Bulawayo Morning Mirror Edition 914 - 2/2/2021

The African Farm Toilet

I remember our childhood toilet on the farm in Africa so well. The four year old me would make my way through the vegetable beds to a grey weathered wooden hut perched on concrete to protect it from the ever-active termites. Inside, in the cool shade, were softly curved wooden seats, one small and low for the children, and one large for the adults, hung over a deep dark hole smelling strongly of some unsophisticated detergent.

The experienced visitor would examine the little hut carefully for signs of insects and snakes which might surprise the unwary, for the folklore of Africa is populated with stories of sudden stings and bites and frights incurred in what should be a meditative interlude in the day's rounds.
I would take a book to read, or pore over the glistening horses at some faraway Agriculture Show in The Farmer's Weekly journal, their heads held high in shining leather and buckle by stern tanned men in khaki, with deepset eyes and polished boots. Or else I would just sit with the door open, watching the birds in the thorn trees; the hornbills screeching in their harsh voices, the sculptured grey loeries imploring unseen enemies to 'go 'way', the sweet pearly doves cooing and bowing among the grass, and lizards basking on rocks, gleaming like Russian ornaments in turquoise and glints of red.

Sometimes a cow would graze her way past, wrapping the long dry grass around her tough tongue and tugging it away from the roots. Enthroned in the wonderfully luxurious perfumed toilets of The Savoy in London I have had a nostalgic smile at the long, long road from there to here, and all points between. I have squatted on rickety toilets over waterfalls in Indonesia, with the spray enveloping me like a cool curtain; dark, mysterious mossy joints among rice paddies where the water is the colour of flat cola, and cheery communal places where the village women do their laundry, shower and squat in feminine togetherness under an open sky on a gently sloping concrete floor. It is a wonderfully social activity telling women in basic Indonesian all the facts of one's life while concentrating on a daily need. By the time I rose and arranged my skirt they knew I had three children and that my husband worked with disabled people, and no, we weren't very rich, and yes, we loved living in Java.

The most eccentric toilet we ever used was a slowly-leaning loosely assembled aggregate of thin planks on a pier on a huge river in Borneo. Sitting gingerly on the toilet I could plainly see the queue of Indonesian travellers waiting for the ferry and wondered if they in turn could see me. They didn't seem to be at all interested in my blushes or in spying on me through the gaps in the walls, so perhaps not..
In a toilet under the stairs in a loud, crowded mall in Manila I laughed out loud at a sign which read, 'Don't squat like a frog, sit like a princess'. This comes with a stick figure drawing of warning and admonition for the benefit of unlettered visitors from the provinces.

When my little brother was old enough to be escorted to the outside toilet I would hold his soft hand and lead him there, talking of long ago childish things. One day I had to lead him away quietly and quickly, away from a great gleaming python sunning himself along a tree trunk at the firewood pile. Brother and sister would spend mornings making little log cabins of the wood chips scattered around the firewood store, placing their plastic farm animals in corrals.

Then to finish up in the toilet I would tear a square of torn-up newspaper hanging on a ring for a final polish. Nowadays I have a smile at the aisle in the British supermarket full of toilet papers in all thicknesses and colours, available at astronomical prices. Some are even printed with leaves and flowers, and coloured spots a la Damien Hirst, he of the sheep in formaldehyde creations.
Back in Asia my daughter and I quickly learned to carry a wad of tissues for the toilet, because most toilets only had a water spray on a hosepipe to freshen up as in Muslim tradition.

The worst toilet I have ever visited was at a garage on the long Silk Road from Tehran to Isfahan in Iran. The memory still gives me the shudders. It was in the depths of an Iranian winter, with bewildered camels in the snow out on the desert, and long icicles streaming behind the huge trucks. I had to gingerly feel my way in the dark to a hole in the concrete. Fortunately my sense of smell was dimmed by the cold. Hoisting up my long black coat and jersey underneath, I had to pull down my pants with the other hand, and creakily lower myself onto the black odorous hole. Great astronomers would have been intrigued by this black hole. Keeping my coat held high was important, for every few seconds a tsunami of brown water would advance under the door, activated by an arrival on the forecourt. The desert wind howled around my exposed end so that by the time I was ready to rise my joints were frozen solid! How I longed for the delights of The Savoy.

And further still, at the pinnacle of my social climbing, I found that the toilets at Buckingham Palace had the same long carved plank to sit on as my childhood seat, although it was of polished and gleaming mahogany, and the high ceilings were trimmed with elegant scrolls and hanging chandeliers.

Liz Davies

WATCHDOG

Good day all and compliments of the season to each and every one of you.

I have been doing a spring clean of Bulawayo SPCA Membership and would like to know if you would like to renew your membership. Sadly this has not been done for a couple of years.

As always the Bulawayo SPCA is fighting an enormous battle to keep the doors open to treat sick and give refuge to abandoned, homeless or unwanted animals.The cases of absolute cruelty they deal with on a daily basis are horrifying and stomach-churning. Due to the pandemic currently causing havoc world-wide and of course Zimbabwe's rapidly failing economy the donor base is shrinking rapidly.

If you are able to and would like to help, please consider renewing your yearly membership. Membership subs are US$25 or ZWL$ 2 125. If you do not wish to renew membership kindly advise me and perhaps consider making a donation.

I am still running the 100+ Club and would welcome new members. 100+ Club subs are currently ZWL$20 per month. The club has been running for six years now. If you would like to join kindly let me know.

Should you decide to renew your membership and wish to pay US cash please contact me and I will organise collection.

Banking details as follows:-

SPCA BUILDING FUND
STANBIC BANK
J NKOMO BRANCH
ACCOUNT NUMBER 9140000292604

Ecocash details:-

PLEASE NOTE IT IS A BILLER ACCOUNT
BILLER NAME : SPCA BULAWAYO
ACCOUNT NUMBER : 773752731
BILLER CODE : 52082

Please advise me if you do make any payments as the bank does not show the depositor's name.

Stay well and take care.

Warm regards

Chris Leonard

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2) Notices and Events

ZIMBABWE ACADEMY OF MUSIC & PERFORMING ARTS BULAWAYO

Tel: 60684 / 67195 E-mail: zamfriends@gatorzw.co.uk

FEBRUARY AT THE ACADEMY

At this stage we don't know whether the lockdown and curfew will be extended beyond 15 February but, in the hope that it won't, DVDs will resume from Thursday 18 February as follows:

* Thursday 18 February Star Trek (2009 film) 5.30 p.m.
* Friday 19 February Jersey Boys 5.30 p.m.
* Thursday 25 February Line of Duty: Series 2 - 1 of 3 5.30 p.m.
* Friday 26 February La fille mal gardee 5.30 p.m.
* Thursday 4 March Line of Duty: Series 2 - 2 5.30 p.m.
* Friday 5 March Rossini: La Cenerentola (Glyndebourne) 5.30 p.m.
* Thursday 11 March Line of Duty: Series 2 - 3 5.30 p.m.
* Friday 12 March Europakonzert 2011 [Chabrier, Rodrigo, Rachmaninov] 5.30 p.m.

If this is not possible, then all of the above will feature when DVDs are able to resume!

The Note has re-opened with a limited takeaway menu in line with the current rules. Orders may be collected and delivery is available in specific areas. Further details from adelaide.muchetu@gmail.com or phone 0774 004 449 or 0771 048 995.

Links to Bulawayo Advertisers:- Natural History Museum Events National Railway Museum Bulawayo 1872 National Gallery of Zim -Bulawayo Bulawayo City Bulawayo Golf Club Bulawayo News 24 Bulawayo Motoring Club Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe Bulawayo Publicity Bulawayo Railway Museum Bulawayo Societies - 2010 Bulawayo Theatre Club Chipangali Friends of Hwange Falcon College Hillside Dams Island Hospice Matobo Conservation Society The Bulawayo Club S.P.C.A. Bulawayo Shelter Tree Society of Zimbabwe Wildlife & Environment Zimbabwe Zimbabwe info

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3) Congratulations

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4) Condolences/In Memoriam/Wreath Funds

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5) Roses And Raspberries

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6) Pets Column

Pet Hilton Kennels and Cattery for the best care of your pet when going away, or when your bitch is in season. Nick available to do parlour work on all breeds; and to train dogs for domestic use (when over 1 year old).

Tel Margaret Bernard on 2242979 or 0775 043983 for enquiries or bookings.

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8) Bulawayo News

SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS APPEAL FOR HELP
Our shop shelves are bare, our kennels are struggling, Pease help! We need to restock our shop shelves and would appreciate any unwanted saleable household goods, books, magazines, jam jars, clothing, ornaments, glassware, crockery etc. Absolutely anything we can sell to make money to help our kennels. We have Ecocash for your convenience. Donations for our kennels can be dropped off at our shop. The kennels are always in need of old newspapers.

SHOP HOURS
Monday 2pm - 3.45pm
Tuesday 9am - 12 pm 1.30pm - 3.15pm
Wednesday 9am - 12pm 2pm - 3.45pm
Thursday 9am - 12pm 1.30pm - 3.15 pm
Friday 9am - 12pm 1.30pm - 3.15pm

First Saturday of each month 9am -10.45am

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9) Harare And Gweru News

Zim Websites:- facebook.com/EnvironmentAfrica

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10) Wining, Dining and Coffee Houses

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11) Property For Sale or to Rent

Houses, commercial properties and plots available for purchase in the low density suburb of Victoria Falls.

Prices range from USD95 000.00 to USD 1 500 000.00.

Please contact Dustin Labuschagne on 0772606233 or
dustinlabuschagne@me.com

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RODOR PROPERTIES (PRIVATE) LIMITED
5A, 9TH AVENUE, BULAWAYO

HOUSES FOR SALE

BARHAM GREEN - $45 000
3 bedrooms, bathroom, separate toilet, lounge cum dining room, kitchen, domestic quarters, fenced, walled and gated.

ROMNEY PARK - $55 000
Brick under tile - semi detached house comprising lounge, dining room, 3 bedrooms, separate bathroom, separate toilet, fitted kitchen, veranda, walled & gated. Stand size: 602m

ASCOT FLAT - $65 000
Well maintained 2 bedroomed flat comprising ensuite, lounge cum dining and fitted kitchen. Close to Ascot Mall, United Bulawayo Hospital and Nust.

CBD (FLAT) - $35 000
City Flat comprising 1 bedroom, lounge, bathroom, separate toilet, fitted kitchen, veranda.

KILLARNEY - $85 000
3 bedrooms, lounge, dining room, fenced and gated, Land size 4747m2.

CBD HOUSE - $88 000
Brick under Iron comprising 6 rooms, bathroom, two separate toilets, kitchen, scullery, 2 carports, double domestic quarters and toilet, 2 verandas, walled and gated. Stand size: 595m

CBD HOUSE - $100 000
Brick under Iron with 2 receptions, 10 offices, 2 ladies toilets, 2 gents toilets, 2 kitchens, double domestic quarters, outside toilets, one side walled, one side bricked. Stand size: 1190m

CBD HOUSE - $120 000
Brick under iron, 3 bedrooms, bathroom, dining room, lounge, study, fitted kitchen, veranda, servants quarters, storeroom, walled, gated. Stand size: 595m

ILANDA - $135 000
Brick under tile, 4 bedrooms, bathroom, separate toilet, combined lounge / dining room, fitted kitchen, veranda, domestic quarters, walled and gated. Stand size: 1594m

HILLSIDE - $200 000
Neat 4 bedroomed house, lounge, fitted kitchen, cottage, swimming pool, working borehole, neat garden, walled and gated.

KUMALO - $265 000
Brick under iron, lounge, two fire places, dining room, study, 3 bedrooms, 3 bic's, main ensuite, 2 separate bathrooms, separate toilet, fitted kitchen, pantry, laundry, double lock-up garage, 4 domestic quarters, borehole (working), swimming pool working, walled & gated.

CBD BUILDING - USD 800 000
Massive double storey building within the heart of the central business district comprising
- Ground floor - 6 SHOPS 1020m,
- 1ST FLOOR - 22 OFFICES - 816m,
- 2ND FLOOR - 22 OFFICES - 760m.
With ablution facilities on both floors and back of shops. Back storeroom, back double strorey storeroom.

STANDS FOR SALE

MANNINGDALE - $25 000
Undeveloped 1 acre stand, ready to build.

CBD STAND - $150 000.
Well serviced corner stand in a very good location within the CBD, walled and gated. Land Size - 1190m2

PROPERTIES TO LET
RESIDENTIAL
Matsheumhlope: 4 Bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, borehole - US$700 negotiable - Available April 2021
COMMERCIAL
Office - Reception, 3 offices, fitted kitchen - US$600 -negotiable - Available March 2021.
We at Rodor Properties (Pvt) Ltd, take pride in managing your property professionally, in order to safeguard your investment.

We understand the importance of maintaining healthy relationships with owners and tenants alike, and strive to ensure personal and efficient service to all our clients.

We are always seeking to sell and rent in all sectors of the property market.

We also offer a complete service of property valuations.

Email us on: resrents@rodor.co.zw or rentals@rodor.co.zw or Call: (029) 22 74581/3 or +263773366207

Bulawayo Estate Agents:- Anita's Real Estate Rodor properties Pvt Ltd Ian & Co. Real Estate R.E.D. Property

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12) Accommodation in South Africa

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12b) Accommodation in Botswana

Accommodation Out Of Zimbabwe:- Four Seasons, J'bg Hoopoe Haven Guest Lodge Fourways, J'bg Avoca Vale Country Hotel Louis Trichardt

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13) Accomodation and Travel In Zimbabwe

VALENTINE SPECIAL

FOR VALENTINES

180 US PER COUPLE PER NIGHT , FOR DINNER, BED, AND BREAKFAST,

WITH A COMPLIMENTARY DRIVE ON THE PROPERTY, WITH A COUPLE OF SUNDOWNERS

AND A VERY SPECIAL MEAL

PLEASE CONTACT

LIN , ON WHATS APP 0777574418

OR NOMTHA

reservations@bigcavematopos.com

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Some places to stay in Zim:- Matopos:- Maleme Rest Camp www.zimparks.org Big Cave Camp Granite Park Lodges The Musketeers Lodge 9km on Matopos Rd Matobo Hills Lodge Byo:- Burnside Cottage Churchill Hotel Rainbow Hotel Southern Comfort Lodge Travellers Guest House Eastern Highlands:- Frog And Fern In Chimanimani Kariba:- Kulizwe Lodge Binga - shores of Lake Kariba Kariba Accomodation Hwange:- Miombo Lodge Dete Situated Hwange National Park/Dete Rd Hwange Safari Lodge NEHIMBA living with the Elephants Lake Mutirikwi (Kyle):- Norma Jeans Lakeview Ghonarezhou game reserve:- www.facebook.com/ChiloGorge Vic Falls:- Victoria Falls Hotel

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14) Catering and Food

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A few places to eat in Bulawayo:- Arizona Grill House in the Holiday Inn Banff Lodge Coffee cafe Book and Bean caf at Bradfield Shopping Centre Bulawayo Club Bulawayo Golf Club www.golfzone.co.zw Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel Camp Amalinda Cattleman - 12th Avenue Deja-vu Country Club www.golfzone.co.zw Frangos- 12th Avenue Friar Tucks Gallery Coffee Shop - Fort Street https://nationalgallery.co.zw Garden Restaurant - 54 Park Rd Granite Ridge - Matobo Hills Hillside Dams Tea Room Hillside Bowling Club Holiday Inn - Arizona Grill House Horizon Restaurant & Bar - Pioneer House, Fife Street Hotel Rio, Old Esigodini Rd Hunt's Boma 22 Jaywick Rd Matsheumhlope Indaba Book Caf & Sandwich Bar Mary's Restaurant - opp Medical Cent Maxies Massimo's - Ascot Shopping Centre Nemo's Resturant - Hillside Bowling Club Nesbitt Castle - Percy Avenue New Orleans - Banff Road Pergola Restaurant 22 Jaywick Rd Matsheumhlope River Cafe -12th Ave Deja-vu and more !!

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15) Vehicles for Sale and Hire

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16) Travel and Tours

Bulawayo Travel Agents & Tour Company's:- African Wanderer Antelope Park Big Cave Camp Black Rhino Safaris Eco Logical Safaris & Travel Greyhound Coach Service - Byo to Joburg

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17) Computers And Electronics

Bulawayo Computers:- Internet at Netconnect.co.zw

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18) Lifts Wanted And Offered

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19) Seeking Friends

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20) Situations Wanted and Situations Vacant

Mature (61 year old) lady requires employment. Experience includes management, administration, customer and public relations, events organisation, sales, hospitality and teaching. Also was a school matron and private nurse in doctors practice. Holds certificates in several of the above disciplines. Kindly contact DEBRAY on 0779270416.

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A lady seeks employment as an Admin Assistant,Receptionist or Office lady.Computer literate and Holds an International certificate in Hospitality and Customer Relations Management (CRM).

Send an e-mail to the following:
symington.anita@gmail.com or phone 0774 095 196

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I am a holder of a clean class 1 driver s licence with more than 5 years experience on both buses and trucks both cross border and inland. CV available on request.

Yours sincerely

Prosper Mpofu

0775765705
0712359715

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I am an accounting and Finance candidate looking for a position in prospective organisation. I posses more than 5 years experience in accounting and Finance at Simbisa Brands( Innscor Fast Foods) as an Assistant Accountant. I hold a Masters in Accounting and Finance from Lupane State University & a Degree in Accounting from Solusi University.

My application and CV for all my Achievements and qualifications available on request.

Yours Sincerely

Muliseng Mpofu
0775 914 998

mulisengn@gmail.com

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Transport company looking for an Administration/ Logistics Assistant
Office experience and accounting background is an added advantage.
Email: torquetransportadm@gmail.com

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NURSE AIDE / CAREGIVER

Mature, well spoken lady seeks employment as a nurse aide or a caregiver. She is very good with the elderly. Able to do day or night duty. Willing to help around the house as well. Please contact 0772 789 338

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SITUATIONS VACANT

Am a lady who is presentable and cheerful well disciplined and young at heart seeking employment as a Reservationist/Receptionist -Holds an International Certificate in Hotel and Tourism and is able to perform Receptionist duties.

Open to other employment options as well.

Confident to start right away please WhatsApp only (0783 197 394)

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Lady age 36 years seeking employment in the office.Has basic computer literacy and telephone phone skills.Willing to start with immediate effect.

Phone 0774 095 196 during peak hours weekends included.

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A 33year old man with a clean class 2, 4 & 5 driver's license. I am looking for an opportunity as a chauffeur or any driving or transport employment. I am well spoken in English, Shona and Ndebele.

Please feel free to contact me on +263777858923

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Situations Wanted and Situations Vacant

VACANCY

ACCOUNTS POSITION
We are looking for an Accounts / Bookkeeping Person to join our Bulawayo Team. The Applicant will need experience in using Pastel, reconciling cash books, creditors and petty cash accounts.
In return the company agrees to offer fair remuneration and working conditions.
Please send your letter of application and curriculum vitae to employbyo1982@gmail.com

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FITTER AND TURNER Required
A prominent mining company is looking for a Fitter and Turner to work and live approx. 120km from Bulawayo. We are willing to pay the ideal candidate a better than average market salary with benefits. The Candidate must have at least 10 years' experience in a mining environment. Ability to read and interpret engineering working drawings. Ability to modify, design, and manufacture engineering components with or without drawings. Confident. Meticulous. Precise. Self-starter. Professional and logical. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
If you feel you would be suitable, please email a current CV and a covering letter as soon as possible to miningcompany1969@gmail.com

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SEEKING EMPLOYMENT

Mature lady seeks employment as a PA, Secretary, Admin Assistant, Receptionist. Has years of experience, holding a Diploma in Secretarial Studies, computer literate, has worked with Accounting packages. Please contact landline: 212174
cell: 0772 814 268 or 0786 470 495 (mum)

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37 year old female, just submitted dissertation for a Master s in Women' s Socio- legal studies and seeking a paid internship or employment in human rights, project management particularly in the area of disability and women.

The same lady is also looking for a house- sitting opportunity in Bulawayo in the Famona, Hillcrest , hillside or Burnside area. No pets. Will pay ZESA and manicure garden.

email: yeukaicc@gmail.com
Phone number: 0782104888 (text and call)
0733523665 (app only)

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SEEKING EMPLOYMENT

Mature lady seeks employment as a house-keeper. Has experience with children. Cheerful and hard-working. Live out preferred. Please contact 0712 988 105

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21) Services

Mobility aides i.e. wheelchairs, wheelie walkers, walking sticks, crutches, Zimmer frames, crutches as well as other patient care aids such as commodes, bed pans, urinals, sheepskin and adult diapers available for hire and sale at Island Hospice and Healthcare, Byo Branch. Well trained nurse aides also available at very competitive rates.

+263712845003/+263292277972

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BEAVER TREE FELLER

For all your tree cutting and trimming please contact Beaver Tree Feller.
No job is too big for us plus we are insured. Contact 0733 896 375 or landline 09 - 476569

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ANTE NATAL CLASSES, BABY VACCINATIONS and BIRTH ATTENDANT/ DOULA

I teach a set of 5 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 can be with you at the hospital when you're in LABOUR to help you to cope!
I also work part time at a BABY CLINIC :-)

For any further information contact SISTER JAN JOHNSTON on (09) 466741/2 from 8 am til 12 pm Mon to Fri
or (09) 2237240, 0712 728 350 or 0772 749 749 (w/app) or email me on jicsj@yoafrica.com

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SERVICES

Rob Sinclair is an expert plumber. He has had many years of experience.

Anything to do with loos, bathrooms, geysers, plumbing, borehole repairs and tank installations.

Rob Sinclair is your man.

Phone Rob on 0772230551

Bulawayo Services:- Acol Chemical Bulawayo Bulawayo's Online Business Directory

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22) Health And Beauty

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23) Tuition

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24) Miscellaneous For Sale

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25) Wanted To Buy or Hire

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26) Clothing And Fashion

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27) Boats and Fishing

Bulawayo Water Activities:- www.ChaseMarine.com

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28) Garden, Decor And Home

Kraal manure $2.00 a 50 KG bag.
Free delivery over ten bags.
Phone Ollie on 0771289677

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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 0778495599

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