1) Editorial
Another Crisis Year
What a year 2024 is turning out to be. We started this crop season early in October 2023 when it started raining and we had heavy widespread rains for 10 days or so. Many farmers planted and then watched their early planted crops die in a very dry November. Then in mid-December the rains resumed and this time we had widespread flooding. The Sanyati River which hardly flowed in 2022/23 reached record levels and the debris flooded Kariba Dam which rose strongly.
Then just as suddenly the rains stopped and we had virtually no rain at all in February - usually a reliable wet month. Now here we are in March with little rain in the forecast and temperatures dropping after an exceptionally hot February. Unlike 2022/23 when we had a near perfect season , this year has been a disaster for anyone who relies on the weather for their living.
That short wet period in December and January has given us grass cover and the trees have loved it. But farmers are in dire straights and the dryland crop is pretty much a write off, the irrigated crop is also well below potential because of the unusual heat in late January through to March when they struggled to get enough water onto the land. Winter water is being used to try and get something out of planted crops. This has not been helped by the failure to pay in full for the near record wheat crop last winter.
So where does this leave us facing a long dry winter The Ministry of Agriculture maintained that we would have adequate grain available until last week when the private sector pushed the panic button. I doubt if we will reap more than 600 000 tonnes of all grains this summer and we have virtually no stocks to speak of. Potato growers say they are OK and will be able to meet demand, but we are going to have to import most of the grains we need together with vegetable oils.
Fortunately, the Government agreed three years ago to allow the private sector to import its needs without recourse to the State and they have already started importing maize grain from the only country with a surplus in the region - South Africa. We will also have to start importing wheat grain as I doubt if this winter we will produce even half what we did last year. In the case of oilseeds, we are going to have import most of what we need including soybeans and bulk oil.
So, food availability will not be a problem as the private sector will import what needs to be secured, on time and at world market prices. The private sector will also process these raw materials and distribute the finished products to the whole country through established wholesale and retail chains. The problem is going to the ability of people to buy what they need.
Our farm economy is still in a very poor state, The land reform program has been a near total failure with most commercial farmland no longer productive. Certainly, less capable of dealing with the present crisis. The communally settled areas of the country are still very backward in farming terms and rely almost totally on rainfall and aid to produce what they need for basic subsistence.
The destruction of farm land values by the reform program has not allowed new farmers to borrow against it as collateral and this has meant that the State has had to support the farmers and this support has been inadequate and untimely. The loss of incentive and the inability of the banking system to support all forms of economic activity after they were wiped out by successive bouts of hyperinflation, has only made matters worse.
The State has announced that they will make 72000 tonnes of food available free of charge to some 3 million people who are food insecure. Sounds good but it's a drop in the ocean. They have further provided Z$44 billion to fund this program - that is barely US$1 per person. Not going to go very far. We need to think out the box.
What we need right now is the following: -
- Declare a food emergency so that the Non-Governmental organisations and international organisations can see what they can do in terms of basic food supplies.
- Clear the way for the private sector to import its needs.
- Get the private sector to make up food parcels for the Diaspora to fund for delivery or collection by the families involved.
- Appeal to the Diaspora to keep an eye on their families and send money to enable them to buy food.
I do not support State funded and organised free food handouts as these disrupt the rural economy and undermine the market. It also invites corruption in the supply and distribution of the products involved. Our experience of these has been very poor in the past. We must also understand that the days of massive aid to support food supplies are gone.
So where does that leave us Our system of Villages in the rural areas is well organised and is capable of directing assistance to those who need it and I think that we can organise to get basic food grants to individual families anywhere in the country, if they are identified as needing help. Such assistance has to be in cash and if this is done it will strengthen the rural economy and ensure targeted assistance.
Then there is water. Unless we get a late bout of heavy rain, our towns and cities are going to be short of water. Also, our main electricity power station at Kariba Dam is not going to be able to operate at more than a low level due to poor inflow from the north. Zambia has already declared an emergency as they generate 90 per cent of their power from hydroelectric plants on the Kafue and the Zambezi.
Bulawayo, our second City is in a critical position. They have 6 dams for supply, 2 are dry and another 2 will shortly be decommissioned. The remaining 2 are at 50 per cent but cannot supply sufficient water to meet the needs of the City. The aquifers to the north are inoperable and the new dam on the Gwaai/Shangani rivers is still years away from completion. They have some short term solutions, but the long terms problem still need to be addressed. They need help and this is just as urgent as the food situation. It would help if the Government formally declared a water emergency in Bulawayo.
Eddie Cross
Harare 3rd March 2024
However it's not all doom and gloom I am glad to say.
Our Bulawayo Mayor says the City has emergency plan swell in hand for any possible disaster and there is absolutely no need to panic.
WATCHDOG
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2) Condolences/In Memoriam/Wreath Funds
SALTY WARD (PETER)
Bulawayo sadly said goodbye to another of its finest last week with the untimely and sudden passing of Peter Ward (Salty).
Peter, who was 64 leaves behind his loving wife Gail and children Courtney, Matthew and Michael. An extremely well known and involved member of the Bulawayo community Salty was a member of the Girls' College, Falcon and Masca Boards. He performed his duties for these institutions with enthusiasm and dedication being an integral part of their operations. Salty was never a passive board member but an involved, hard-working, and results driven member. All boards of which he was a member were enhanced by his membership and involvement.
Salty was also a league squash player, a keen and competent fisherman, a naturalist, and a member of the Whitestone Chapel community.
Dedicated to his family Salty always amazed everyone with his
enthusiasm for life, his genuine interest in everything going on around him and his boundless energy. He was knowledgeable on all subjects and took a keen interest in every aspect of the community around him.
To those who knew him personally his passing is a huge loss, and no single individual could ever fill the void he leaves behind. His family and the Bulawayo community is devasted by the news. The memories of him will always be treasured and those who were touched by him and experienced his selflessness will always treasure those memories. He leaves behind genuine and lasting friendships.
Our deepest condolences and sympathies are with his loved ones.
Rick and Margaret
PETER BLATCH
The Blatch family would like to inform you of the peaceful passing of Peter-John Blatch (1936-2024) on the evening of Thursday the 14th of March. Peter John joined his lord and saviour, Jesus Christ, from the comfort of his beloved home in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, surrounded by 3 generations of his family.
A celebration of his life, open to all whose lives he touched, will be held at Selborne Park Christian Church in Bulawayo on Wednesday 20th March at 3pm. Please join us in sharing in the joy his life has brought us as we remember a remarkable man who has had a profound impact on so many.
His love, resilience, and passion, which he showed right to the end, leave a lasting legacy that lives on in his wife, Felicity, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Though we will miss his presence deeply, we are comforted by the fact that his inspiring life was lived to the fullest and that he is now dwelling in the arms of our Lord for eternity.
A link for the livestream will be sent on request. Please email any requests to timothyblatch@gmail.com.
A Memorial service and Celebration of Life for Jean Clarke 07/08/1944 - 11/03/2024
Beloved mother of Bernice Bisset, mother in law to Angus Bisset, grandmother to Graham, Kylie, Carmen and Ryan and great grandmother to Emily and Harper
Will be held on:
Date:- Thursday 28 March 2024
Venue:- Southern Cross Estate, Bulawayo
Time:- 2.30pm for 3pm
Teas and snacks will be provided.
Cash bar available.
Please contact the family for further information.
DOREEN TODD
Today, Mrs Tod was cremated. Her daughter asked me if I'd like to write something that they'd read aloud. I wrote this yesterday with tears streaming:
My dearest Toddy, despite age and illness, I can't believe you are gone. I think a part of me thought you would be around forever.
I'm sure I don't need to tell you that Doreen, known to us school girls as Madame or Toddy, was one of a kind, an absolute institution! Mine was the last A level French class she taught in 2001 before she retired. She was terrifying to many juniors, but we eventually realized that our seniors were right, and she was easily one of our favorite teachers!
She'll be remembered for her long blue glitter nails, her purple pants, the thumping desk, her spot tests and posting our marks on her boards entitled 'creme de la creme' and 'les miserables' for all to see.. and for making us skip around the tree singing 'frere Jacques' as collective punishment.
She'll be remembered for lovingly calling us 'flat-chested freaks' and 'long legged lumps,' for infusing Edith Piaf into our worlds on her old record player, and for introducing us to comic books such as Tintin and Asterix. She'll be remembered for her love of words, Scrabble and crossword puzzles, which resulted in the 'Birdy Word Club.' And I'll never forget how she delighted us with stories of her upbringing in England, and anecdotes about gallivanting in Paris as a young student herself.
She was tough and stoic, cryptic and kind. She told my mom when I was in Form 2 that she hated me.. Something only she could get away with saying. And yet she had a way of seeing so many of us who didn't always feel seen. She was simply one of those special teachers that changed lives!
More than my teacher, however, she was my friend. In MY world that felt so much about keeping up with appearances, which I loathed, I looked up to Toddy because she was direct and lacked pretence. She had an honesty about her that made me feel safe. She had a sideways smile and a depth, and I desperately wanted to win her over.
Many years ago when I visited her in Chandler's Ford, she pulled out three brass linking monkeys, and said to me 'I've kept two of these for my granddaughter, but I want you to have one.' That was the moment I knew I had won! I had won her half-a-hug, her stoic affection!
Toddy was not one for long goodbyes, but the last time I visited, I think we both knew that it might be the last time. She lingered a little longer than usual at the train station, demonstrating an overt sweetness that was a rarity for her.
I will miss those visits so very much. And I will think of her when I drink out of the Scrabble mug she gave me, and when I see my brass monkey each morning that hangs in my kitchen and remains a prized possession. I will cherish her email updates she used to write to me from Copper, and I will always attribute my love of ginger cats to her!
To her family, thank you for sharing your beautiful Doreen with me, and with all of her students. To Al and Les, I'm so terribly sorry for your loss. There truly is nothing like losing a mother!
Reposez en paix Madame, je ne t'oublierai jamais!
GABRIELLE ELKAIM
3) Congratulations
4) Notices and Events
ZIMBABWE ACADEMY OF MUSIC
Tel: 2260684 / 2267195 E-mail: music@gatorzw.co.uk
THURSDAY 21 MARCH AT 6.30 P.M. STAR WARS VIII: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER
Luke Skywalker's peaceful and solitary existence gets upended when he encounters Rey, a young woman who shows strong signs of the Force. Her desire to learn the ways of the Jedi forces Luke to make a decision that changes their lives forever. Meanwhile, Kylo Ren and General Hux lead the First Order in an all-out assault against Leia and the Resistance for supremacy of the galaxy.
- It took them 40 years, but they've finally done it. The best Star Wars film of the series. There. That's it. It's that simple. [The Times]
- Director Rian Johnson's movie has a sense of humour about itself and a sense of joy, but its emotional generosity is its best special effect. [TIME Magazine]
- As the third act approaches, the crescendo of air-punching interludes accelerates, eliciting gasps, cheers and OMG whoops from an audience whom Johnson treats with respect, affection, and evident admiration. [Observer]
- After this - I never thought I'd say it - I'm up for more. Bring on the next Star Wars. [Financial Times]
Admission: US$2.50 [free to Film Members]
FRIDAY 22 MARCH AT 6.30 P.M. NEW YORK NEW YORK
Jimmy Doyle (Robert De Niro), an aspiring saxophone player, meets established band singer Francine Evans (Liza Minnelli) during V-J Day celebrations at the end of World War II. The two become a musical double act and, more importantly, fall in love. They quickly get married and start a family but their volatile relationship disintegrates over time. Years later, when both of them have successful careers, Jimmy and Francine find their paths crossing once again.
- Martin Scorsese's technical virtuosity and Liza Minnelli's magnetic presence are on full display in New York, New York. [Rotten Tomatoes]
- Scorsese has created a very handsome and dynamic film. [Chicago Reader]
- A final burst from Old Hollywood, Minnelli tears into the title song and it's a wowser. [Variety]
- Despite the flaws, overall New York New York remains possibly the last great musical of the 20th century. And Minnelli, though never everybody's cup of tea, does sing her socks off on more than one occasion. [Amazon]
Admission: US$2.50 [free to Red Carpet Members]
WEDNESDAY 27 MARCH AT 6.30 P.M. RISEN
Risen is the epic Biblical story of the Resurrection as told through the eyes of a non-believer. Powerful Roman military tribune Clavius (Joseph Fiennes) remains set in his ways after serving 25 years in the army. He arrives at a crossroad when he's charged with investigating the mystery of what happened to Jesus (Cliff Curtis) following the Crucifixion. Accompanied by trusted aide Lucius (Tom Felton), he needs to disprove rumours of a risen Messiah in order to prevent an uprising in Jerusalem.
- Exceptionally crafted and performed, Risen is a Bible drama for a new era. [Matt's Movie Reviews]
- What could have been a hammy, square affair quickly settles into an impressive political thriller/crime procedural. [The Newnan Times-Herald]
- An uplifting masterpiece! [FOX-TV]
- Epic production and unique story of a historical event [ReviewExpress.com]
Admission: US$2.50 [free to Film Members]
THEREAFTER..
Thursday 4 April Mamma Mia! [the original stage musical opened in the West End on 6 April 1999]
Friday 5 April Puccini: Tosca [Puccini died a hundred years ago in 1924]
Thursday 2 May On Her Majesty's Secret Service
Friday 3 May Invitation to the Dance - Daniel Barenboim
Thursday 9 May Broadchurch Series 2
Friday 10 May Puccini: Madame Butterfly
5) Roses And Raspberries
6) Pets Column
8) Bulawayo News
9) Harare And Gweru News
10) Wining, Dining and Coffee Houses
11) Property For Sale or to Rent
RODOR PROPERTIES
For information on properties available for renting, or if you wish to place your property on our letting list, you are invited to contact us on (029)2274581/3 (landline), e- mail to reslet@rodor.co.zw or rentals@rodor.co.zw , or visit our offices at 5a 9thavenue , between Robert Mugabe way and Josiah Tongogara avenue
HOUSE TO LET
Romney Park: 3 bedrooms, semi detached USD350. Available 1 April.
Contact 0719284989/ chinokoroten@gmail.com
ACCOMMODATION WANTED
Ladies with 2 dogs looking for a secure 2 bedroomed cottage and possible garage.
Please call Julie 0772 292 155
12) Accommodation in South Africa
12b) Accommodation in Botswana
13) Accomodation and Travel In Zimbabwe
14) Catering and Food
15) Vehicles for Sale and Hire
16) Travel and Tours
17) Computers And Electronics
18) Lifts Wanted And Offered
19) Seeking Friends
20) Situations Wanted and Situations Vacant
DRIVER
A young gentleman of sober habits with a mechanical background seeks a position as a Class 2 / Class 4 driver
Available to start work immediately. Please contact 0778 684 134
SITUATION SOUGHT for highly recommended kitchen/canteen/coffee shop or restaurant cook.
Mature, reliable young man, with pleasant personality who is eager to learn, grow and expand.
12 years of loyal service to current employer.
Please contact Mrs Hunt on 0292 203022 mornings only, for additional information.
Mature gardener seeking employment. George Ndhlovu
References available. Pool experience.
Mobile 07 74382553
Mature lady
Pitman Diploma Secretarial Studies.
Computer Literate, '6' 0 Levels Principles of Accounts and English Language inclusive.
Worked as Secretary and Accounts Clerk.
Contract / Permanent Employment
Contact Details: Landline 0292 212174
Whattsup 0719 476 038
Ms Teyedzani Kupe
Young lady with a Bachelor of Social Science Honours degree in Sociology from Lupane State University is looking for a job.
Great listener, willing to learn.
email lubahdube@gmail.com
+263 783 544 009 WhatsApp/ Calls
+263 712 172 078
Mature lady looking for house helper part time jobs, can cook, bake - can read and follow recipes.
Administration by profession can do office jobs too.
Contact +263 712 372 705 WhatsApp/Calls
+263 774 600 808 Calls
Greetings l am Mrs Nyoni a God fearing lady mother of 2 looking for a job as a maid or carer...l have a certificate in nurse aid l have experience in taking of the elderly as well as disabled children for example autism,have experience in surgeries and home based care...
l am also a hard working person making me able to be a house helper who strives to do her work to the best of her abilities.Please l need a job to make ends meet please app or call on +263 784 285 900...l stay in Burnside Bulawayo, Thank you.
21) Services
Bosal Central Africa (Pvt) Ltd
Nugget/Blackrock Roads
Off Khami Road
Due to downsizing we have General Engineering Workshop Equipment for sale, comprising of :
1. Compressor
2. Guillotines
3. Hydraulic Presses various tonnage
4. Fly Presses
5. Lathes
6. Drill Presses
7. Power Saw
8. Work benches
9. Tube Mill
10. Various racking for tube, as well as numerous other items.
Viewing : 9:00 - 14:00 daily Monday - Friday on Site
Offers : on email : boscaadm@iwayafrica.co.zw
Or whatsapp only 0772 234 110
All items sold ex Factory Premises
Bosal Central Africa (Pvt) Ltd
Nugget/Blackrock Roads
Off Khami Road
Due to the discontinuation of the product line we have Irrigation Equipment for sale at discounted prices.
Equipment comprises of :-
1. Piping and Fittings
a) Irrilok
b) Irrilatch
c) Irrikwik
d) Shoulder to shoulder
2. Saddles, foot pieces and riser pipes
3. Short horse connectors
4. Hydrants and foot valves
5. Lay flat hose
6. Sprinklers and nozzles
7. Pop up sprinklers 2' and 4'
8. Filtration
9. Pressure regulators 20mm 3.0 and 3.5 bar
10. Miscellaneous: barrel nipples, sockets, bushes, 40mm full bore valves etc
Viewing : 8:00 - 16:00 daily Monday to Friday
Contact : Lisias Hove 0713 044 513
or email : boscaadm@iwayafrica.co.zw
Bosal Central Africa (Pvt) Ltd
Nugget/Blackrock Roads
Off Khami Road
Due to downsizing we have surplus stock of
Warehouse Racking.
1 x Stand alone sections no boards
Height 2.9m
Width 1.9m
Depth 900mm
Price per section US$230 each Inc. Vat
Sections can be added for various rack lengths.
Contact : Lisias Hove 0713 044 513
Or Email : boscaadm@iwayafrica.co.zw
Adie Iron Cafe
'WELDING DREAMS'
BED BASES AND HEADBOARDS, WATER TANK STANDS
SWIMMING POOL ENCLOSURES, GATES, BURGLAR BARS, BRAAI STANDS, GAZEBOS
For all your steel products at affordable prices
0772983346 or 0713885428
Nobility Gas servicing and maintenance
We do repair ,maintenance &installation of all gas appliances
Stoves, Brasilia, heaters and tanks
For more details +263774534948
BEAUTY TREATMENTS
ANTE NATAL CLASSES AND BABY VACCINATIONS
I teach a set of 4 classes covering pregnancy, labour, baby care, breastfeeding and other information. I also do a "crash course" for out of towners. These classes are valuable even if you're having an elective CAESAREAN SECTION!!
Please book early.
(I work part time at my BABY CLINIC doing vaccinations and growth monitoring :-)
Appointments are essential.
For any further information contact SISTER JAN JOHNSTON on 0292466741/2 from 8 am til 12 pm Mon to Fri
or 0292237240, 0712 728 350 or 0772 749 749 (w/app) or email me on jicsj@yoafrica.com or janfjohnston8@gmail.com
22) Health And Beauty
23) Tuition
24) Miscellaneous For Sale
25) Wanted To Buy or Hire
26) Clothing And Fashion
27) Boats and Fishing
28) Garden, Decor And Home
JILL'S SUPER ORGANIC COMPOST
BLACK GOLD
99% WEED FREE
EXCELLENT FOR POTS, VEGETABLES, FLOWER BEDS, SEEDLINGS AND LAWNS.
WILL DELIVER 5 X 50KG BAGS OR MORE LOCALLY.
CONTACT JILL AT 2246688 OR 07784955 99
29) TIDBITS
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Morning Mirror is a publication run solely for the benefit of Bulawayo's only geriatric and frail care home. |
ADVERTISERS !!Do you need to advertise? Are you struggling to get hold of cash? Would you like to help Edith Duly Nursing Home? Then please give Leila a call on 203022 or 205825 as we have a number of needs that you may be able to assist us with, in lieu of cash donations.
Thank you to the wonderful public of Bulawayo for their ongoing kindness and support. |
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