marriages, sometimes even fatal endings? Recently I read about a local case wherein a furious and frustrated wife (clearly) murdered her husband in cold blood, and proceeded to call the cops, calm as ever, to “come and collect your dog.” Horrific incident it was, especially considering it all happened apparently in full view of the couple’s 10 year old daughter.

Courage Chipatiso

Rosie takes us on an adventure with her captivating stories, our beauty experts talk about frogs helping you achieve great skin, our motivators are as always on a roll to get you ready for the incoming week, and our amazing profiles this week celebrate determination and persistence as we showcase gifted designer Danayi Chapfika of Haus of Stone, who will inspire you to develop your talents, and Philip Chiyangwa, who should trigger you to think out of the box. Oh but this is just a tip of what’s in store in this issue; do read on!

Lets catch up and share ideas, send yours to pmuganiwah@ alphamedia.co.zw Look forward to more and more informative, interesting changes as the Style continues to bring you fresh news that should make your beautiful Sunday morning a refreshing breeze.

African Writers in the snow

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Prudie – Style Desk

To advertise in The Standard Style magazine please phone Khalisto Manyanye, kmanyanye@alphamedia.co.zw, Michael Munaki, mmunaki@alphamedia.co.zw and Nyasha Borerwe, nborerwe@alphamedia.co.zw

THE STANDARD STYLE / WOMAN / PROFILE 3

March 1 to 7 2015

Star Profile

Danayi Chapfika Prudence Muganiwah

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f you are a fashion conscious person living in Zimbabwe, you are bound to have come across the name Haus Of Stone – one of the highlights at the 2014 Zimbabwe Fashion Week. The women’s wear label which was launched in 2013, is a mix of diverse influences that have inspired the founding designer in her life. It has become a brand that speaks strong elements of hybrid global Afro-centric expressions as each collection consists of a classic assortment of styles and colours that have been made to suit the modern womans. The creativity definitely goes beyond simple cutting and sewing; it is simply a marvellous work of art.

But where did the name “Haus of Stone” come from? The creator of the label herself explains that the name was inspired by Zimbabwe, it being a direct translation of the Shona phrase ‘Dzimba Dzemabwe’. “I chose the name because it represents where I come from, as well as reflects a part of my identity that I am proud of. I changed the spelling for ‘house’ to ‘haus’ to capture a wider international audience, however, haus still means House in various languages.”

The brains behind all this, and how it all came to be? Her first design was a 50’s inspired dress which she made on her Elna 2800 machine, back in 2008. Born in the capital city of Harare, gifted Danayi Chapfika studied her fashion design degree at LISOF (Leaders in the Science of Fashion) in Johannesburg, South-Africa and showcased her first clothing range at the first ever Style by Africa (SBA) Pop-up Garden Party in Harare and has not looked back since then. “I am highly interested in the creative arts, and i am always looking for new mediums to express myself. I believe one should not be bound by one form of expression,” explains Danayi.

Danayi describes her passion as being the creative arts, and fashion being just one of them. “I find fashion, fine art, graphic design and various other visual forms of creativity, as mediums for me to share my thoughts and feeling on various subject matters. I love the idea of communicating without the use of words.” Her designs definitely speak volumes!

What is most enjoyable about being a designer, she says, is being able to bring to life an idea or concept into existence. “The idea of being able to create something that previously wasn’t there, but now it exists, and you played a part in bringing it to life - that is big to me and highly fulfilling, more so when other people resonate with your creation. That for me is the most thrilling part of being a designer, the

“Make sure you dream big, the world is your oyster…” power to conceptualise and then create.” Fellow renowned fashion expert Paidemoto Chideya of DeMoyo lable says of Danayi, “Danayi is a highly innovative and creative designer with the drive and tenacity to make it in this highly competitive field!”

That being said, one would think it has all been a walk in the park for Danayi. But she sheds light on some of the biggest challenges she has faced and continues to face in her career.

Chief amongst those, she says, is trying to get people within Zimbabwe to embrace her sense of style. “I suppose Zimbabweans are a very safe group of people and tend to stick and follow what everyone else is doing. Now for a designer like me with a different perspective from the norm, I find it difficult to find individuals who resonate with my aesthetic and have the boldness to wear some of my pieces.”

She adds that another challenge is that people tend to not know or understand the difference between a designer and a seamstress, “We’re all just grouped into one little box - being a designer encompasses a lot more as it has to do with developing concepts and actually creating something from scratch, not just sewing.”

Nevertheless, Danayi has worked hard at ensuring that her brand is recognised and holds its rightful place in Zimbabwean fashion, and her effort is definitely paying as Zimbabwean women are fast embracing Haus of Stone. This resilient attitude has seen Danayi manage her transition from being employee to employer. “It was and is still very challenging considering that I was taught to be a designer, not necessarily a businesswoman.

And I have come to realise that the business is 80% and the creativity/ design is the other 20% - so that realisation was somewhat a shock to the system!”

One would wonder what value system she operates on, considering the challenging industry she has chosen as the basis of her career. Danayi states in no uncertain terms that honesty and transparency are key features she seeks in herself and in individuals, with no compromises regardless of whether it is on professional or personal grounds. “I believe that as humans we are all spirit being and we harness our inner most thoughts and speech, so we are what we think and say….”

Speaking on family, Danayi says she is backed up by her family’s unwavering support – it is really what keeps her going. “What I enjoy most is the community and support - family tends to always be your number one fan, people need believers in their lives,

folks that will hold you down no matter what. And I have just that!”

Asked on her pet peeves, the evidently well-groomed Danayi is quick to respond, “People who slurp when they are drinking tea!”

Danayi has in the past worked with Fashion Weekend and this year she will be working with HIFA as lead designer, which will involve guiding other designers to create a range for the HIFA fashion dome. The role she will play at the country’s biggest arts showcase in itself shows what sort of talent she presents.

But she has not restricted herself to building her brand without bothering to look back. Every festive season Danayi takes time to be part of the #youaresantaclaus initiative which allows her to reach out to help others during the festivities. “Each year it has a different theme and I always find it worthwhile to give of my time and efforts to the cause.”

Expressing her love for the Knowles sisters, Danayi, who also writes music and used to be an art director for a graphic design company, says she is love with Solanje’s sense of style and Beyonce’s business sense. “So you could say I am an adopted child of the Knowles!” she speaks further of the inspiration she draws from her own peers in the fashion and style industry, for instance Lochnation, Zanele and several others.

Danayi’s wish is for young people to understand what hard work is, and appreciate that effort pays. Thus her parting shot is, “Be ready to work, do not expect to be rolling around in money after a month! Sometimes it takes time for your business to start generating revenue and you should be prepared for that. You also need to be driven and do what it is you are passionate about, don’t copy someone else’s work – rather be inspired/ influenced by it, there’s a difference. Make sure you dream big, the world is your oyster!”

4 THE STANDARD STYLE / WOMAN / FASHION

March 8 to 14 2015

THE WEDDING PLANNER

The Wedding Cake – Part III Rufaro Mushonga

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hile chatting with Tamanda Benyure of “Cakes by Tamanda,” I recalled 2 cake incidents that I experienced a few years back. I used to allow my clients to choose their own cake designer, until I had a couple of bad experiences. I remember inspecting the set up in a beautifully decorated marquee, at an upmarket venue in Harare, when along came a cake designer that my client had insisted on using for her wedding cake. The cake was 7 tiers high – 7 cakes that were supposed to be stacked on top of each other. So I watched her begin to stack her tiers, one on top of the other. She got to tier number 4, and hesitated, because the stack was already leaning to one side. She took them all down and started again. She got to tier number 5 this time. And the cake was leaning badly to one side, she put tier number 6 on…. and then she stood there holding the final tier, and looking really disturbed – then she went ahead and was about stack the last one, when I intervened and told her not to. We re-arranged the cake, and fortunately, the bride was happy.

But what if…what if she had put on that final tier?

So, Tamanda has more advice to share with us this week. A lot of “cake decorators” may try and cut costs by doing the following: Using inadequate ingredients - the fruit used for wedding cakes is the most expensive component of the cake. Because of this, some people may reduce the amount of fruit they should be using to cut costs. The fruit combined with the proportionate amount of batter makes the cake sturdy.

Using sub-standard ingredients – sub-standard materials make for a sub-stan-

dard product. Brand names give you superior quality.

Not fully understanding the mechanics about structure - while one may not need a degree in engineering - one does need to understand how the force of gravity works. Adequate support needs to be provided for each tier to ensure that the cakes don’t collapse..

Support structures are expensive and at times these are not provided, in the hope that the cake will support itself !

Not allocating sufficient time for each process - Not allowing the cake time to mature or rushing through or skipping certain aspects of the icing process will affect quality.

What you should look out for: The correct fruit-to- cake ratio – make

Frogs for beautiful skin Yolanda Lindsay Mabuto

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survey on zimbabwean skincare showed that compared to Asians, “Zimbabwean skin” needed better care by adjusting our diet, lifestyle and being pro-active with proper skin care without the use of dangerous products. As I dug deeper into our desires of beautiful skin I found out that most people are willing to go to the extremes for beautiful skin like using harmful products such as those containing hydroquinone rather than being open minded to easier, not harmful methods such as diet change. How much of what you eat daily promotes healthy skin? Our bodies are fuelled by food and if we want to improve our health and beauty it is vital to select the correct type of food. The Chinese are known for their good health and porcelain-like complexion albeit attributed mostly to genetics we cannot deny that perhaps their diet is a contributing factor. Despite their unconventional cuisines of donkey gelatin, pearl powder, human placenta, bird’s nests and exotic roots which all promote great skin- (most of us squirm at this list) it was the frog tubes (Hasma) that caught my eye. The fat surrounding female frog ovaries is removed after the frog is dried and is used in sweet soups as a thickener. It is rich in hormones and lipids and is believed to stabilize hormones in women, detoxifies the body, removes excess water as well as promoting a healthy complexion. Add some hasma in your diet and revitalize your skin!

sure that when you sample a fruit cake, the fruit is more prominent in the cake.

Ask to see previous work - if your decorator has mainly worked on 3 or 4 tiered cakes – you may need to adjust your expectations if your ideal cake is over 6 tiers. We are not saying that they can’t do it – but the bottom line is you only do this one in a lifetime, so why risk it?

Ask questions about the cake - what you can do ensure its survival on your day and its longevity after the festivities. Wedding cakes are heavy and require a sturdy table and protection from the elements.

Ask Questions about the preparation of the cake – Ask your cake designer how you can combine different cake flavours, or whether it is possible to do an 8 tier cake us-

ing the flavours that you have chosen. Their knowledge – or possible lack thereof, will help you to make an informed decision about hiring them.

You may wonder how to use this information when choosing a cake designer and decorator. Well, when meeting any service provider, you need to ask, ask, and ask some more.

The more you ask, the higher your chances are of separating a “fly by night” service provider, from a professional.

Happy Wedding Planning!

Rufaro Mushonga - Wedding Planner “Weddings by Rue” rufmush@gmail.com Tips by Tamanda Benyure Cakes by “Cakes by Tamanda”

STYLE SESSIONS! WHAT INSPIRES YOUR PERSONAL STYLE? Paidemoyo Chideya Dear Fashion Lover!!

What inspires your personal style? Is it the girl walking down the street in those fabulous Louboutin heels? Is it an icon like Marilyn Monroe, Beyoncé or Victoria Beckham? Is it nature or the weather? Or, is it something else entirely? Here is a fabulous trend dissected for you: Arty Nouveau. The story behind these trends is an interesting journey through clothes and the inspiration behind them. Is something inspiring you that you weren’t aware? Take a look, and find out if you are Arty Slick type of girl.

• This style requires a fearless leader who wears clothes more like art pieces than garments. Originating from theater and New York’s art school, Tina Chow and Donna Karan are at the forefront of this trend.

• Asymmetrical • Bold Jewelry • Minimalist cool and

avant-garde flair • Slouchy Trousers, a bright Maori-collar necklace and a funky layered coat.

What history is behind your clothing? Do you have a style board, and what’s on it? What new trend are you facilitating by your day to day clothing choices? How do your clothes define you? To be continued…

By Paidemoyo Chideya Mazhandu Shoot for the moon, and even if you miss, you will still land amongst the stars! #stylesessions #fashionscopes #demoyo Design@paidemoyochideya.com

March 8 to 14 2015

THE STANDARD STYLE / INSPIRATION 5

Positioning yourself to Buy the Future (Part2) Cynthia Hakutangwi

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recently came across some interesting quotes on social media that got me thinking deeply about the people we allow into our space and how their influence or lack of it determines the quality/direction of our lives in the long term. One of the intriguing quotes was on a colleague’s time line post and it read as follows “Evaluate the people in your life; then promote, demote or terminate. You are the CEO of your life.”

I must say I had come across this quote before in some place but it had not quite arrested my attention as it did a few days ago. Working with various individuals and entities this first quarter of the year in the areas of personal development planning and strategic organisational reviews brought about a strong realisation that there are serious issues which need to be addressed pertaining to who we keep on board the special ship of our lives and respective entities. In the absence of constant examination of what we carry as cargo in our individual lives and corporate entities we run the risk of using up much needed resources on dead wood at the expense of our strategic vision, goals and plans.

Since we were born, our minds have been gradually programmed by our surroundings and by society at large. As we grow, evolve and awaken to this reality, we learn that it is in our best interests to uninstall some of this programming and take back control of our minds. We need to take control back from the immense amount of cultural, societal and institutional brainwashing that has greatly influenced who we are and how we view ourselves and our abilities. Failure to regain control over our lives can directly lead to a sabotage of our future. In the words of Christian statesman Dr Mensa Otabil in his book Buy the Future, “The future has no power to design itself - it only takes the form and shape of our actions and inactions today.”

In the nautical world the bridge of a ship is the room or platform from which the ship can be commanded. When a ship is underway the bridge is manned by an Officer Of the Watch (OOW) aided usually by an Able Seaman (AB) acting as lookout. During critical maneuvers the captain will be on the bridge supported, perhaps, by an OOW as an extra set of hands, an AB on the wheel and sometimes a pilot if required. Traditionally, commands would be passed from the senior officer on the bridge to stations dispersed throughout the ship, where physical control of the ship was exercised, as technology did not exist for the remote control of steering or machinery. Helm orders would be passed to an enclosed

Who is calling the shots?

Best-selling author and entrepreneur Tia Johnson suggests that you make a decision as to who are the board members in your life; then handpick the people you go to before you make your final decisions. There is need to ensure they are trustworthy people who want to see you thrive and be happy in what you choose to pursue and/or change in your life.

She recommends that you ask yourself about the stakeholders in your life – not only those who have provided you with financial support, but also the ones who gave you their time and other resource.

Look for the people who believed in you from the very beginning and remained by your side; those who believed in you just as you were about to give up and those who helped you get back on track, because those people are the real stakeholders of your life.

wheel house, where the coxswain or helmsman operated the ship's wheel. Engine commands would be relayed to the engineer in the engine room by an engine order telegraph, which displayed the captain's orders on a dial. Larger ships, particularly warships, often had a number of different bridges. Modern advances in remote control equipment have seen progressive transfer of the actual control of the ship to the bridge. Against this figurative nautical backdrop, are you able to locate yourself on the bridge of your ship? Who is at the control centre of the bridge and who is managing their authority levels as they steer the machinery of your life or corporate entity?

Are you 100% responsible for your life, its happiness, its wealth and health? What criteria have you used to choose the Executive Officers of your life and the people who will support and help you in the best way possible? As the CEO of your life, you have the ability and the authority to make the important decisions in it.

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. Website: www. wholenessincorporated.com

6 THE STANDARD STYLE / MAN / PROFILE

Star Profile:

March 8 to 14 2015

Philip Chiyangwa

Prudence Muganiwah

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ar from the business talks, the controversial stories, the political drama, the rumours and everything else that falls in between and makes up the life of largerthan-life business mogul Phillip Chiyangwa, is an ordinary, easygoing man who keeps a lunchbox of good old peanuts and fruit juice in his office fridge, to offer and share guests as snacks, as he did with us.

His story has already been told, hasn’t it?

His net worth over the years has been established, twisted, spiced up and changed over and over again. Because he is not exactly the quietest business person around - making his popularly known - perhaps inadvertent - flamboyant presence felt wherever he sets foot. But this week, we decided to find out if there is a real life man behind Philip Chiyangwa, other than what “they say.” And of course, there is!

Suffice to say a page won’t do justice to the man whose rags to riches story spans decades and inspires many – there is way too much to talk about!

The founder of the black empowerment lobby organisation; Affirmative Action Group, Phillip was born to Divaris Makaharis and Marita Mandireva, and raised in the small, dusty town of Chegutu, where he learnt at St Francis School and spent most of his childhood helping sell his mother’s farm produce.

The rest, as they say, is history as the ever determined “Fidza” as he is affectionately known, grew from strength to strength in as far as business interests were concerned, and now has a career spanning decades in politics, real estate, property development, music promotion, car hire, and the list goes on. “I knew from an early age that for us to have food on our table, I needed to play my part. So I was one of those boys jostling around buses to sell vegetables to earn the extra dollar to help my mother,” he explains.

I suppose what is really striking about Fidza, is how he has managed to stay afloat in a troubled economy which is not very favourable to the existence and success of many businesses.

“I cannot stand people who have no ability to push themselves further. You need to ask yourself if you are doing your best, if you are using your brains to the maximum, or if you are just sitting around, waiting for a miracle to be thrown at you. In as much as we are a very educated nation, we tend to employ this waiting attitude whereby we blame the economy, the climate, the politicians, religion and anything else but ourselves for our own failure to succeed. While all these may have a bearing, one needs to have the correct mindset, a positive attitude that tells them that they will succeed at all costs. I believe that if we were all innovative, progressive and determined to make it, our country would be far much better than it is now. Otherwise, how am I thriving in the very same economy that you keep whining about?”

Phil gives an example of how in 2014, people got so attached to the country’s political goings on and neglected their businesses and personal projects. “Everywhere you went it was political talk. But at the end of the day, does your bank account reflect which party you support, or who is fighting who? No, it reflects your own effort in your own life. People must stop hiding behind politics and the economy because others are making it in the same

environment. Simple!”

Never quite modest about his achievements, Phil says, confidently, “Kana mari iri visitor, sei isiri kuvisitor iwewe?”(if money is a guest which comes and goes, how come it never visits you?)

Quirky in his sense of humour and carrying his typical never-say-die attitude as he answers questions, Phil says he is a work in progress who would like to leave a legacy. “These very offices we sit in are actually a hospital being built, and it is named after my mother, Marita Mandireva – who taught me the basics of business. I owe it to my parents; the man I am today would not have been possible were it not for their hard work and life lessons. He mentions that his school, Divaris Makaharis, is also named after his late father.

Lamenting the education system in present day Zimbabwe, Phil, whose first job was as a gardener, says he wishes more could be done to educate children on becoming their own people as opposed to being employees. “It’s high time we realise that there is more to life than algebra and Shakespeare – in as much as these are all important, our children should also know the importance of life skills and business management. We cannot keep on breeding generations of managers. We need to build entrepreneurs who are the pioneers of their own destiny, not employees who wait for a pay check every month end. I for one dreamt of being rich from a very young age, and I know people have concluded all sorts about how I have acquired my wealth – with some suggesting I simply milk the President because I am related to him – but seriously, how many relations does the guy have?”

In as much as a lot has been said over the years about the business giant, there are quite a few inspirational lessons to learn from him, especially for the younger generations. “Business is high risk, so you need to always have a back up plan, which is something most people

don’t look out for.” Explaining how he kicked off his business career by investing in shares in various companies, Phil says he can account for all his success and has never been a crook, much as most would like to believe.

“Short cuts are often wrong cuts. People must learn from those that are more experienced instead of wanting to pull them down,” says Phil, who has over the years mentored and sent to school many people.

He acknowledges however, that bad publicity affects him as he is only human, but says it is never enough to break him. “I wish the public and the media would bother to gather facts before concluding negative things about me– like this apparent land scandal – I won the court case, justifiably so, but the media had already written all sorts of versions about me being a crook.”

Advising on accountability for one’s actions, Fidza highlighted that people need to deliver and take ownership of their given roles, citing Walter Mzembi and Saviour Kasukuwere as ministers who have delivered what is required of them.

But what drives him though? Phil gives reference to other successful business people such as Warren Baffet whose theories he has followed. He also mentions Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg and Rocker Feller as success stories who people should emulate.

A traditional man at heart who says he loves his large family and the support they give him, Phil’s mantra is celebrating life and its blessings. “I do not feel bad about my expensive taste because I work hard for it! I am a trendsetter and I know it!” he adds with an infectious laugh as he talks about his viral video clips which he says are usually taken in jest, and his latest acquisition, a state of the art limousine which he says is not yet available for hire.

“My dream is for more black people to spearhead sectors and aim to achieve more. I

know that I still have many goals to achieve before I die, and nothing will stop me. I have no time to dwell on negatives.” He encourages communication between couples, adding that the differences in personalities ensure that new ideas are shared to the betterment of the other person.

It goes without saying that although the man may have generated a lot of bad publicity during his career, although he may have created endless speculations on the acquisition of his wealth, one thing is crystal clear. Philip Chiyangwa has a word or two that could help each of us be a better person in as far as self-actualisation is concerned. For despite all the negatives, nothing stops Fidza from chinning up, looking ahead, and opening his eyes wide enough to grab the next opportunity that will give him that one extra dollar, just like his mother taught him all those years back. As we conclude the interview, Phil summarises his philosophy, “the greatest ideas are outside the box. You need to ask yourself, am I doing enough?”

THE STANDARD STYLE / MAN / GROOMING 7

March 1 to 7 2015

THE BUSINESS OF MENSWEAR Craig Zoowie

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N this era with almost 80% of the male species has turned “metrosexual”, but this term has adopted so many connotations, some of which are from men who don’t understand this term and some who are in the know. This term “metrosexual” which was coined over ten years ago to describe the modern male who understands the need to take better care of himself in terms of his skin, his body, what he wears, what he eats, generally a metrosexual’s Lifestyle seems quite flamboyant to the 20% males who feel the non-existentpressure to look as primed and groomed as the metrosexual. In the Eighties he was only to be found inside fashion magazines such as GQ, in television advertisements for Levi’s jeans but In the Nineties, he was everywhere and he was going shopping.The typical metrosexual is a man with money to spend, living in or within easy reach of a metropolis — because that’s where all the best shops, clubs, restaurants, gyms and barbers are. In 1994, Mark Simpson in his article did cite that the metrosexual is perhaps the most promising consumer market of the decade.

Most metrosexuals are celebrities in their own right, footballers like David Beckham, Ronaldo, designers like Tom Ford, actors and singers like Chris Tucker, Will Smith, Trey Songz and Usher Raymond.

All of which have a tremendous following coz of their artiste skills as well as their impeccable images they get from facials, manicures, pedicures, massages and taste in clothing. Also where a metro-man wines and dines becomes a hub of business depending on level of service excellence offered.

China’s fashion-forward men are snapping up Gucci and Burberry bags, driving a rebound in the luxury market months after a slowdown in spending by the world’s biggest luxury goods buyers spooked global investors. Men account for about 55% of China’s luxury goods market, well above the global average of 40%, according to research from brokerage CLSA, partly because businessmen often buy expensive gifts to curry favour with government officials or potential associates. Companies such as Burberry Group Plc. which sell luxe clothing and accessories benefit from this gift-giving culture, and wealthy Chinese men’s penchant for designer ware.

The metrosexual man is defining a whole lot of businesses out there from Wall Street to the flea-markets. Clothing stores from long ago knew that ladies’ clothing has always sold faster than men’s; therefore there always has been more ladies’ Boutiquesthe world over. The metrosexual male has influenced designers to have distinct ranges in their designs for men as much as for women; this awareness was evidence when the black suit hit streets after one of the first American Presidents was seen in one. Iconic men such as celebrities, attorneys, sports stars, government officials also saw this trend and ran with it then it trickled down to department stores where the ordinary men on the street could afford the ‘Classic Black Suit”. As time later revealed, there was a metamorphosis to the black suit, different styles came into play –double breasted suits which are suited for the slender gentlemen with a smaller frame, the twobutton suits which made more rounds in Boardrooms than in social events. The black suit was a sure hit with most men and they accessorised it with ties for the day-to-day office look then also with bowties for evening soirees. Although not all men felt comfortable in bowties as they felt like peacocks in them, but then more metrosexual emerged and these were the breed that understood looking good while standing out from the rest.

Designers, Stylists, Jewellery makers, dermatologists all took advantage of the metrosexual and have a wider market now as they all know that there’s more demand for perfection. With the metrosexual’s eye for detail and attention, this is personified by clear, clean skin from maintained skin regimes from skin houses like Nivea Men, Clarins Men, they have developed facial scrubs, moisturisers as well as cologne franchises who also jumped on the band wagon to cater for the more discerning male, where image matters.

This has brought a great business boom for most, as the metro-man could actually offer more brand-loyalty than some men and women thus setting the metro man apart as a more recognised feature. The classic denim look has also been a trend for almost every season year in and year out, now with most metromen wearing skinny denims. These now are coming in all range of colours, sales in stock show that there are more sales in coloured skinny denims than the regular Levi 501 that the ordinary guy on the street is still opting for. The metro-men is one not scared of stepping out of the box, he is bold, very decisive and quite career-driven, and we find that “casual-Friday” was introduced by the corporate metro-man. Only recently in South Africa did we have inaugural Menswear Week, this was graced by top menswear fashion designers and some new comers. Men welcomed this move and now have a big noticeable stake too on the runway & the designers could not be more pleased.

One of our very own Zimbabwean Top models, Fisher Jordan hit the runway and proved that men are an integral part of the fashion world.

From runways to retail there’s been a great shift from the baggy to the perfect fit, seen in slim-fit shirts, skinny ties, and narrow-leg to very skinny pants. Designers and retailers are answering to the loud call that the metro-man is making, while pleasing their consumers and making money.

Research has proven that 60% of ladies would rather be involved in a relationship with a metrosexual while the remainder like their men as heterosexual as possible, could these women be feeling threatened that the metro man looks better than them and seems to know how to dress, while ladies in business understand the revenue that the metrosexual racks in.Now just see how far that has come for the business world.

Keep Styling Craig Zoowie is a gentleman passionate about Style & Life. An Event Designer as well as a Stylist & Grooming Consultant with VIP Hosting. Zimbabwe Style Icon 2014. You can follow him Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter @CraigZoowie for some LifeStyle inspiration.

BROADBAND INTERNET

(04) 76 000 400 www.uMAX.co.zw Everything looks different from up here!

8 THE STANDARD STYLE / MAN / WHEELS

March 8 to 14 2015

Land Rover Defender 110 high capacity pick-up Fact Jeke

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and rover is a brand that has been there for almost a century well 68 years to be precise. It has served the British army well and still continues to serve other industries. It is so British one would think it has an accent and an oriental touch after being acquired by the Indian company Tata. Trust me there is no Punjabi feel to this vehicle…..…ha ha. My point is the reason why this brand has stood the test of time is because of its high standards when it comes to making quality, practical vehicles.

The Land Rover Defender 110 high capacity pickup truck is made for enjoyment. I mean who wouldn’t be excited? This vehicle is recognisably derived from a vehicle first launched more than 60 years ago. It’s still original.

Land Rover owners possess the sort of brand loyalty that makes even football fans with their gab and vuvuzelas look fickle. The Defender has moved with the times but also still has that originality unlike other brands which evolve completely and loose that signature touch. I am talking about the lamps, the body and the interior. Off course it’s not as ancient as back in 1947, it has a 21st century touch to it. The

Fact Jeke

Land Rover’s distinctive full-width dashboard is like a signature because after so many years, it never seems to change. It’s fitted with the 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine and Getrag six-speed manual transmission. The modern Land Rover is actually quite well-mannered.

It’s also great for towing just like its cousin the much cuter and girly Freelander.

The top speed is limited to about 140kmph and 0-100kmph acceleration is a leisurely 14.7sec (remember it’s a big car not your sports car). When the road is rough, that’s when you get to feel how grounded it is. I am sure for a farmer, a geologist or a tour operator, this will be perfect and after spending the asking price of about US$62 000.00 you will not be disappointed. What’s a plus is the fact that this is an ideal workhorse and the best toy for a 4x4 fanatic.

So if you are a geologist or tour operator and also love your big boy toys in the form of a 4x4, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. If you are a fan for the station wagon, it will set you back a cool $71 000.00.

The new Land Rover Defender is recognizably a descendent of the all-terrain chunky riveted body developed in 1947 on the 250-acre Anglesey farm. This is a vehicle for adventure; it looks better dirty and dented.

Think of the 007 James Bond movie Skyfall, the Defender took brutal gunshots in its stride…..it was nev-

er defeated. It’s an original and it’s exactly what you need for bundu bashing adventures.

Just last week I had the pleasure of enjoying the Land rover Defender in Amboseli Kenya with the Born free Foundation. The foundation is a dynamic international wildlife charity, devoted to compassionate conservation and animal welfare. Born Free takes action worldwide to protect threatened species and stop individual animal suffering. The foundation is active in Kenya, and a number of other countries around the world.

Jaguar Land Rover sub-Sahara Africa recently renewed its partnership with Born Free Kenya and will continue to provide the organisation with two Land Rover Defenders.

In addition, JLR SSA will fund the building of 140 protective Lion-proof enclosures or ‘bomas’, which villagers will use to protect their livestock from predators, at night. The benefit of this is two-fold: the local population can rest assured that an important food source is secure, and it also reduces the human-lion conflict levels, with benefits for wildlife conservation.

The Lion-proof bomas have been constructed across five different community-managed areas adjacent to Kenya’s famous Amboseli National Park in the extreme South of the country. The process is based on

a cost-sharing approach, whereby communities also contribute toward the materials needed for strengthening their traditional thorn enclosures. Demand is high and priority is given to communities in the areas of highest predator conflict. Remarkably, the process of constructing a lion-proof boma can be achieved within a day. One Lion-proof boma can accommodate up to 800 cows and 400 sheep or goats and Born Free estimates that at least 2 500 people and 32 500 livestock are now better protected as a result of this programme.

“The Land Rover brand has, since inception, been the ideal tool to get to hard-to-reach locations anywhere in the world,” “In Born Free we have a kindred spirit, and identify very strongly with their philosophy of keeping wildlife in the wild. This is one of the ways Kenya’s future as a haven for the wild life of Africa be sustained.” explained Nigel Clarke, Operations Director of Jaguar Land Rover sub-Sahara Africa (JLR SSA) during our Defender adventure.

Well I sure I got you itching and curious…..Manfred Chaniwa at Premier Auto and his team have stock available to test drive and drive away.

Till next week, keep it pumping.

Additional source: JLRSSA, BORNFREE

THE STANDARD STYLE

HOME & GARDEN

COMPETITION

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10 THE STANDARD STYLE / HOME & GARDEN / TRENDS

March 8 to 14 2015

Wall Paper Trends

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all paper is an alternative to paint or as great compliment to paint. Whichever way you look at it, wall paper is a great way to create show stopping walls that give your space character. Wall paper clearly makes your walls stand out and seem extraordinary. It comes in various forms of textures and finishes. Some designs are 3D and help make a room feel spacious. Trompe l’oeil wallpapers are great for this purpose. Trompe l’oeil is French meaning ‘fools the eyes’ and these wallpapers are artistic pieces that make twodimensional designs look like 3D wall paper. You can find these in digitally enhanced nature murals or animated characters.

Specialised Wallpaper: Consider using magnetic or glow in the dark wall paper in children’s rooms. This type of wall paper creates fun and energy in a child’s room. For your little princess, a wall paper that has Barbie or the Fairy Princess or butterflies can keep her in awe for years and the envy of her friends.

A child’s bedroom can be transformed into a beautiful space by using wallpaper. Image – Jac Interiors Glitz and Glamour wallpaper delivers texture and finish that paint cannot match. Image www.decoist.com Feature Walls - Modern wallcoverings contain aesthetic appeal unmatched by painted surfaces helping you create distinctive décor wall finishes with wall paper that are unique to you. You can create feature walls by using textured wall paper on one wall to match your wall paint so that there is cohesiveness and your walls blend in to create a balanced space.

For bedrooms and bathrooms Scented wallpaper is an excellent choice as it provides you with freshness for a long time. Most of these wall papers are comprised of fibers that naturally give off a naturally soothing fragrance such as lavender or jasmine while deodorizing wallpaper is infused with charcoal particles which act as a natural deodorizer.

Accent walls create interest and break the monotony of plain colours. Image – www. myhomewallpaper.com

Finishes. Not all wallpaper is created equal. Others are patterned some are murals some a digital images printed onto wall paper. If budget is unlimited you can commission your own wallpaper by using family photos or your wedding photos as wall murals. Textures can have a faux appeal to them, like a woody, leather, and velvet, crystal bubbles, wood or stone. You can also buy inexpensive textured wall paper, paste it on a wall or ceiling and paint over it with your favourite colour to mimic the look of chic ceiling moldings.

Scented wallpaper is both functional and aesthetic to create interest, breaking the monotony of plain colours and freshening up your space.

Image – www. Optimisedesign.com

Wallpaper can be used in various other ways like hiding defects in your walls, to give the illusion of space or height and to unify your space. It is always advisable to by a roll extra and to check batch numbers so that you get the same shades in one application.

Credits: - U&G Fabrics/ Unami Concepts. www.magicbricks.com. Jac Interiors.

Optimise Design. www.Decoist.com Carmen Interiors. www.myhomewallpaper.com. www.decology.com

Wallpaper turns this office into a chic urban working space. – image – Carmen Interiors

Noma Ndlovu is an Interior Designer & Property Stylist. unaminkosi@ yahoo.co.uk. www.facebook.com/unamihomestyle.

March 8 to 14 2015

THE STANDARD STYLE / HOME & GARDEN /INSPIRATION 11

Inspiration - Black and White Powder Rooms Basins and Faucets

Noma Ndlovu

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OWDER rooms and toilets are rooms that we often overlook as we go all out in the main bathrooms. These small rooms which consist of the toilet set and a basin can have as much character and pizzazz as the rest of the house. They are convenient for regular daily use as they limit the use of running through to your main bathroom. Powder rooms are a great way to show case your style as these are rest rooms for your guests when you are entertaining.

Black and white is so on trend now and you can use it in so may show stopping ways.

Add character to your powder room by using unique basins and faucets, finish the look with an equally snazzy bathroom vanity. Stainless steel, copper, brass, silver, gold seems to be the metal of choice. Designs are modern, vintage, contemporary and downright eclectic. Fixtures definitely reflect your personal tastes.

Choose them purposefully not because they were cheap.

Quirky basins , faucets and vanities make for interesting powder rooms. Image www. homedesignboard.com

Bold Wall Colour

Paint your walls black and contrast then with patterned wallpaper. This is not for the faint hearted as it is un canny and eclectic. This look goes well with simple but well designed fittings to counter the boldness of wall colour. Floor skirting and wall division moulds also add depth of design to allow for 3D effect thereby avoiding flat boring walls.

Black and white themes are elegant and time less. Image www. decology.com

Daring Black and white themes – image www.remodelaholic.com

Lighting Floors

With so many flooring options available at various price levels, being stylish is now a matter of choice. Go for a style that’s classic and easy on the eye. Use the floor design as the central point that defines the entire room keeping in mind that it is quite small. Most powder rooms are probably 2m x 1.5m so it is crucial to get the flooring right.

Black and white themes give effortless elegance once you get the balance right. Image Houzz

Lighting is very important if you are going to go monochrome in your powder rooms. Sconces and chandeliers are the order of the day. Work with a designer ceiling and finishes like granite or marble tops that reflect light. Finish it off with textured wall paper (U&G Fabrics and Wallcoverings) and a mirror.

Wainscot your walls and doors for simple yet defined elegance. Polish off the look with white skirting and a charcoal floor.

Black and white is on trend but needs to be used in spaces where there is a lot of natural light pouring in. If not invest in a lot of lighting so that your space is still quirky but inviting.

Dare to be different. I hope you are inspired. Enjoy your space.

Credits: Houzz. www.lovelyhomedesigns.com www.remodelaholic.com www.homedisgnboard.com

Monochrome Powder rooms for the daring. Image. www.lovelyhomedesigns.com

Noma Ndlovu is an Interior Designer & Property Stylist. unaminkosi@yahoo.co.uk. w w w. fa ce b o o k . co m / u n a m i h o m e s t y l e. +263775402083

12 THE STANDARD STYLE / HOME & GARDEN / GARDEN

March 8 to 14 2015

The Best Garden Bed Edging Tips T

hese simple, attractive borders will keep grass from invading your garden and eliminate the need for edge trimming.

Not only do they look great, these borders require almost no maintenance.

The simplest and most subtle borders that effectively separate your lawn from a garden are 4-in.deep strips of steel, aluminum or plastic. They all bend easily into smooth, graceful curves and stop the spread of grass roots.

Although aluminum and steel cost about the same, we chose aluminum because it was much lighter. It weighs about 41 lbs. per 100 ft., while steel weighs about 225. With aluminum, you get a professional look without the heavy lifting.

Plan to set the border with the top edge about 1/2 in. above the soil level to maintain the lawn/garden separation and keep roots from crossing over the top. This makes the border almost invisible and allows you to mow right over the top. However, be aware that the thin top edge can hurt bare feet. After cutting it, make sure you round off any sharp edges with a file.

Buying Edging Steel edging is the most common metal edging, although you might not find it at local nurseries. Look for it at larger garden centers or at landscape suppliers, which is where most pros get it. Steel edging comes in 4-in. wide by 10-ft. long strips in a variety of colors.

Keep in mind that it’ll eventually rust, especially in a salt environment. It’s heavy, floppy stuff and needs almost full support when you transport it.

Aluminum edging, besides being lighter and stiffer, won’t rust and is also available in a wide variety of colors. Look for it through landscaping suppliers, although it might be difficult to find. You’ll find black plastic edging at every garden center and home center, sometimes in both regular and heavy-duty thicknesses. Buy the thicker material. It better withstands those inevitable bumps and hard knocks that go with lawn mowing.

Both concrete and brick pavers make a simple, handsome border and work well as edging material too. They’re ideal when you want a wide border that keeps grass out of the garden, yet allows flowers and other plants to spill over without intruding onto the grass.

You’re less likely to chop them up with the lawn mower.

You shouldn’t have to trim the edges after mowing. Concrete pavers are designed for rugged outdoor use. Brick pavers are too, but don’t confuse them with regular bricks, which are typically softer and more likely to break down. Set the pavers in a bed of sand for easier positioning and levelling.

The sand bed that you lay over landscape

fabric keeps most grass types from sending roots under the edging and getting into the garden. Paver borders work well for straight, formal gardens but even better for informal yards with gradual curves and varying slopes.

You can easily adjust them to follow the contours of an uneven yard. But they won’t fit as well on tighter curves unless you alter the design and are willing to cut them to fit with a diamond blade saw.

Use a garden hose to mark the best-looking border shape and to make gradual curves.

Don’t hesitate to trim the trench a bit here or there as you cut the edge to smooth curves or alter the garden bed shape. For straight borders, follow a tightly stretched string line. It’s important to set the front edge of the pavers about 1/2 in. above the soil in the lawn so the lawn mower can cut the grass cleanly. We also leveled our pavers from front to back to keep the row from dipping and rising, but it’s not necessary and on slopes might look better if set on an angle. Just make sure the top of

each paver sits flush with its neighbor and that the front edges create a smooth line. You can go back later and whack them perfectly flush with a block of wood and a hammer or a rubber mallet. The pavers we set on edge are primarily decorative, but they also raise the garden bed slightly and help retain mulch. Set them higher or lower to fit the needs of your garden.

A stone wall does more than make a clean border along your lawn. It’s a handsome visual statement in itself, a great way to add depth and texture to a flat, featureless yard. It’s practical, too.

If you have poor or clay soil, just fill the interior with topsoil and compost and you’ll have a wonderful raised planting bed. It also provides good drainage, making it a great solution for low-lying, soggy gardens. And it’s a good way to terrace a sloped yard and create nice, flat gardens. www.familyhandyman.com/landscaping/ the-best-garden-bed-edging-tips/

THE STANDARD STYLE

FOOD & DRINK 1

In this issue of Food & Drink

(1) Eating out by Dusty Miller

(2) Wine: Afdis

(3) Wine: Lebbie

(4) Zimbokitchen

2

3

4

14 THE STANDARD STYLE /EATING OUT/SITAR RESTAURANT

March 8 to 14 2015

Sitar Indian restaurant at Newlands Owners Kiran and Savitei Patel at Sitar’s 30th anniversary lunch

Dusty Miller

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HERE are some great ‘special’ table d’hôte set menus with choice around these days as restaurateurs battle for volumes and enhanced revenue.

Newlands is a good place to find many mouth watering offers but, sadly, AppleGees (formerly Papa’s, previously Mama Mia’s) with its US$8 two-course special seems to have thrown in the towel in the past week or so.

Next door, Bojangles’ is almost always full at lunchtimes with a hugely popular US$10 offer. Last week, I took the luncheon club about 800 metres away to once again try the “tenner specials” at Sitar, Zimbabwe’s oldest surviving Indian (or Asian) restaurant.

Last August they celebrated their Pearl Anniversary (30 years’ trading) and they are now well into the 31st year.

Principal partner Kiran Patel, whose family came to this country three generations ago from Gujurat in the then British India, was back visiting his ancestral roots. But the fairly busy eatery was in very good hands under executive chef Dhina Megan, a young woman whose career I’ve followed with interest.

The full a la carte menu is of course available lunch and supper, but on a working day lunchtime in these dire cash-strapped days, I rightly surmised all my less than plutocratic members would settle for the special deal.

And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with it. After munching crispy poppadums at the cosy cocktail bar, we sat down to a choice of three starters.

Costing US$4 alone on the standard menu, these comprised fish tikka (bite-sized pieces of spicy hake), chicken or vegetarian samoosas or the three crispy, golden onion bhajis I opted for. Members padded these out with sambals: yoghurt, “Durban salad” (chopped tomato-and-onion) and coriander chutney among others.

These were also in heavy demand when main courses arrived. Of these, I thought that possibly the nicest looking one was kheema matar: minced beef cooked with peas and delicately flavoured with spices. But I’m off beef given a choice in the matter.

So I obviously didn’t order the beef korma, described as succulent pieces of beef cooked in a mild yoghurt sauce.

Many Indian restaurant clients are strict vegetarians or vegans, so they serve chana allo, a vegetable curry mainly featuring chick peas and potatoes which is hugely popular and makes fine eating.

I prevailed on Dhina to make my murg ka salan (a traditional chicken curry from north India) authentically medium-to-mild and to take all the flesh of the bones. It had intense depths of flavours; was a very generous helping, with the fluffy basmati rice and a couple of flatbread rotis which accompany all special dish main courses.

I (incorrectly) thought, however, it might not be quite sufficient for typical Harare appetites and three additional buttery piping hot naan breads were ordered at US$1,50 each.

Unusually, no one wanted pudding; I often have a zingy fresh fruit salad or kulfi, the sub-continental take on ice-cream At the previous weekend’s wine visit to Inns of Zimbabwe operations in Nyanga, I had “acquired” a bottle of what was the trip’s most popular wines, a crisp Portuguese vinho verde Casal Garcia which I allowed neighbours to sample.

Possibly intrigued by our motley array of members, John Moxon, head honcho of the Meikles Group, sent over a bottle of Rooiberg red wine from the Cape, which went down very well with “the lads”. Sitar, 2 Cecil Rhodes Drive, Newlands. Tel 746215/746355/ 0712 616 512. Opens lunch and supper every day except Tuesday.

Dusty Miller rating three stars plus. dustymiller46@gmail.com

Crisp, golden onion bhajis

Guests from the sub-continent pictured last Friday

John Moxon, bossman of the Meikles Group sent us over a bottle of red wine

Executive chef Dhina Megan has returned from a similar post at Cresta Spraview Hote, Victoria Falls.

Keema matar with basmati rice

My No 1 of 2015 (so far!) a crisp Portuguese vinho verde Casal Garcia, distributed in Zimbabwe bu Da Vinho Wines

Dom Pedro, Irish coffee and petite-fours on a special occasion at Sitar.

All pictures by Dusty Miller

THE STANDARD STYLE / FOOD & DRINK / WINE / AFDIS 15

March 8 to 14 2015

wine cellar T

radition and talent blend with passion, precision and patience at Nederburg, where classically structured wines are made with vibrant fruit flavours. Nederburg’s hallmark combination of fruit and finesse continues to be rewarded around the world.

Foundation Collection Our starting point is that fine wines are born in the vineyards. Superior vines, well sited and nurtured to coax the best from them, create the foundation for wines of distinction. Made for everyday enjoyment, they deliver a clear and accessible pleasure of fruit and flavour, backed by more than two centuries of

skill, tradition and heritage.

The Winemaster’s Reserve Collection Nederburg’s core premium wines are accommodated in the Winemaster’s Reserve ensemble, named to honour the long-established tradition of winemaking excellence. These classically styled, food-friendly

wines with refreshing fruit flavours, elegance and finesse, treasure the integrity of our grapes in every step of the wine-growing and winemaking journey. Every glass demonstrates an unwavering commitment to world-class vineyard and cellar skills.

A TO Z WINE AND FOOD PAIRINGS The Nederburg collection is rich with wines that complement different types of foods for every taste and occasion. Our pairing suggestions are as follows: Asian Dishes - Nederburg Winemaster’s

Cabernet Sauvignon,

Nederburg Winemaster’s

Reserve Riesling Beef - Nederburg Winemaster’s

Reserve Cabernet

Sauvignon, Baronne,

Foundation Duet, Shiraz Bobotie - Pinotage, Nederburg

Winemaster’s Reserve B

urgers - Nederburg Winemaster’s

Reserve Cabernet

Sauvignon, Nederburg Winemaster’s

Reserve Merlot Casseroles - Nederburg Winemaster’s

Reserve Merlot, Nederburg

Winemaster’s Reserve Shiraz Chicken - Nederburg Winemaster’s

Reserve Sauvignon Blanc,

Nederburg Winemaster’s

Reserve Chardonnay, Chinese - Nederburg Foundation

Stein, Riesling Cottage Pie (with raisins) - Cabernet

Sauvignon/Shiraz Blend Creamy Seafood - Chardonnay Duck - Nederburg Winemaster’s

Reserve Pinotage Game - Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot

Blend, Nederburg Winemaster’s Reserve Shiraz Goat’s Cheese - Nederburg Winemaster’s Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Grills - Nederburg Winemaster’s

Reserve Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz

Blend, Baronne Guinea Fowl - Nederburg Winemaster’s

Reserve Pinotage, Shiraz Indian Curry - Nederburg Winemaster’s

Reserve Merlot, Rosé Irish Stew - Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz

Blend, Nederburg

Winemaster’s Reserve

Cabernet Sauvignon Italian Cured Meats - Nederburg

Winemaster’sReserve

Merlot, Nederburg Winemaster’s

Reserve Shiraz Kidneys - Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz

Blend, Nederburg

Winemaster’s Reserve

Pinotage, Nederburg

Winemaster’s Reserve

Shiraz Lamb - Shiraz/Pinotage

Blend,

Nederburg Winemaster’s

Reserve Shiraz Meat Pasta - Cabernet Sauvignon/

Shiraz Blend, Nederburg

Winemaster’s Reserve

Pinotage, Cabernet

Sauvignon/Merlot Blend Meat Pizza - Cabernet Sauvignon/

Shiraz Blend, Nederburg

Winemaster’s Reserve

Pinotage, Cabernet

Sauvignon/Merlot Blend Meatballs - Cabernet Sauvignon/

Shiraz Blend Mince - Cabernet Sauvignon/

Shiraz Blend, Nederburg

Winemasters Cabernet

Sauvignon, Shiraz/

Pinotage Blend Orange Chicken - Nederburg

Winemaster’s Reserve Chardonnay Ostrich - Nederburg Winemaster’s

Reserve Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz

Blend, Nederburg

Winemaster’s Reserve Shiraz

More parings in the next edition.

16 THE STANDARD STYLE / FOOD & DRINK / WINE

March 8 to 14 2015

Your WINE Questions Answered???

Lebbie Masavaya “If you like a wine that you drink, now with your phone, it’s so easy. Just take a picture of the label.

You learn about it. You learn where it comes from and what the soil is like and why you like it. And that’ll lead you to another wine” – Padma Lakshmi How long can I leave a bottle of opened wine in the fridge for?

My advice wine lovers, is, open a bottle and drink it all, or use left over wine for cooking.

If however you have no other choice, decant the leftover wine into a container that’s small enough to accommodate the leftover wine.

This way, the wine will not spoil. Sparkling wine should be drunk when opened as loss of bubbles results in a flat wine. Red and white wine can be kept for 2-5 days, with luck.

Is bottled wine more superior to boxed wine?

Interestingly, and in my opinion, Yes and No. Yes, in that, bottled wine is more intimate, as in the number of pours and wines ranging from basic to premium quality can be found.

No, because the quality of boxed wine has increased over the years to the extent of some premium wines being boxed. Think about a party and how a boxed wine will be convenient when serving a larger number of people with the same wine.

For how long can boxed wine be kept open?

Boxed wine can be kept for anything between four and six weeks, as long as it’s still within the expiry date, which is indicated on the box.

What happens if I leave a bottle of wine, in the heat, in a car, all day?

Please don’t put wine bottles in such harsh situations. The wine will fast deteriorate.

Is it fair for me to take back a bottle of wine left in a hot car all day, back, to a wine shop?

It is definitely unfair, as wine storage is important for this delicate beverage. Wine should always be kept in cool temperatures.

When I order wine in a restaurant, why does the waiter/waitress show me the label and on opening, give me a taste pour?

Firstly, the label is for you to verify that the wine ordered is the wine you’re being served with and secondly, the taste pour you’re given is to enable you to taste the wine, to ensure it is a fresh wine incase the wine is spoilt. A good wine should always have a clean smell.

I drink beers and spirits and would like to start drinking wine, which wine would you recommend I start with?

I’d say, give both red and white wine a try, but perhaps starting off with the lighter bodied wines like sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Unwooded pinot noirs and dry Rosés.

What is a vintage year?

It is the growing season in which a particular wine was produced and a vintage wine is wine made from the harvest of a single year.

What is a Non-vintage (NV)?

When a wine is classified as a non-vintage, it means grapes from two or more vintages have been used in the production of that wine.

Which wine is better, red or white wine?

I love this question because it is one of those questions you as a wine lover answers individually. The taste of a wine is determined by your palate, so go on, tell me which wine is better for you wine lovers.

I am a health freak and would like to know how much artificial sugar is added to wines?

This is an important question, as I too, love looking after my health. All sugars in wine are from the grapes, classified as residual sugar. I know a lot of people are suspicious in that ‘sugar’ has been added to some sweet wines. Basic sweet wines are added with sweet grape juice during the fermentation process, to make them sweeter. The finer sweet wines are made as a result of concentrated sugar in the actual grapes. These include Late Harvest, Noble Late Harvest and several other types all over the world. The only and rare times sugar, not from grapes is added, is to increase the final alcoholic strength of the wine before or during fermentation, rather than to sweeten the wine.

I am confused between a Merlot and a ‘White’ Merlot? Please explain.

I totally understand, as Merlot is a red grape.

Remember, all grapes, whether red or white, have white juice. A ‘white’ Merlot is wine made from the juice, but, with no skin contact.

Once you start a wine journey, questions are a huge part of it. Thank you wine lovers for allowing your questions to enrich more wine lovers than just you.

Let’s keep them coming in. With a wine cheer to all wine lovers, set your palates free and explore the world of wines.

MyLifeAndWine@icloud.com

THE STANDARD STYLE / FOOD & DRINK 17

March 8 to 14 2015

Tasty plain roast Chicken

by Rumbie - Zimbokitchen This is more like child’s play than a recipe, haha! It’s for yet another one of those “lazy, too tired to cook days and couldn’t be bothered with a lot of fuss in the kitchen.”

I know these days do come time and again and yet the family or you have got to eat. However just like these roast potatoes, simplicity can sometimes actually be quite tasty!

3-4 Servings Cooking time: 50 minutes

Ingredients 1kg Chicken portions Salt and pepper to taste A splash of white vinegar (optional)

Instructions Note: There’s no need to add oil when roasting chicken as it already contains some fat which will be released during the cooking process.

1. Simply place your chicken portions in an oven proof dish.

2. If using, add a splash of white spirit/wine vinegar 3. and season with salt (and pepper if you wish) 4. then chuck into the oven.

5. Grill-bake at 180 degrees Celsius/350 degrees 6. Fahrenheit/ Gas Mark 4 for 50minutes or until 7. golden brown and skin is crispy.

www.zimbokitchen.com

Marble Cake Ever had a cake craving that made you feel like having two different cakes at once? Why not combine the two cakes into one, its been a hectic week, come on, you deserve such comfort food. Today’s sweet treat is the delicious Vanilla Chocolate Marble cake. This cake is delightfully rich, with a moist and tender texture. A Marble Cake may look complicated, but it’s actually one batter that is divided and then melted chocolate is added to one portion. The marbling effect is created by placing the vanilla and chocolate cake batters alternately in a bundt pan, and then running a knife (do not stir) through the two batters to give it a marble effect. You can serve it plain, or sieve icing sugar onto cake surface for that added effect. Alternatively, you may serve with custard, or add melted chocolate as a decadent topping. ENJOY!!! **See Baking Tid bits on Bundt pan below** Preparation Time: 40 minutes Cook Time: 30 to 40 minutes Serves 10 to 11 Ingredients 295 grams self-raising flour 170 grams of margarine room temperature 250 grams castor sugar 3 large eggs, room temperature 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla essence 80 ml sour cream or plain yogurt, room temperature 120 ml milk, room temperature 200 grams cooking chocolate, chopped 1 tablespoon brewed coffee (optional) 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder (sieved) 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt Method 1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees C. 2. Grease and spray a 25 cm bundt pan.

3. Melt chopped chocolate with the coffee, and cocoa in

Cakes by Sonia

a heatproof bowl, placed over a pan of simmering water. Set aside to cool to room temperature.

4. In a large bowl, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix lightly together and set aside.

5. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer beat the margarine until smooth. Gradually add the castor sugar. Beat for three to five minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl as margarine mixture would have settled on edges. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla essence and sour cream.

6. Add the flour mixture and the milk to the batter, in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix the first flour and milk edition with a wooden spoon, and mix with electric mixer for two minutes. Repeat the same action for the remaining two editions.

7. Remove a little more than half of the batter and place into a separate bowl. To the remaining batter stir, or beat, in the melted chocolate. Place the batters into the prepared bundt pan by alternating spoon-fulls of vanilla batter with the chocolate batter. Using the end of a knife, gently draw swirls through the batter to marbleize it. Make swirls (figure 8s) through the batter to create a marble effect Don’t over mix.

8. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or longer. Use a knife and insert it into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, cake is ready. If knife has cake dough remaining on it leave for additional ten minutes. Keep checking. Bake until the cake feels just firm to the touch. Remember do not over bake. When ready, let cake cool for thirty to forty minutes.

Cake can be served plain, or one may sieve icing sugar on cake surface. Alternatively serve with custard, or add melted chocolate on top of the marble cake.

baking spray. Spray all creases and folds in the pan. If you are using a dark coloured bundt pan, reduce the oven temperature to 165 degrees C. Dark coloured pans absorb more heat energy, and transmit heat faster than light coloured pans.  When creating the marble effect, do not overmix with knife.  Do not over bake or the cake will be dry tasting.  Marble cake tastes best on the day it’s made, but it will keep for a couple of days at room temperature or it can be frozen.

Baking Tid Bits A Bundt cake pan has a distinctive ring shape with a whole through the center of the cake pan. The design aids in faster and greater heat distribution during the baking process.

To add a unique signature to your baking designs invest in these fancy tins. It brings your baking creations to life, and makes the cake look even more appetising.

Please follow Rudo Sonia on instagram: soniascakes For enquiries email Rudo Sonia at rudosoniacakes@gmail.com

Sonia’s Tip:  Remember, always check a few minutes before the stated baking time, and record it so as to monitor baking time.  Let cake cool for thirty to forty minutes so as to cool completely. If cake is removed whilst still hot it will break.  Remember to grease pan liberally with margarine and

Please follow Rudo Sonia on instagram @soniascakes, Email at rudosoniacakes@gmail.com

18 THE STANDARD STYLE

March 8 to 14 2015

THE STANDARD STYLE

FAMILY Saruchera family

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

20 THE STANDARD STYLE / FAMILY / PARENTING

Your Marriage with Evan

Evan Mawarire

I

N 1956 Elvis Presley sang a song on the Ed Sulivan show and it sold 1 million copies before it was even released the next day. The song is called Love Me Tender and its central theme is a request to be loved unconditionally, wholeheartedly and without end. So many people connected with it because at the core of being human is the desire to be loved.

Whilst almost everyone declares that they married for love, very few actually show love once they are in marriage. Why is this? How is it that the person you presumably love the most is the one with whom you fight the most? Many husbands and wives are perplexed as to why their spouse cringes at their presence or seems to be generally and inexplicably put off each time they come into contact.

The two of you have to realise that you are away from each other when you are at your freshest. In other words, you wake up and spend the morning and greater part of the day apart from each other. You then only see each other after a long day at work and even if it was a good day, you probably want to just sit on your own, relax and sip some coffee. But you then find that you have to get involved with your children or the domestic work, and by the time you try to talk to your spouse, you are already annoyed by something they said or insinuated. By the time you go to bed a full-blown world war is in progress. I’ve heard so many people complain that they have a good day then they get home and they have to deal with the Grinch.

I have news for you. Your spouse is probably no worse in personality and character than the first time you met and fell in love. I know you may be thinking ‘You don’t know this horror of a person I live with’.

The only difference now from then is that the amounts of time that you have access to them when they are calm and tender has now shrunk due to the many chores, duties and demands life. Is it not strange that everyone else gets to see and experience your spouse at their best and then the beast of life spits them back into your home when they’re grumpy and difficult to deal with.

Each horrible encounter we have with our spouse widens the rift of unfriendliness. After a series of rough exchanges, one starts to doubt if at all they are loved. Some even start to question why they are in the

Love Me Tender

marriage. Sometimes when a spouse comes home late or goes to bed early it may be a way of avoiding spending time because of the fear of a spat at the drop of a hat. If this is where you are I want to show you how you can love again. If this is not you then I’d like to invite you to see how you can watch out for it. Marriage is a practical engagement so here are some things to consider doing.

The morning glory.

Take a few minutes in the morning to talk about what the day holds in store for you. Whether it’s good or bad. That way your spouse knows what you are faced with. Even if you do it whilst dressing up and having breakfast. Ask them what’s happening in their space too. It shows a level of concern for their welfare and allows you to enjoy conversation with them when they are energetic and happy. Just start somewhere, but you have to do this.

The midday tickler Very few marriages have the chance

to laugh together. Technology offers you a great opportunity to send your spouse via Text a little message to check up on them or share a joke you heard at the office. It’s little things like this that make your spouse feel loved.

The sundown embrace Train yourself to look forward to seeing your spouse. You’ve jus spent the best part of your day away from them. The thing with life is that it will pull you apart if you don’t determine to stay together. What’s the first thing you do when you see them at the end of the day? I hope you can lean over and give them a peck on the check jus so they know that you missed them.

All this may be difficult to do but its not impossible. Just get over yourself and start. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes. Follow me on twitter @ PastorEvanlive, like my facebook page - Pastor Evan Live

March 8 to 14 2015

LILIAN MASITERA

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

March 8 to 14 2015

THE STANDARD STYLE / FAMILY / EDUCATION 21

MEET THE WINNERS

Usave Saskam,

verenga udzore pfungwa

Enitah Mutikori

First runner

T

he sound of his benumbed staggering steps sent down waves of terror through Revai’s nerve centres. Very furtively, she looked through the window to see Matimba, and then she stood, benoud and petrified. The jubilation that used to drive her to amicably welcome the devout man that she thought she had married had disappeared.

Militantly, Matimba marched in through his front door and non-hesitantly slumped into the nearest couch, brown shapely bottle carelessly clenched in between his index and middle finger. ‘’Where is my food woman?’’ he exclaimed, his voice full of command. Revai promptly picked up her dishes and dishes and stood across him.

Matimba set up straight and slowly uncovered his food, and then suddenly, he smiled. A strange type that was not at all his natural smile. He stretched his muscular hand, grabbed his bottle and took in a huge seep of his icy-cold expensive beer and then jumped back into his couch, his face solemn.

Fixedly, he examined Revai. He was do focused on his scrutiny that his lips paced to show his disgust.

He giggled sneeringly, ‘’ I always wonder if I was charmed to have married a grin pig like you, ’then he laughed, ‘’and to think I actually thought I had a woman.’’ He starred at her frail-looking breasts and Revai quickly crossed her hands across her chest. ‘’Barren woman, useless piece of rotten flash! ’Then Matimba stood and drew up a huge lump of his slimy phlegm-filled saliva and maliciously spit it into Revai’s face. ‘’Stop it Matimba!’’ Revai snapped with her eyes welled up with tears and that spurred Matimba to immediately pounce on her like a demented bull. Matimba hit her and Revai fell down. Matimba descended upon her and wickedly punched and kicked her continuously. His clenched fists aiming to rearrange

Form 5 & 6 Waddilove

Stop The Violence her face whilst his heavy boots dealt numerous painful blows on her back and on her tummy.

Revai felt helpless, the very best she could do was to rely on her little defensive power as she shielded her head from the flying fists whilst she choked and gasped in between her cries for mercy.Hurt and frustrated, Revai fled into the eerie night and ran down the quiet street leaving Matimba ranting that she comes back home. She ran so long that her own flesh began to feel too heavy for her fragile bones. Acrimonious, cold and confused. In the still night, the young woman could be heard sniffing and trying to hold back her tears. She had started to pace towards her assumed source of solace. The only family she had left, her aunt, Mai Marembo.

She reflected on the day she had been bargained off by her people. They had set a worthy price for one of their most valuable assets. Her marriage had taken place with all the ceremonies respected by any family of strict shona lineage, and her people had ululated. They had blithely denied and chanted praises at their daughter. Her peers had envied her. Those days, Matimba was a gentleman, a perfect act to belie the ruthlessness within him.

She screwed up her eye in the dark night and felt an edge of relief when she noticed that she had finally reached her aunt’s place. Mai Marembo opened the door for her and warmly welcomed her niece into her humble home. She turned on the lights only to see Revai’s swollen face , torn dress and heavily bleeding nose and ears , then she knew that she ought not to ask for her health and wellbeing.

Mai Marembo used her motherly expertise to prepare a remedy to treat her brother’s daughter’s ashen unnourished and badly wounded skin. She sat down and carefully attended to her and in the construing silence, Revai could be heard to be sighing deeply and seen to be slightly shivering. She was agonized.

Mai Marembo stopped and rested her hand on Revai’s shoulder before using a corner of her skirt to wipe away her niece’s tears and said ,”My daughter, go back to your husband.” Revai jerked up her head and looked straight into her aunt’s eyes and started to vigorously shake her head in disagreement. This led the two generations into long talk. A talk that left Revai feeling guilty of having failed husband and sown in him an emptiness that had culminated into idiocy.

As soon as her wounds had healed, Revai went back to her husband apt to nurture her marriage. She was once again ready to be the staunch wife her people had raised her to be, but as days burned into weeks, and weeks turned into months, all her efforts to bring back love proved to be futile. There was certainly not even a twinge of remorse from Matimba.

He suddenly refused her food, whipped her with biting words and he was always insolvent that he always left his wife feeling inhibited.

Locked up her own world, on a daily basis, Revai watched the fun disappear on its horizon. Engaged in warfare of her own, lost in thought, she always yearned for her freedom. She felt yoked, heavily laden. Loving Matimba had become too much of a burden for her. Almost every night, she would endure the nauseating stench of his alcohol-infested breathe as he forcibly had her. She let him recuperate her in his drunken embullience, erecting in her a volcano desperate to burst. In his manic type of behavior, Matimba disappeared. For six consecutive days he went away and never went back home to his wife. Revai patiently waited in wonder, relieved though to be her own person. Surviving on small morsels of food was a lesser pain.

On the very day of his unexpected return, Matimba claimed his conjugal rights from Revai protested, ‘’I don’t know where you have been Matimba, I will

not let you touch me until we go and get tested.’’ Matimbascowled and lustfully stared at his youthful wife who was standing at his far end. Matimba took a big step towards his wife and Revai stern fully said, ‘’ I mean it Matimba!’’’’Or else what woman?’’ then Revai slapped Matimba across the face.

Matimba stood, dumbfounded. He had never been hit by a woman before. He looked at Revai straight in the eyes glowering with suppressed anger.’’Hit me again.

You are good at it right? Revai, hit me! Revai started to uncontrollably tremble with fear and quickly dashed away from her husband. Running around behind him, her eyes quickly searching for anything that could serve as a weapon, whilst Matimba still stood frantically folding his long sleeves in preparation to discipline his wife who had exacerbated his anger.

In a feat of rage, Matimba turned to fulfill his task and a bottle of beer unexpectedly descended squarely on his forehead. In pain, Matimba roared in anger and punched Revai straight in the face and Revai fell, face down. Matimba started to kick and jump on her back but Revai crawled to reach for the upper part of the remains of the broken bottle she had used to aggravate Matimba’s anger. She forced the broken bottle right into Matimba’s stomach and Matimba wailed.

The grown man screamed and fell down cupping his hands on his bleeding belly which was oozing with blood. Revai felt an unusual kind of satisfaction well up in her and she mercilessly took out the piece of glass and rhythmically started to stab her husbands’ stomach.

She tightly bit her lower lip evidently putting in all her energy into the act. Blood gushed from Matimbas stomach and splashed on her face. Matimba’s cries had become altogether silent. The volcano had burst. Revai stopped, knelt down besides Matimbas’ gruesome corpse and starred at her shivering bloodstained hands and reality stared her back in the face.

She had sent off Matimba into judgment and sought for herself a death sentence.

The sorry sight of Mr Matimba. Quite a death. He was horribly slashed and his stomach, ripped open his intestines dangling out of his belly, Poor Revai was cuffed as the neighbours watched in shock. In low voices they recited prayers for the dead.

Tinaye P Hofisi

Second runner

E

choes of her cry infuse my head through the skull down to my brain. Her agonyregistered on my bones and engraved on my weeping heart like a tattoo. The feeling is so heavy as if liquid lead is running in my veins.’’ Close your eyes child.’’ The words she manages to whisper as she stumbles and fall down.

Nervousness seeps into terror as I anticipate what is to come. In our proximity, stand a tall masculine figure. A creature they call my fa-

Form 5 & 6 Mufakose 1 High

Stop The Violence ther, something cold and impacable that loves us not. He has a morbid fascination beating my mother. With a crusading zeal, he lands a powerful fist on her delicate cheek. She the defenseless dear –manages to contain her pain.

Tears ooze from her beautiful eyes. The potency of the blow is registered on her face. Father grabs my mother and squeezes her arms tightly as if on a vice. I can see her begging for mercy. She kneels down and apologizes for reasons I can’t comprehend. Reasons I know are preposterous-commands from my father that

any normal being cannot perform. He is the breadwinner, our sole provider-so she assures herself. He is her husband-so she remembers.

From this aftermath, a woman, my mother crouches on a corner. Father insults her I the language which my teachers deem vulgar. In that corner, is a woman stripped off her dignity, pride and defence. In her child’s eyes-my eyes-is a sufferer. A black Pearl which is sinking all because of a beast they call my father.

With burning fire in my eyes, I look at my father. Contempt, hatred and disgust overtakes me. I vow to never condone such sins. Violence has become my close enemy and my father has chosen to be its soldier. From dusk to dawn my mother lies in its gore. Day and night I pray a guardian angel enlights my father from his oblivion. Just one soul to tell him to stop the violence.

22 THE STANDARD STYLE / FAMILY / HEALTH

March 8 to 14 2015

Sleep deprivation can lead to serious health problems Dr Farzana Naeem

B

RITISH research studies have shown that people who have irregular sleep patterns or schedules that do not allow for adequate rest on a regular basis have a higher mortality rate than

those who get enough sleep on a regular basis. Most notably, patients who suffer from a lack of sleep appear to have a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

The research also showed that catching up on “sleep debt” on the weekend will not prevent this dam-

age. To reach their conclusion, the researchers submitted mice to an irregular sleep schedule similar to that of shift workers.

Temporary insomnia can happen for a couple of days to people who usually sleep well. Your sleep may be disturbed by noise, shift work, jet lag, or short-term anxiety or depression.

Short-term insomnia may last for a few weeks. And it may happen again. You may find it difficult to sleep because you’re worried about something (such as an illness or anxieties about money) or because of an emotional problem (such as coping with the death of someone close to you).

Longer-lasting insomnia If you’ve had problems sleeping on at least three nights a week for one month or more, you probably have longerlasting (or chronic) insomnia.

Sleep disorders and chronic sleep loss can put you at risk for: • Heart disease • Heart attack • Heart failure • Irregular heartbeat • High blood pressure • Stroke • Diabetes

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

Lack of Sleep Kills Sex Drive Sleep specialists say that sleep-deprived men and women report lower libidos and less interest in sex. Depleted energy, sleepiness, and increased tension may be largely to blame.

Some people don’t sleep well because of a medical or psychiatric condition, such as sleep apnea, depression, or dementia. If you have one of these conditions, you may sleep better if it’s treated. (To learn more about these conditions, see our information on sleep apnea, depression, and dementia.)

Women also have significantly more sleep problems when they are pregnant.

Here we’re looking only at chronic insomnia that hasn’t been caused by any other illness. This is known as primary insomnia.

Insomnia is very common, especially in older people.About 4 in 10 adults report having insomnia, with a higher prevalence in women than in men.

If you have problems sleeping, you may find it affects you during the day. For example, you may find it difficult to concentrate on your work. Older people with sleep problems may be more prone to falls.

Insomnia may lead to: • Decreased quality of life.

• More chances of an accident

•

•

because of sleepiness during the day.

Sleeping well can make a big difference to your overall health and how you feel about life.

Long-lasting sleep problems may make you depressed, forgetful, and make it hard to think clearly, especially if you are older (over 65). This can put you at risk of having a fall or needing to be looked after in a residential home.

So it’s a good idea to ask your

mental health professionals for help if you have long-lasting sleep problems.

If you think that someone close to you having sleeping problem, you can make a difference by showing your love and support and helping that person get properly evaluated and treated. Written by Dr Farzana Naeem Clinical Psychologist If you have any queries please contact on 0772397362 Email;freefari@yahoo.com

March 8 to 14 2015

THE STANDARD STYLE / FAMILY / HEALTH 23

World Glaucoma Week (8-14 March)

Lynett Masiwa

A

S the World Glaucoma Association (WGA) and the World Glaucoma Patients Association (WGPA) strive to increase awareness of this condition this week I though it only befitting that we join the movement.

Glaucoma is a disease which affects the eyes and is characterised by increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and damage to the optic nerve. However not everyone with higher than normal IOP’s has Glaucoma and one can also have Glaucoma with normal IOP values.

Glaucoma can unfortunately lead to blindness, its gradual progression can be seen below.

Types There are two main types of Glaucoma; Open-angle Glaucoma and Closed angle glaucoma.

Risk factors include Increased age: prevalence increases with age particularly over the age of 40 but one can be born with it Race: it is more common in black people Positive family history Systematic disease: Diabetic and Hypertensive patients are at an increased risk High myopia (short sighted) Medications: long-term use of certain medications increases your risk of developing glaucoma e.g. topical steroids History of certain infections or injuries to the eye Management There is currently no cure for Glaucoma but the condition can be controlled with the use of eye drops, surgery and visual aids.

Early diagnosis is key to a good outcome. Walk-in to your nearest Optometry practice this week and request for a Glaucoma screening and they will manage you accordingly. If diagnosed with Glaucoma your Ophthalmologist will be able to discuss the best treatment options for you depending on the type of Glaucoma you have, age and other conditions affecting your eyes.

By Lynett E Masiwa FAOI Optometrist BSc Hons Optometry (Ireland) MSc Clinical Optometry (Wales)

24 THE STANDARD STYLE / FAMILY / GETAWAY

Young Marimba Players clearly having fun and enjoying their performances!

March 8 to 14 2015

Young Marimba Players clearly having fun and enjoying their performances!

Young Mbira Players concentrating hard

Young instrumentalists listen intently to their adjudication by Boudina McConnachie from Grahamstown

Young Marimba Players clearly having fun and enjoying their performances!

Young vocalists get ready to sing

Adjudicator Anthony Caplan, ethnomusicologist, musician, composer and lecturer at Rhodes University, takes note during marimba performances

The PE Music Centre a hive of activity during the Eisteddfod

Budding young pianists perform for the Adjudicator

National Institute of Allied Arts 2015 Eisteddfod kicks off and delights Rosie Mitchell

T

HE 2015 Eisteddfod began Monday, and runs to 27 March. It culminates with the exciting Final Concert which takes place at Harare International School (HIS) on 28 March. Always a highlight on the arts calendar, this concert features the cream of the crop of competitors in this annual festival of vocal and instrumental music in a wide range of genres, who have achieved the much prized Honours awards. In addition, for 2015 there will also be a special Junior Highlights Concert the following day at HIS on 29 March, with the Honours Award winners up to Form Two delighting audiences with their budding musical talents. Ticket for both these Concerts are on sale now at The Spotlight at Reps Theatre ($8 and $6 respectively) and it is well worth pre-booking.

Most Eisteddfod sessions take place at

Prince Edward (PE) School in three venues – the Music Centre, the Beit Hall and the Basketball Court which is used for such genres as drum kit and marimba ensembles.

In addition, various choral events take place at Gateway High School, Twin Rivers School, and HIS Performing Arts Theatre, the latter also hosting the sessions for bands and orchestra, the Final Concert and Awards on 28 March and Junior Highlights Concert on 29 March. Being a National Festival, the Eisteddfod also went to Gweru for the day on Thursday, and tomorrow, Monday 9 March, will be in Bulawayo for the day, in the Robert Sibson Hall at the Academy of Music.

It is well worth popping down to enjoy some musical delights during this year’s Vocal and Instrumental Eisteddfod, and don’t leave it too late as March will surely fly and you’ll be kicking yourself for missing out, and wasting an opportunity which comes but once a year!

Individual sessions cost only $2 for adults and

children and pensioners are free, and for just $10 you can buy a Season Ticket and come and go as you please. Parking is no problem at all at PE School, where the full programme ($2) and tickets are available from the Music Centre.

The first National Institute of Allied Arts (NIAA) Festival actually took place way back in 1913, making this by far the longest established arts organisation and annual arts event in our country. Launched by those visionary founders as a Society for the Advancement of Music and Art, and later taking its current name, the NIAA actually holds four festivals a year, and has stayed the distance ever since the first one in May 1913.

The other three are the Speech and Drama, Visual Arts and Literary Festivals which take place in June and July annually.

The Eisteddfod marks an important deadline, goal and yearly measure of progress for thousands of budding young musicians

and the genres incorporated within it have kept pace with global musical developments and encompass traditional Zimbabwean as well as classical and modern Western genres.

This creates a delightful smorgasbord of offerings for the public to go and sample during festival month!

In keeping with worldwide practice in the teaching and objective measurement of musical acumen through the years as young people develop their skills and artistry, International Adjudicators are invited to Zimbabwe for the Eisteddfod. As well as grading the performances of children of all ages, and some adults too, according to the standard of their delivery, who are moving their way through the various Grades in the genres of their choice, they offer excellent feedback, advice and encouragement. The Eisteddfod is thus an important highlight of the musical year for school children at every level, who are learning musical instruments and solo and choral singing. Much pride is taken in their NIAA Certificates, Awards and Trophies, and the deadlines they must meet to be ready for their big day or days, is highly motivational and ensure they develop the discipline and regular practice needed to become accomplished, confident performers in their chosen genres. Visiting Adjudicators also hold free Workshops during the Eisteddfod for both musicians and their teachers. Tomorrow, the highly accomplished musician and adjudicator from South Africa, Anthony Caplan, holds a Workshop on Composing Music at PE at 2.40pm and the following day, a Guitar Workshop at noon. Be sure to enjoy this year’s Esteddfod and the two concerts in which it culminates – attending some of the many events available will uplift, entertain and delight!

THE STANDARD STYLE

ARTS & CULTURE

1 In this issue of Arts & Culture

3

2 (1,2) Breaking New Ground (3) Breaking New Ground (4) Celeb News

4

26 THE STANDARD STYLE /COMMUNITY/ BREAKING NEW GROUND

March 8 to 14 2015

Courage Chipatiso

leads deaf students from King George VI Memorial School to regional victory!

Patricia Mabviko-Musanhu

T

HERE are many things that can be considered to be a limitation to ones desire to succeed in life. These come in different forms and vary from individual to individual. I find however that the biggest obstacle to success is not so much the challenge one faces but more one’s state of mind when they are faced with that challenge. I believe that victory is first attained in the mind before it materializes in the natural and that the challenges we face on a daily basis serve more to strengthen us than to fail us.

Courage Chipatiso stands as an excellent example of this phenomenon. Wheel chair bound from the age of seventeen, Courage has defied her situation and for the second year running led deaf students from Zimbabwe’s King George VI Memorial School in Bulawayo to victory in a regional dance and drama competition hosted by South Africa annually. In addition to coming first this year, one of the students who took part in the drama was awarded a scholarship and will be enrolling at a college for the deaf in Cape Town next year.

How is it possible that a person who is wheelchair bound can teach deaf students to dance to music so well that they emerge champions in Southern Africa? ‘’I visualize the dances in my mind and then I use sign language to teach the children. I don’t see my situation as a limitation at all.

I am driven more by my desire to give these children the very best that I can as a human being,’’ she added.

Courage has muscular dystrophy, a hereditary condition marked by progressive weakening and wasting of the muscles. From the age of three, her parents were advised that her situation would not improve and that she would eventually not be able to walk. Courage walked for sixteen years and believed for the best. However, at the age of seventeen what the doctors had predicted became a reality. ‘’It was not easy when it happened. Imagine waking up one day and not being able to walk anymore and having to depend on people to do things for you. It was very difficult but I made a decision that this was not going to be the end

Some of the KGVI deaf students practising their award winning drama at KGVI in Bulawayo

Coach Courage (right) with one of the students of the world for me,’’ she added.

Courage joined the Memorial School as an accounts and computer teacher in 2009. She had always loved listening to music and so she gladly took up the position of dance coach.

King George VI Memorial School has an arts programme which has been a key component of the academic curriculum for the last 20 years. Activities such as dance and drama which are offered under this programme are used to build confidence in children and to try and combat discrimination and the myth that disabled people are not able to do anything.

Courage worked with the children so well that they began to provide entertainment at school functions. Gradually, the group began to go out and perform at functions for other organizations. The invitation to participate in the Zwakala Competition in South Africa came in 2013. ‘’We entered the competition that year after emerging winners of our own national competition. We took part in the competition for the first time and came first out of seven countries. We recently returned from South Africa after taking part in this year’s competition which was held from 23 – 27 February 2015.

We won in three out of the four categories and emerged the overall winners once again’’, she said.

When I asked Courage what it was about their performances that impressed the judges, she said their standard of performance is very high because of the children’s determination to do their best inspite of their physical challenges. The children see themselves just as capable of dancing and acting as any able bodied individual. The mental attitude of these students from King George VI Memorial School reminded me of a quote by Kahlil Gibran. He said, ‘’Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens’’. Patricia Mabviko Musanhu is a Company Director/Producer at Black and White Media Productions. She can be contacted at pmabviko@gmal.com

POERTY CORNER

BERENICE BOELL

THE STANDARD STYLE / ARTS 27

March 1 to 7 2015

Rosie Mitchell

I

’VE not been having the easiest of years so far and am not my usual cheerful self currently. Our dear dog Leto is still missing and we have had a ‘chapter of other accidents’ this year, with so many things breaking down or going wrong all at once, all of which have cost an awful lot of money as well as time to sort out. Such is life! Last week was particularly stressful and towards end of week, I had ‘had it up to here’ as they say! So I decided to head out to Dombombira near Ruwa to commune with nature and calm down a bit! I also wanted to see how developments were evolving at this relatively new nature reserve and function venue, which opened to the public in the second half of last year.

Well, the visit certainly worked, and I was in a much better frame of mind by the time I left, rounding off my improved Friday with an 11km training run with elite runner Bernard Dandadzi who very kindly slowed to my pace (5.11 at a hard push, to his normal ‘easy’ 3.30, which he describes as ‘a jog’!). Bernard, 31, and a super-fast long distance runner, heads off South today to run the Nongoma Ultra Marathon in Zululand, with high hopes of winning or being placed. We accidentally met while out doing solitary training in the bush last year - and have been friends ever since.

Dombombira is really easy to find. You head out of Harare on the Mutare Road, turn right just before Ruwa into Chiremba Road, and from there, you simply follow the clear and frequent sign posts. You need to pre-book (phone 0772 466 683) and then all stops will be pulled out once you arrive! You just need to decide what it is you want to do! Dombombira is a 17 acre area of gorgeous natural bush, rather Matobo-like in landscape, with lots of really lovely rock formations all over, and several really excellent San rock art sites which I was very excited to see. They are really unusual and I’ve no doubt that the Pre-History Society are going to love visits out here, as will BirdLife, Mountain Club, schools, both primary and secondary, and of course, the public at large. In fact, there may be more than the current seven known sites, as yet undiscovered, as there are so many kopjes and rocks to explore here.

Dombombira is fully licenced, including for liquor, and can organise, co-ordinate, decorate and cater functions of any size, from small children’s parties, to full-on weddings and functions. They have all the necessary chairs, tables, crockery, cutlery and kitchen facilities, and can also do all the flowers, as Angela Jenkins is a long-time professional florist. They have a wonderful open air roofed structure for big events, and if the weather is inclement, the canvas sides are simply and quickly attached. For weddings there is a perfectly placed nearly natural flat rock ‘platform’ and waterfall for the ceremony.

The children’s playground area is excellent and blends beautifully into the natural surroundings and there is also Mini Golf and a giant outdoor version of the age old Snakes and Ladders game. The nature trails are well marked and if you want a guide you can have one and he will teach you about some of the uses of indigenous trees and fruit. They are currently labelling some of the trees. Dombombira has staff on hand for parties, functions, or just to keep an eye on the kids in the playground for safety’s sake. You can take your own picnic or braai, there are super braai facilities and if you don’t feel like packing for either, Dombombira offer inexpensive braai packs and picnic food. There is even a little museum which is popular when school groups come to visit. This is a very educational nature reserve and there are both wild and domestic animals to see and enjoy – always popular with children. Veterinarians for Animal Welfare have brought some rescued animals to

Fascinating rock art sites in beautiful scenery

Typical scenery at Dombombira – lovely rock formations and msasa woodland Enticing nature trail

Lovely setting for the ceremony – natural rock platform with waterfall as the

Children love the various animals and birds wandering about

Dombombira – great place for outings, kids parties, functions, nature trails be cared for here, such as donkeys and sheep, and there are also rabbits, goats, guinea pigs, tortoises, cats, and in the wild, dassies, squirrels, monkeys, a wide range of birds, and of course, lizards and snakes, including pythons.

But before you have a panic attack, remind yourself that snakes are even more scared of you than you might be of them and will get out

of your way as fast as they can! In fact you are very unlikely to find them without the help of the guide and even then you have to be lucky!

So this is definitely somewhere close to town to add to your list of lovely natural areas to take the family for a day or afternoon outing, or to book for your child’s party, or, for a wedding or other party. Dombombira

is very flexible as to what you do once you’re there, whether you wish to do entirely ‘your own thing’ or to have their assistance and guidance. Charges are $5 per adult and $2 per child - no extra charges for Mini Golf, and very modest chased for braai packs, picnic food and other catering.

28 THE STANDARD STYLE / ARTS / BOOKWORM

March 8 to 14 2015

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HE art of storytelling in Africa is always associated with a fire and the warmth of laughter and a shared sense of community.

But on this horrible New York day the weather was brutally mean and cold and this was reflected in the measly attendance. As the US makes it through its winter, meteorologists have been predicting all sorts of coldweather precipitation: snow, sleet, freezing rain.

My cousin, who has lived most of her life in the US, usually texts me, “One more snow day and hopefully we are done.” Her weather forecasts always come to naught. But not even the weather was going to stop me from attending the Africa39 book launch at Columbia University – the school of leading Beat writers such as Allen Ginsburg, Jack Kerouac. Interestingly, New York doesn’t stop for the weather.

London does. Nothing opens.

Africa39 is the latest phase of the Hay Festival’s initiative of working with the World Book capital’s – Bogota in 2007; Beruit in 2010 and recently Port Harcourt in 2014 – to highlight the local talents and languages with the potential to define the literature of the future. Most of the groundwork for the project was commissioned to Kenyan writer, Binyavanga Wainaina, who collected writings by young African writers across the continent writing in various languages.

The final list had a mixture of wellknown and yet unheralded names in contemporary African literature.

Even though young Novuyo Rosa Tshuma was the only Zimbabwean representative, it was baffling that NoViolet Bulawayo was left out of the list, especially when it’s a line up that features some of her highly celebrated peers such as Chimamanda Adichie Ngozi and Taiye Salasi.

The underlying premise for the Africa39 project was to bring to the surface new names and bring these writers to public attention. But the question: for which audience is the project targeted to is also necessary here. A few years ago I was an intern at Hay Festival in Wales. At the time I was studying for an MA in Creative Writing at Trinity College, Carmarthen. I remember meeting a lot of people who got so excited to be meeting an ‘African writer’ for the first time.

I would ask them, “Do you know Chinua Achebe? Or Ngugi?

Dangarembga? Marechera?” All I received were blank stares, or baffled “Who?” questions. Most of these people were not children. Men and women who have should have a sense of what is around the world.

I emailed Peter Florence, an affable and wonderful man, who runs the Hay

Festival, with a question: what are you doing about African literature? I didn’t expect the kind of response I got. He invited me to their offices in Hay-onWye, a small town bordering England and Wales.

It is famous for one thing: books.

It’s a bibliophile’s paradise. There are thousands and thousands of books, and they are everywhere. The castle’s a book shop, the cinema’s a book shop, the fire station’s a book shop even the alleyways are book shops. And it is host to a literary festival that attracts more than 100,000 people a year.

The conversation with Peter Florence was frank. He was aware in the areas they were lacking. We brainstormed ideas about how to include African writers into the mix. It was 2007. For the first time in twenty years, more than a dozen African writers were on the programme.

Ngugi wa’Thiongo. Wole Soyinka.

Wangai Mathari. Doris Lessing.

Biyi Bandele. Dinaw Mengestu.

Chimamanda Adichie Ngozi. Peter Godwin. Helen Oyeyemi. Tinashe Mushakavanhu.

Segun Afolabi.

Ishmael Beah.

It was exhilarating for me, to meet most of my literary heroes and peers.

They were no longer just names on book covers but faces and smiles. The audiences turned out in huge numbers.

African literature was alive in spirit and deed.

I asked Peter Florence, why fewer African writers attend or get invited to these “international” festivals. His response was revealing: “We don’t know them. We know don’t know who they are. We rely on their publishers to bring them to our attention. Africa is not a place we know very well. That’s why you will find that the only African writers we interact with are those who live here.”

It is true. African writers in the diaspora have become the global representatives of African literature.

They have become the “African voices” that the western media and its audiences are comfortable to listen to. But if this conversation is to proceed, we should be clear about what the status quo is, and how little it is actually changing.

I sensed this frustration from Tope Folarin, who himself, despite being a past Caine Prize winner sees the sidelining of some authors for not writing in a way that conforms to the prevailing themes or ways of writing.

However, the privileging of certain authors over others is not unique to African literature but in the case of African writers there is more to it than what meets the eye. Who are the African writers currently being displayed at airport bookshops around the world? Are they the only African writers writing from and about Africa?

Feedback: bhukuworm@gmail.com

THE STANDARD STYLE / ARTS / CELEB NEWS 29

March 8 to 14 2015

DSTV: THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

Tune in to ‘Aaliyah-The Princess of RnB’ on Lifetime

Tune in to ‘Ivory Wars’ on Discovery Channel Grey’s Anatomy airs on M-Net on Mondays 19:30 CAT The multiple Emmy and Golden Globe award winning hospital drama continues into its eleventh season. If you like Grey’s, you may also enjoy The Fixer, The Good Wife and The Affair. Drama, tears, blood and sweat roam the halls of Seattle’s Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital- and that’s just from the doctors and surgeons. Season eleven’s focus sees tension between Meredith and Derek increase, after Cristina’s departure and Mere’s reluctance to follow Derek to Washington. But there’s a new Grey sister at the hospital, who may just even complicate things more.

Lifetime Original Movie: Aaliyah - The Princess of R&B airs on Lifetime on Sunday 8 March at 20:00 CAT Before Beyoncé and before Rihanna, self-proclaimed “street but sweet” Aaliyah was poised to become a global icon with top-selling albums, a hot movie career and an adoring fan base. This Lifetime Original Movie follows the beautiful and talented performer’s inspirational journey, from her debut on “Star Search” at the age of ten to the challenges she faced during her rise to become the Princess of R&B. On August 25, 2001, at the height of her popularity, her life was tragically cut short when a plane carrying the singer and some of her video crew crashed after take-off from a Bahamian runway. Although just 22- years-old at the time of her death, Aaliyah continues to lead a legacy as Billboard’s tenth most famous

Tune in to ‘Top - Best Female Role Models’ on Trace Sports Stars

Tune in to ‘Top - Best Female Role Models’ on Trace Sports Stars R&B artist of the past 25 years and one of the recording industry’s most successful artists.

Top - Best Female Role Models airs on Trace Sports Stars on Friday 6 March at 21:00 CAT This episode counts down a list of the most inspirational women in the world. Sport stars and celebrities in their own right, these women have defied the odds, gone against the grain and emerged as role models for millions. Featuring on the list is Martina Navratilova, the tennis legend who won fans for her sexual revelations as well as her undoubted on-court talents. Celebrities who also appear include pop stars Beyoncé and Rihanna.

Ivory Wars Premieres on Animal Planet on Thursday 12 March at 22:55 CAT Brand new series Ivory Wars explores the illegal ivory trade, a business that can be more lucrative than drug trafficking and is decimating the African elephant population.

Two ex-Navy SEALs and a helicopter pilot are hired to help in the fight against poaching in Kenya. It’s an experiment to see if military tactics can prevent illegal hunting, as the team faces the horrific results of the poachers’ deadly trade and the frustration of trying to catch these criminals in the vast African bush. Their goal is to prevent the extinction of the wild African elephant.

Naked and Afraid airs on Discovery Channel from Tuesday 10 March at 22:00 CAT

Tune in to ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ on M-Net

What happens when you put a naked man and woman in one of the world’s most remote regions? Following the success of the first series, ‘Naked and Afraid’ is back to take six more couples from all walks of life and leave them stranded. Extreme conditions aren’t their only worry – the pair can only take along one item of their choice, must arrive unclothed and must survive on their own for a full 21 days. Will the nude castaways have the brains and brawn to endure the harsh conditions, or will the challenges prove to be too overbearing? Watch as each couple battles the elements, each other and their own inner weaknesses to see who will triumph over the terrain or fail under the force of nature.

Guinness World Records Unleashed Premieres on Discovery Channel on Wednesday 11 Match at 20:00 CAT For years they’ve delighted, astonished and amazed readers with their book of incredible achievements – and now Guinness World Records Unleashed brings all that record-breaking action to television. Watch as aspiring record-setters take their shot at immortality with some of the most awe-inspiring and head-scratching stunts ever witnessed. Some of these marvels must be seen to be believed!

Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares Series 7 on BBC Lifestyle every Monday from 9 March at 20:00 CAT In the aftermath of a crippling recession, countless Brits find themselves trapped in

a living hell and facing financial ruin. When Gordon travels to Fuengirola, on the Costa del Sol, he finds Mayfair - a restaurant in a prime location on the busy seafront that should be raking it in, but is almost empty. Later in Capbreton, a popular coastal town in south west France, Gordon meets Tim and Debbie who are struggling with their three-year- old restaurant Le Deck. When Gordon visits a family run restaurant in the Costa Blanca that’s losing 3000 Euros a week he realises that they won’t make it through another summer, unless Gordon can help

The Interview with Nneka will air on Trace Urban on Wednesday 11 March at 23:00 CAT Nneka: German-Nigerian star Nneka now has the global recognition she deserves, following a tour with Nas and Damian Marley. TRACE Urban interviews the hip-hop and soul artist for a first-hand account of her impressive rise to fame. Catch her on Wednesday 11 March at 23:00 CAT.

X Men: Days Of Future Past on M-Net Movies Premiere at 20:30 CAT on Sunday 8 March Hugh Jackman stars as Wolverine in this thought-provoking superhero film. Set across two time periods, the original X-Men characters join their younger selves to save the future.

30 THE STANDARD STYLE / ENVIRONMENT

An Apostolic Church meeting place on the wetlands

March 8 to 14 2015

Lewisam wetland is currently a sea of maize.

Lewisam wetland is now owned by NSSA for housing development

Michael Nott

T

wo weeks ago I spoke to well known, local ecologist Anna Brazier about the differences between environmentalists and ecologists. Brazier argues that rather than trying to preserve or conserve parts of the environment in a pristine, unchanging way, we should instead view humans and their activities as a part of the environment and find sustainable ways of living within our environment.

Some of Brazier’s ideas are considered quite controversial in certain circles. For example, she believes that wetlands can play a crucial role in urban agricultural production – with the big proviso being that wetland farming is carefully managed and that ecologically sustainable farming practices are enforced.

Many conservationists would throw up their hands in horror at the suggestion that there should be any human activity taking place on wetlands at all.

Apart from farming, wetlands can also be used for recreational purposes (many Apostolic Church meeting places are situated on wetlands) as well as for educational purposes.

Mukuvisi Woodlands is a prime example of wetlands being used for both recreational and educational purposes, without threatening the health, viability or the efficient functioning of the wetland ecosystem.

Brazier goes on to point out the archaeological and social history of wetland usage. She suggests that in pre-colonial times wetlands were widely cultivated in Zimbabwe. Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of large settlements in the Shashe area which were

Residents use this road into the wetland to dump household and garden waste

Is it time for a change of policy on wetland cultivation? based on sustainable wetland cultivation.

These ancient systems ensured food security and didn’t destroy the existing environment.

Up until the 1950s traditional wetland farming methods included making ridges for growing crops such as tsenza and other root and tuber crops like cocoyams (madhumbes), as well as cucurbits and other vegetables. During the colonial era, commercial farmers began ploughing and cultivating wetlands for wheat, maize and tobacco production. Degradation in the form of soil erosion and drying out soon began to spread. Realising the serious implications, the government passed the Water Act and The Natural Resources Act effectively banning cultivation in these areas. Under

GREEN TIPS 14 Keeping your garden greener – as we go into the drier cooler months here are some suggestions.

1. Let the grass grow – Set your mower blades on the highest selection when cutting your lawn.

Longer blades of grass help to shelter the roots from the sun so the soil doesn’t dry out so fast.

Longer blades also help to moderate temperature control so the soil stays cooler during the day and warmer at night.

2. Mulch away – A layer of mulching in your vegetable and flower beds serves the same purpose as the longer grass. It helps to conserve water and regulate temperature changes and it also feeds the soil at the same time. Remember, bare soil is dead soil. We can still experience a few heavy storms so mulching will help prevent erosion too.

3. A good use for plastic bottles – Grab an empty 2 litre plastic bottle, with a lid, and pierce a few small holes in the sides using a pin or a small nail.

Cut the bottom off the bottle and then bury it, lid side down, about halfway into the ground near to plants or shrubs that are very thirsty. Fill the bottle up with water and it will slowly and evenly release water into the soil in a kind of homemade drip ir-

Unmanaged cultivation on the banks of the small stream that crosses Alpes Road

rigation scheme. You can increase or decrease the rate of flow by making the holes bigger or smaller.

There is less evaporation than when using a spray and the water is delivered underground and not just on the surface.

4. Water wiser – Most plants prefer deeper less frequent watering. A good soak once a week is preferable to frequent light sprays. Water in the early mornings or late afternoons to reduce evaporation loss. Don’t use a garden spray on windy days – half the water will blow away to places where it’s not needed or wanted.

5. On the verge – Don’t water the verges outside your property. It really is a criminal waste – whether you’re using council water or our precious underground water from a borehole. It’s particularly wasteful when a large portion of our urban population has no easy access to clean water for even the basic necessities like drinking or cooking. Rather cut the grass outside with a slasher, pick up litter and if you really want to beautify your verge consider planting aloes, succulents and waterwise ground covers.

these laws, which are still in force today, wetlands can only be cultivated by special consent and cultivation within 30m of stream banks is forbidden. In practice however, due to water and land shortages as well as severe economic hardships, particularly in urban areas, wetland and stream-bank cultivation are common sights and the regulations are rarely enforced.

At a conference in Zimbabwe held in 1995, Brazier noted that researchers looked at many different aspects of wetland cultivation. They noted that the disadvantages included water logging of crops, frost in winter and difficulty in managing weeds, pests and diseases. Wetland soils tend to be heavily leached and poor in nutrients but rich in organic matter which improves their water and nutrient-holding capacity. If water levels and organic matter are maintained, wetlands can become highly productive and sustainable agricultural areas. The researchers recommended that wetlands could be cultivated safely if drainage, overgrazing and exposure of topsoil to the sun were avoided. They recommended the use of minimum tillage and organic techniques such as applications of compost and manure.

Pesticides and fertilisers should not be used because they contaminate the groundwater system. The types of crops chosen should be suited to wetland conditions (such as bananas, sugarcane, rice, sweet potatoes, and other vegetables).

Research conducted by Mr Zephanaia Phiri in Zvishavane (also known as the Water Harvester) and that led by Dr Fabienne Chigumira-Ngwerume at the Horticultural Research Station in Marondera has shown that if managed carefully, wetlands can be an important and sustainable agricultural resource. Researchers at the University of Zimbabwe published a report entitled: Dambo Farming in Zimbabwe: Water Management, Cropping and Soil Potentials for Smallholder Farming in Wetlands which has the following recommendations for farmers on wetlands: Agricultural practices must ensure that great care is taken to protect the soil and to avoid any disruption to the infiltration of rain

water and to reduce surface run-off.

Wetlands are suitable for root crop and vegetable cultivation if rigorous soil conservation measures and organic techniques are employed.

Crops should be grown on broad-beds with broad furrows in between. The furrows contain water and can be cropped with rice during the summer season while the ridges can be planted with maize, legumes, oil-seed crops or forage crops for livestock. Wetlands can be cultivated all year round.

Exotic or indigenous trees can be grown on the ridges or on the margins of the cultivated areas.

Organic matter should be allowed to accumulate and decay within the furrows.

Gulley reclamation and silt traps need to be implemented to prevent siltation of streams.

For sustainability not more than 10% of the catchment or 30% of the wetland area (whichever is smaller) should be cultivated.

Wetland and stream bank cultivation is still officially illegal, although the relevant authorities tend to turn a blind eye towards the situation. Urban agriculture remains a vital source of supplementary feeding and indeed sometimes the only source of income for some city dwellers. As poverty levels within the city continue to rise there will no doubt be more pressure on wetlands for food production.

As yet there is no official programme which trains people about sustainable farming methods which can be used successfully on wetlands and there is certainly no enforcement of sustainable farming methods. Rampant building and housing developments on recognised wetlands threaten their existence even more seriously.

Brazier states that “wetlands remain threatened by uncontrolled farming, burning, dumping and building development. Perhaps the time is ripe for the municipal authorities to revisit the recommendations on wetland cultivation and work in consultation with experts such as Phiri and Chigumira-Ngwerume to set up a pilot project for sustainable wetland cultivation in the city.”

March 8 to 14, 2015

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31

THE LEADING AUCTIONEERS

DATE - TUESDAY 10TH MARCH 2015 09:30am DEPOSIT $100.00 VENUE - ABC AUCTIONS, HATFIELD HOUSE, SEKE ROAD, HARARE. CONTACT - ROB | 0773 482 500 | JOSEPH | +263 772 305 328

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THE LEADING AUCTIONEERS

THE LEADING AUCTIONEERS DATE VIEWING VENUE CONTACT

DATE - MONDAY 9TH MARCH 2015 09:30am DEPOSIT $ 200.00 VENUE - ABC AUCTIONS, HATFIELD HOUSE, SEKE ROAD, HARARE. CONTACT - JOSEPH | +263 772 305 328 | ROB 0773 482 500

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FRIDAY 13TH MARCH 2015 10:00am | DEPOSIT $2000.00 WEDNESDAY 11TH & THURSDAY 12TH FEBRUARY 2015 ABC AUCTIONS, HATFIELD HOUSE, SEKE ROAD, HARARE. NIGEL | +263 772 390 592 | nigel@abcauctions.co.zw LUCKY | +263 772 702 492 | sales@abcauctions.co.zw

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CITY OF HARARE PROPOSED ALIEANTION OF MUNICIPAL LAND IN HARARE Notice is hereby given in terms of Section 152 of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15), that City of Harare intends to: ALLOCATE STAND 544 GLAUDINA HOUSING DEVLOPMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PRIVATE PRIMARY SCHOOL

BY EXODUS ENGINEERING AND EQUIPMENT (PVT) LTD IN EXCHANGE OF CONSTUCTION OF A FULLY FURNISED PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL AND ADMINISTRATION BLOCK ON STAND 270 GLAUDINA BY THE SAME COMPANY. The proposed allocation will be open for inspection at the Office of the City Valuer and Estates Manger, First Floor Rowan Martin Building, Pennefeather Avenue, Harare until 7 APRIL 2015.

Any person who wishes to object to the above proposal must lodge his/her objection in writing to the Town Clerk, City of Harare, Town House, Julius Nyerere Way, P.O. Box 990, Harare on or before 7 APRIL 2015.

DR. T. J. MAHACHI TOWN CLERK

CITY OF HARARE TOWN HOUSE

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32 THE STANDARD STYLE

March 8 to 15 2015