God communicates in various ways

The message of God can be communicated to us in various ways. At times God whispers to us and the message can be heard. There are so many times when God talks to people and people take it for granted that it is God who has spoken to them.

At time God communicates with his people through dreams. Just like the way he communicated to Joseph in the bible. God is full of wisdom and can teach you and command you through dreams. People at time take dreams lightly and thinks there is no serious message that can be derived from dreams. My Lord has communicated with me through dreams.
We sin because at times were take for granted the message of God. The creatures around can be use by God to send a message. God is powerful and people should worship him wholeheartedly. He always makes those who obey him become heads. Prosperity at times comes through hearing the word of God and doing it. God’s message is power and is full of life.

Masuku caven PDF 2009

Question: Critical analyse, evaluate and explain the implications of new media
for corporate communications management theory and practice
In this presentation careful attention and judgment after outlining, weighing and giving detailed
information, for and against about the implications of new media for corporate communications
management will be explained. However, theoretical framework such as systems approach, press
gentry, public information model, two way asymmetric and two way symmetric will be
discussed in relation to the new technological influence in the daily mundane of corporate
communications. For the clarity seek key terms and new media technology such as electronic
mails, (E-mails), chat rooms, cell phones, Usenet Newsgroups (Forum), website, videotext,
teleconferencing, weblogs and so forth will be explored at length. Clear examples to support and
evaluate new media implication will be dealt with through out in this presentation.
New media are not at all new. New media are nothing but hybrids versions or reconfigurations of
conventional media. Therefore it may be questioned whether the recent media change can be
regarded as a “media revolution” giving rise to a new era.
The term “new media” assumes that they is old media which Biagi (1999:24) perceived as mass
media which among includes newspapers, books, magazines, radio and television. Old media is
linear that is, it is one as to many. Here the public only consume information disseminated to
them without giving feedback to the source. It views the public as passive and respond to the
deciphered information positively. New media could be described as what is clearly not old. This
term “New Media” is used to describe all forms of emerging communication media, which
combines text, graphics, sound and video, using computer technology to create a product that is
similar to but clearly different from traditional media (Cutlip et al 1994). Due to technological
advancement as pointed out by McLuhan in his theory of “technological advancement “,
corporate organisations that operate at global level such as Debeers, Eskom, Barclays bank”,
Edgars and so forth have adopted new media to communicate with their internal and external
public. New media as compared to the old media is symmetrical, that is it resembles the Osgood
and Schrammr model of communication which is reciprocal and tallies well with systems
approach and symmetrical model of public relations recommended by Grunig. New media has
numerous implications to the day to day practice of corporate communication management.
Another salient term that needs to be defined contextual are as follows; Management and
communication. Management in corporate organisation focuses on the entire organisation from
both a short and long term perspective. Again we have various types of management in corporate
organisation such as Executive, Expert, and Decision support, operational and so forth.
Furthermore, management according to Clear and Weidman (1997) is the managerial process of
forming a strategic vision, setting objectives, crafting a strategy and implementing it to create the
corporate image. Lubbe and Puth (1994) say that a good corporate image sells a company to
potential employees, opinion leaders, workers and the community. Communication is one of the
contested terrains that can be explained in a multiplicity of ways. For the clarity of this
presentation Harold Lasswell 1950’s model of communication explains everything especially
with regard to corporate communication. Communication here looks at who say WHAT, to
WHOM, HOW, WITH WHAT EFFECTS. Generally communication is the exchange of ideas,
opinion by two or more individuals, companies in order to reach a mutual understanding.
Weblogs/Blogs:
Weblogs/Blogs is one good example of new media that is used by corporate communication
management to communicate with the internal and external public. A weblog/blog is a journal
which consists of ‘articles’ or ‘postings’ in chronological sorted order. The posting can be easily
viewed by any web browser and the content of many blogs can be read by RSS readers. Disney,
News Corporation, DeBeers, South Africa 24.com, Ezine.Com in America are some among the
corporate blogs that can be accessed and viewed on-line. Many corporate organisations such as
Disney, News Corporation, DeBeers have adopted this new media technology to reach wider
publics.
Blogs are also used by these corporate organisations to inform the general public about the
organisation structures, goods and service delivery, growth, policies as well as searching the
markets. Laudon and Laudon (2005:283) asserts that corporate organisation uses blogs internal
for sharing information across teams, and external for providing timely products support
information or engaging in dialogue with company stakeholders. Weblogs as new media is
symmetrical. Instead of giving power to media alone as a source of information, blogs allows
general publics to contribute about the goods and service delivery. There is reciprocity in that all
the readers can pass a comment which can be negatively or positively and such feedback can
assist in the formulation of policies. Reciprocal communication fosters health communication
which hints the organisation on what the community wishes to see the organisation doing to
them. Again two way communication through blogs assist in the formulation of policies. For
instance, organisations such as Mimosa, Zimasco, Makwiro Platinum and so forth, which
pollutes the environment, can get views on how the communities surrounding them are affected.
Nevertheless, internal blogs can be used to foster communication among team members or across
departmental borders. The information contained in many mails an sent around to many recipient
could be much better dispersed o a central platform. For instance, organisations with operational
marketing, public relations, executive department can tally well with the systems approach
theory which encourages an open system communication. Here departments can communicate
between or amongst themselves through weblogs. Again different corporate organizational
department for example, marketing department for DeBeers Company can communicate with
Disney public relations department. Progress of team effort can be documented in blogs posting
very easily and safely. Comments to update the current status can be made.
Furthermore, blogs due to its informal and information sharing characters, it can capture hidden
knowledge which would have otherwise been not said. Linda Hewitt (2008), one of the global
corporate communication strategy consultants in America notes that through weblogs research
can be conducted on-line; various sources can be consulted to elicit information. Information can
be presented electronically using relational database, tables, pie charts, histograms or power
point. Such information can be accumulated, searched and easily retrieved. Again information
can be pushed to readers and can appear instantly on their desktop.
On the other hand, such new technology like weblogs needs to be updated timely. Again
installation of equipment that enables internet service is expensive. Buying a terminal, installing
basic software that enables certain operations to be executed, a line, modem and installation of
the application software such as power point, database, adobe Photoshop and subscribing to the
website designers can be expensive and unaffordable. Despite the fact that it is a two ways
process new media have its shortfalls. Sending employees to training courses for them to be
competent and to install several application software is cumbersome and prolongs over a period
especially where there is scarce resources. Moreover, only people with access to the internet can
view blogs. Computer illiterate can hinder effective communication both internal and external.
Employees still can find it difficult to partake in such activities. There are some organisations
that are still obsolete and prefer face-eyeball conversation. Weblogs welcomes every person with
the potential to contribute. Revolutionizing information crafting can be dangerous in that
individuals can craft negative messages that can tarnish the image of an organisation. For
instance, the scam of corruption, embezzlement of organizational funds, NGOs funds and
personal foreign money by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) governor, can impact
negatively to the organisation itself. Foreign investors can loss trust to have transaction
processed with RBZ and even having business partnership with RBZ. Again stake holders who
are the public of an organisation such as RBZ can be scared away by such un professional
behavior. Media ethics are not recognized and social responsibility by the public to a certain
organisation may be ignored.However, weblogs are important to corporate communication
management for communicative purposes, research, policy making and for creating and
reinforcing corporate image despite its shortfall.
Internet:
Internet which networks the entire world and enables individuals and organisations to
communicate global is another form of new media that is of importance to be used by corporate
communication management. Internet, unlike the old media is symmetrical. All corporate
organisations have adopted the internet for communication, advertisements, marketing and for
the sales of their products. All corporate organisations have adopted the internet to reach and
communicate with the public at local and global level. Nancy and Larry (1988; 199) asserts that;
“Internet as a means of communication for corporate management enables organisations and
individuals of electronic society to talk openly t others” Through internet everyone is a player
who can communicate at will. Internet cuts across geographical boundaries and can be used and
accessed by thousand if not millions of other players. Nancy and Larry (1988) says that “internet
is a digital wild west, without law and order, like wild west, anyone can come along”.
Corporate communication management such as Saatchi and Saatchi through intranet, which is a
local network that links the computers within an organisation website, can enable employees to
communicate at various levels among themselves. Internet offers a variety of activities such as
electronic mail, Newsgroup, World Wide Web (WWW), video conferencing, voice
conferencing, data conferencing, Forums, Voice mail and so forth (O’Brien 2000:36). Intranet as
a new media is reciprocal and supports the system approach theory. Again it dispels the press
agentry model of public relation. Agentry model is one way of communication, which acts as an
agent of company to the public to be engaged in discussion through forums. Again intranet
enables corporate communication management to fulfill health, and balanced communication
within an organisation. Perhaps intranet can be criticized for its lack of face-to-face
communication. Such communication is hailed for maintaining a strong rapport between and
among individuals. Again not all employees like engaging themselves in forums. Other internal
public have no time to communicate with their colleagues.
Internet is a new media for communication and offers various mediums such as, chat rooms,
websites, weblogs, electronic mail, Newsnet groups and many more to be mentioned. As a new
media of corporate communication management internet plays a vital role as suggested by Levy
(1995:58) who described the internet as being based on ‘unlimited channels of communication,
community building, electronic commerce and is a full blown version of interactivity that blurs
the line between provider and consumer”. For instance, NICOZ Diamond as a corporate
organisation through the internet has created a website; www.nicozdiamond.co.zw, Murray and
Roberts which operates across the globe have a website and electronic mail through which the
public can contact and communicate with them. For example in Zimbabwe they can b contacted
at construction @ mrcz.co.zw, in Malawi promat@ecomw.net and in Gweru their e-mail is
jsouter@caridorngweru.co.zw. Internet enables corporate organisation to advertised, sale their
products, outline their area of specialization and to specify their social responsibility. For
instance Murray and Roberts in their on-line website clearly indicated the social responsibility to
the Zimbabweans. The good example can be shown by the following statement that was directly
quoted from the Murray and Roberts’s website;
“Murray and Roberts appreciates its environs and believes in giving back to society. We
have an on-going program on HIV/Aids awareness… amongst our employees and the
societies they live in”.
Judging from the above message posted electronically to the Murray and Roberts website, it can
be argued that new media have liberated and revolutionized communication. Murray and Roberts
used internet website to create the organisation image. This website is friendly user and allows
the general public to pass comments. Such feedback is good for the organisation to come up with
policies that addresses the problems of the employees and the community where this company is
work. The architecture of Murray and Roberts enables the employees to have access to their
website and the mail list for the targeted publics such as workers, banks, politicians, students
from tertiary education, the community members and other construction companies like SISK
and Goddard can friendly communicate back through mails. Website allows the message to be
ready and comments to be forwarded back to achieve a two way process. The problem with the
internet, especially in the developing states like Zimbabwe is that only few people especially
those in urban areas have access to it. Again people do not have time to view the entire corporate
organisation website until there is something that he wants to view. In addition, job vacancies,
advertisement for the goods, physical address, phone number and the internal structure of the
organisation can be displayed on the website. Images and colours sometimes communicate
strong message to people more than the words. Computer Illiteracy can be another set-back when
looking at the use of the internet and website. In can be argued that new media technology such
as the internet caters for those who are connected. Rural population who lacks the internet
service can not contribute to the website
Use of database application software with three components namely hierarchical, network and
relational model. Oliver and Chapman (1996:358) defines database as a single organized
collection of structured data, stored with a minimum of duplication of data. The data is common
to all users of the system, but is independent of program that uses the data. Corporate
organization use database to communicate internal and external. Oliver and Chapman (1996)
suggest that database normally are set up in order to meet the information needs of major parts of
an organization. Again database is usually built up section by section which makes it possible to
add new files of data, add new field to records already present in the base and create relationship
between the items of data. Database complies well with symmetric model in that it is ritual. The
public can respond to the database information.
The importance of dbase in corporate communication management is that it consolidates records
previously stored in separate files, into a common pool of data records that provides data for
many applications. The data stored in dbase are independent of the application programs using
them and the type of secondary storage devices on which there are stored. The advantage of this
application software is that it provides the controlled interface between the user and the data in
the dbase. Again information in dbase can be communicated to the internal and external public
through system approach theory. Network model according to O’Brian allows many to many
relationship among records and can be disseminated to the external public as well as internal on
the internal, weblogs, website, chartrooms, newsnet groups following prepared departmental
communication system.
It can be argued that although the networks and storage technology allow a more individualized
and decentralized media use, they are nevertheless subject to central controls restraining choices
and modes of application. Most of the mechanisms filtering the content of new media are less
visible than the old fashion gatekeeper of conventional media. Nevertheless, a number of
centrally operating agents select and filter the content of ne media. For example the suppliers of
data bases, the cable television companies( or authorities deciding on cable system access, the
content providers of the internet and of mobile phone systems, the internet search engines, the
web masters and the moderators of web-mediated chats
The Website
The web (www.com) goers step further than e-mail in that it shares text graphics, video, and
audio on-line. This makes the web important multimedia package which integrates text, video,
graphs and sounds. Corporate communication management uses this media to communicate with
internal and external public. Any organization with a computer a modem and a telephone can
print information (download) and use it for free. This new media technology revolutionized the
communication competence of corporate communications fosters symmetrical public relations
model. The website as new medium brings about new languages and interaction rules shaping
and, to a certain degree, standardizing communication in the new media environment. Examples
are the speech conventions which have emerged for language use in electronic mails for SMS
messages via mobile phones, internet news group and chat rooms. English as the universal lingua
franca of the computer-based world diffuses into national languages and, moreover, contribute to
the displacement of language which had an international relevance in the past, like French and
Spanish.
Video tapes and closed circuit Television
The television, which has become an every day feature in many people’s lives is a new media
technology for personalized messages either on prepared tapes or live. This modern medium
gains the face-to-to face communication which assist to bring closer understanding between
management and staff. This new media inputs a lot in corporate communication management. It
can allow volumes of information to be stored on secondary storage devices such as compact
disk, MP3, DVD videos, I-Pod and in the computer hard drive. For instance, Meikles Africa
which spreads its tentacles across the globe have videos that indicates some of their department
stores groups which among includes TM Supermarkets, Meikles, clicks, Cape Grace, Barbour,
Greatmans and have some shares to Kingdom. Video that displays the products sold in these
shops; the structure of each store, prices of goods, working hours and Meikles hotel building
speaks volume about the image of Meikles shops.
Video tapes apart from being used as secondary storage devices can also be used to entertain the
public. Images and colours while there are appealing to the public, it also communicate
immensely to different organizations and individuals. Unlike the public information public
relation (PR) models, people can get information and communicate back to the source. Public
information theory empowers the journalist and media practitioners to give information to the
public without allowing them to give feedback. The good example that supports the public
information model can be witnessed, through the Fingaz magazine that gives detailed
information about top companies in Zimbabwe. New media has been castigated for creating
employees who are lazy to research using secondary sources such as library.
Research is an important tool in corporate communication. Again through video tape events and
activities can be captured, accessed as they are required. This media is close to reality and limits
distortion in various ways. Video tapes can be used in gathering, such as the Trade Faire , shows
and so forth. Images are the best form of communication and allow the less educated to get the
message clear about the size of an organization, its commitment to the community and its goods
and service delivery.
However, this new media have been criticized for marginalizing the rural population. There are
few individuals in rural area who can afford to purchase television sets. Again the lack of
electricity makes it difficult for rural population to access the new media. However, video tapes
in circuit television can be used both for mass communication hence they are flexible. For
instance, videos for Meikles holdings can be played at Zimbabwe television (ZTV) and the
general public can view it on their homes together with their families. This new media is less
consuming as it can allow more work to be executed and stored safely. Messages flexibility
through video tapes and TV Circuit allows information to be tailored automatically to different
levels of employees (Cutlip 1994)
Again an increasing reliance on screen-based multimedia communication emphasizing iconic
encoding and the visual modality may have far-reaching cognitive consequences, which was
already voiced when television appeared. More recently similar worries have been expressed
with reference to the hypertext structure of web site as a new phenomenon. Although the new
networks and storage technologies allow more individualized media use they are nevertheless
subject to central controls restraining choices and mode of application.
Teleconferencing
Teleconferencing is another form of new media technology that has the impact to corporate
communications management theory and practices. Here technology advances in satellite
communication have expanded the range of possibility for meetings and speech (Davis and
Olson 1984). For instance, corporate mangers that are enable to take time to travel to participate
in person can be beamed to the meeting via satellite teleconferencing (Cutlip 1994:273). In
addition, Cutlip notes that simultaneous session in several cites can be linked electronically with
speakers show on large screen television equipment. Cutlip (1994) argued that teleconferencing
saves travel time and costs, meeting facilities, and boarding of participants can more that off-set
the cost of using this new technology. Bawden and Blackman (1990) states that, teleconferencing
in corporate communication management enables to reach people at many locations all at the
same time with the same message. O’Brien (2000) claims that not all satellite teleconferencing is
limited to internal communication.
Teleconferencing has been criticized for grooming employees and management who are too lazy
and rely much on technology in addressing the problems at hand. While efficiency and
effectiveness can be recommended, incompetent can act as a drawback among the employees
who can be grappling in catching up with new technology. However, such technology can
improve production, but hinders professionalism especially if taken and used to the extremes.
New technology can impress the potential employees, investors and opinion leaders to do
business with well established companies that are in the lead in acquiring and using new
technology. Issues that affect the globe can be quickly outlined and policies that address such
problems can be initiated. Teleconferencing is a two way process and allows new ideas from the
internal and external public to be voiced. Again communication in revolutionized and a market
place of ideas can be generated.
Seital (1995:472) says that “the capture, manipulation, transmission, and use of information have
become a critical function of public relation/corporate communications. In corporate
communication new media technology helps the organizations to gain efficiency, improve
quality and lead the field (Sietal 1995). New media technology which have changed the
landscape of corporate communication involves a computer technology which integrate a
microchip processing power, denser storage, and faster retrieved illuminate the hardware scene,
the software and turning the computer into a television, a telephone a moving map and an
illustrators canvass, replaying video images and music, organizing databases and cording
activities across time and space in real time. These new firms of media technology such as
computers, cellular phones, facsimile machines, e-mail, video news releases, audio text leads to
the adoption of one, and then the another.
These new media are ritual and allow multi-tasking within the communication field.
Communicators can disseminate and at the same time store large information. The importance of
storage reduces the keeping of paper work and larger storage reduces the keeping of paperwork
and larger fields. Here corporate organization needs large storage devices for the information
they disseminate and receive from elsewhere. New Media technology enables them to keep such
information. The challenges that new media storage devices faces like the computer hardware,
Mainframe, Minicomputer and so forth is that it can be infected by the computer virus off by
computer virus such as the green caterpillar. If computer machines are affected by the virus the
whole organization server may be affected also.
The advantage of computers is that information can be served in the file cabinet in the server.
Information from the server can be retrieved even though terminals are affected. Again another
challenge especially the on-line computers is that at times the network can be down. For instance
the Standard Charted bank and Barclays bank may be affected by the off-line network. It can be
argued that despite all these challenges new media is viable and flexible to be used for
communication by corporate organization. It is flexible, durable and improves the quality and
quantity of the delivery of information. For instance, internet broad band allows individual
surfing the net to get to the website by just a click. Again subscribing and getting a broad band is
expensive and not easy. The International and telecommunication Union (ITU) politicize the
space allocation
Sietal (1995) cellular phones are one modern technology that has improved the communication
services of corporate organization. A mobile phone enables corporate employees to link with
others organizations across the globe. Managers can be contacted and talked with anytime even
when they are not at work or within the country. This enable workers to continue with their
duties under the instruction of their bosses without having them physical present. A mobile
phone enables managers and public relation practitioners to communicate through with other
workers from other organizations through the word of mouth or messages. A cellular is mobile
(can be easily carried around) New media technology like mobile phones can entertain and be
used as a tool for communication and storage.
Sietal (1995) noted that wireless communication from geostationary like satellite permit direct
mobile phones to satellite communication satellite. Here public relation professionals have a
freedom to communicate with anyone, anytime and anywhere. A mobile phone is flexible and
affordable, therefore many organization buy the mobile phones for their workers including the
public relations managers for easy communication. Mobile phones at times can be connected to
the internet for chatting. The challenges faced by the employees and the external public is that at
times they always behind in catching up with modern technology.
It can be argued that despite all those short comings, mobile phones are affordable. A mobile
phone is the best modern technology for communication which apart from being mobile is also
flexible, reliable and cuts across the geographical boundaries For instance, Delta Beverage in
Zimbabwe can communicate with Delta Beverage in Zambia, Canada, South Africa , Ghana and
all over the world using a mobile phone. Mobile phone allows messages to be forwarded or can
enable people to communicate interchangeable..
It can be concluded that they are many various forms on new media technology that can be used
for communication by corporate management to meet the needs of both the internal and external
public. Some of the new media technology that was not mentioned in this presentation because
of lack of space and time includes the use of satellite dish, tele-fax, smart phones and so forth.
However, it can be observed that new media technology have lead to the revolution of the free
dissemination of information which leads to the “Super highway” flow of information talked
about at Algiers by Japan. All new forms of technology are symmetrical as opposed to the old
media which is linear. Clear examples which support the assessment and evaluation of new
media for corporate communications management theory and practices were explored.
Management deals with planning, initiating policies, controlling and managing the entire system
of the organization and as such they need the best technology that can disseminate information
accurately, reliable, effective and efficiently.
New media technology is perceived and suggested by Lippmann (2003) as fostering the
“reciprocity model”. The reciprocity model is a compliment rather than an alternative to the
notion of dependency. New media in corporate communication is more ritual than linear, that is
it provides feedback loops, transactions, anticipations and co-orientations among persons or
groups involved in media communications. New media enable corporate organization to expand
the supply of content and at the same time compress and accelerate communication in society.
The availability of media messages at relatively low costs is still increasing, particularly on a
global scale. Although the commercial success of new media varies, they in addition contribute
to the expansion of the media economy
Therefore the use of internet, weblogs, websites, mobile phones, satellite television and
teleconferencing is important in sending information to both the internal and external public. The
corporate communication theory which among include the agentry press model, public
information model, two-way asymmetrical, two way symmetrical and systems approach theory
were explored in this presentation. One salient issue is that in management “expert information
system” an important type of information for professionals and expert in certain field like
computer engineering, marketing, economics and politics can be designed and stored in new
media technology. Again images can be captured through digital cameras, down loaded and
forwarded via the internet. All the functions offered by new technology new media assist in the
storage facility, processing, production and dissemination of information around the world and
corporate organization is important especially to issues that have to do with planning, initiating
of policies, communication, storage and revolutionizing the communication process. The public
sphere of information which offers free market flow of ideas can be achieved and both the
internal and external public can learn much faster about issues that can improve their professions
and life style. Key terms were also defined in passing for clarity seeks. It can be concluded
therefore that they are other new technology that are not mentioned here because they are beyond
the knowledge of the presenter. Again new media in corporate communication management
fosters the “prosumer” where the public are now producers and consumers. Such liberty can
tarnish the image of the corporate organization especially if it remains for too long uncheck
Referencing
Biagi . S (1999) Media Impact: An introduction to Mass Media. Fourth Edition. USA.
Wadsworth.
Bawden D and Blackman K (1990) Information technology strategies for information
management. London. Butter Worth’s.
Clear and Weidenman (1997) Dynamics of Public Relation and Journalism. Capetown. Juta.
Cutlip SM et al (1994) Effective Public Relation, New Jersey. Prentice Hall.
Davis, M. GM and Olson, N.H (1984) Management Information system. New Jersey: McGraw-
Hall.
Laudon KC and Laudon JP (2005) Management Information system. Eighth Edition. India.
Prentice hall.
Lubbe BA and Puth C (1994) public Relations in South Africa: A management Reader. South
Africa. Heinemann.
Nancy Long and Lary long (1985) Introduction to Computers and Information System. Fifth
Edition. USA. Prentice Hall.
O’Brien (2000) Introduction to Information System: essentials for the internet worked
Enterprise. Ninth Edition. Irwin McGraw Hill
Oliver and Chapman (1996) Data Processing and Information Technology. Ashford Colour
Press, Gasport.
http://www.indianchild.com/management/what-is-management.htm
http://ihg-talking point.com: Linda Hewitt Corporate Communication Strategy. September 29,
2008

Midlands State University arts and theatre group

Arts and entertainment by the disabled
The Midlands State University (MSU) launched the arts theatre group for Students with disabilities into theatre Arts (IDITA). Brian Ntabeni one of the lecturers at MSU is the founder of this art group.
In an interview conducted by Caven Masuku with Ntabeni, it emerged that Ntabeni was born in 6 May in 1963 in Matabeleland South. He later attended his primary education at Glogg Range in 1972, secondary education at Wanezi Mission and David Livingston in 1982 and 9183. After completing his advanced level he then went to University of Zimbabwe (UZ) in 1984 and 1986, where he did BA General majoring in history and isiNdebele with the components of arts theatre.
The IDITA at MSU is pioneered by JB Dube, Godknows, Tendai Muzondiwa and Tawonavo Chinyoka who are all disabled. IDITA is a brainchild of Ntabeni at MSU to include students with different disability into theatre arts. IDITA from MSU through the disabled students uses arts and theatre, to address socio-economic issues like AIDS, religion and tribal conflict which is a threat to the peaceful society wellbeing”, said Ntabeni.
As IDITA arts group signing and dance, beat of drums and jingles are used across the board to communicate issues that affects the society on daily bases. As a mode of communication these forms has no limits to education and illiterates barriers.
The Midlands State University arts theatre for the disabled uses the three Zimbabwe main languages that are English, Shona and isiNdebele to rehearse in the stage. Ntabeni has been in the arts theatre for some time and is known for creating Kuphela Arts Theatre group in Matabeleland South.
As a creative artist Ntabeni has authored a book called “Sando the rat” to the Heinemann publishers in London. He added that the society does not change unless it has to laugh at their evils. The arts and theatre for the disabled at MSU points at such evils that troubles the society and influences the change of behavior.
Asked whether he has an intention to start his own arts theatre group in Filabusi , Ntabeni said that he is planning to open a cultural village for the disabled in Filabusi. “People with economic muscles do not believe in the work of arts and take theatre lightly, instead of allocating the arts and theatre a space, they prefer a grinding meal”, said Ntabeni. He said that if arts are taken serious like the church it will make the arts industry to grow strong and become a recognized phenomenon.
“Gweru is sleeping in term of arts, they have a tendency of depending from the outsiders and most arts prefer to move to Harare and Bulawayo”, said Ntabeni. Ntabeni as an artist and a lecturer said that students by virtue of involved in theatre arts will come to understand better.
This is for the first time that Midlands State University get involved in engaging the disadvantaged into arts and theatre and will enable them to publish their artistic work in brails, added Ntabeni. “I edge all artists in Midlands to fight hard to earn themselves respects in arts and theatre since nothing comes easy. Otherwise if they do not fight hard they will end up giving us a bubble gum products which blows and does not last”, said Ntabeni

Ways to keep yourself cleared for action at work

By caven masuku

1. Don’t fall into the pattern of documenting everything. In most cases people have a tendency of documenting all the documents that they lay hands upon. With the New media tools, an internet is the best way of communicating with other business partners. The chat facilities have made it easy to communicate around. A telephone call is the best way of contacting workmates and other relevant stake holders.

2. Accept authority. At work even if you a big, that is if you have subordinates you should not act big. Hence “be big but do not act big” The unnecessary acting is what takes up the time. There are bosses who are authoritative and forget that being a boss do not mean you have the ultimate control of some-body’s life. Respecting your subordinate will in some way strengthen your relationship at work and enhances health environment. People think that to be the boss you have to be feared. That is wrong, any leader be it at work or in the community have to be respected. Respect as a manner first and for most have to start with the boss and in turn the subordinate retains it back.

3. Do not resist authority either. Many people who give orders cannot take orders. They can criticize freely but even well-intentioned suggestions upset them. Leading needs communication competence. Communication is reciprocal. It is a two way process, which means both the leader and the subordinate have to accept each other to reach a mutual understanding. This puts the leaders/boss in the wrong mood and prevents them from executing and allocating duties at their best. Anyone given the right to command should first have to learn to obey.

4. Accept responsibility. Effective leadership needs a responsible person who can be entrusted with all the facts. Don’t run around for a crutch to lean on either some item of company policy to protect you or a decision by high up to hide behind. Such approach if practiced builds frail managers. Again it hampers progress in an organisation.

5. Take time to communicate with others who may be interested or involved with you. Communication builds trust, faith, togetherness and progress. A few minutes spent at the start explaining something can save endless hours afterwards should unintentional mistake need correction.

6. Stop vacillating. This wastes not your time but also that of others who are depending upon you for sound direction in an organisation. One should have firm of conviction, based on sound moral standards. Humpty-Dumpty is a fence-straddling egg-head, and when he fall there is no hope of reconstructing him.

7. Say “no” to some request made to you. Many managers fears to be looked down upon by their subordinates and as such relinquishes to their requests. Everyone is flattered by being asked to serve on numerous committees and functions where he shares his talents. Invitations at times are cruel demands of a supervisor’s time and energy. Learn to say “no” and go. People at times may interpret lingering as uncertainty, which may cause confusion.

8. Be honest. Make simple statements if you are invited to an occasion that you don’t feel comfortable to attend. Make a simple statement like this; “I am finding this difficult’. This may assist you to express feelings honestly and openly

Profile for English Literature Writer in Gweru (Zimbabwe)

By caven masuku

The City of progress Gweru is blessed with the Arts and entertainment activities, authors and story creators of stature in English Literature such as Ignatius Musonza.

Musonza is a full time author who started writing in 1997, and has vast experience in English Literature. According to Aristotle; “Literature is a psychological and emotional medicine that cleanses people of their evil thoughts and emotions. To him Literature is true, serious and useful as it sometimes portrays the decay of morals order.
Every progeny on a transient fashion stage need literature to elevate humanity and Musonza’s work of art is doing just that to the children who are his target audience.

Musonza, submitted his first manuscript to the Literature Bureau in 1976, while in primary School. Now he has published nine titles to his name and eight were published by Macmillan Education in UK, and other one was published by Editions Bakame (Switzerland/Rwanda. He is the author of Don’t Play in The Road (2000), Ikes plant (2003), The Great Writer (2003), Wall of Water (2003), The Hidden Spring (2005), stories from east and west et. Al (2005), Tanaka’s father (2004), Tonde (2005), Tamari of Tamarinda (2005).

Don’t Play On The Road is a self explanatory title. It’s gender sensitive and falls in a special category of books on health and Safety for beginners. It is a warning title to people of all age. It’s a book of few words and attractive educational big pictures.

Ike’s Plant is a book that awakens environmental and plants awareness in children. A call to make them look around, appreciate and care for what they see.

The Great Writer is a brief look into the hardship and experiences, faced by and leading to the success of a child writer. It carries lessons on the bicycle physical features and the relationship between the police and the public.

Wall of water arouses children to alertness for disaster, encourages, attentiveness to instruction in the face of one. Musonza has scooped several awards in his short stint at writing. He has been twice a nominee of the National Arts Merit Awards (2000) and (2005). He has been a facilitator at Zimbabwe International Book Fair (ZIBF) workshop 2004 and a ZBCD Resource person at the Children’s tent in 2001.
He also facilitated the Budding writers Association of Zimbabwe (BWAZ) writing workshop 2005. Musonza is planning to write more books, more travel, and more research and hopefully make lots of money too.
He is married to Winnie Hilda and has two daughters Tsisti and Whitney.

Attitude and AIDS

By Caven Masuku

Take care-no need to share. Engaging in clean practices will reduce the risk of coming into contact with HIV. HIV is the virus that can develop into AIDS and may be transmitted in shared body fluids.
Condoms are available to avoid the unnecessary spread of the disease.

To lovers, one way of avoiding HIV is to practice safe sex and for the youth it is through abstinence. One can exercise safe sex by exploring and enjoying sexual activities which do not involve any exchange of body fluids.

Drinking alcohol may make it difficult to practice safer sex. Pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV result from unsafe sex.

Mixing alcohol and sex is a disaster. It weakens the decision to practice safe sex. Good advice is “always carry a condom and use it properly to avoid getting infected”.

HIV is a virus which can go on to develop into full blown AIDS.

The main way to stopping contracting HIV is by postponing sex till marriage. HIV is spread through having unprotected penetrative sex with an infected person or sharing needles/syringes with an infected person.
Abstinence especially among the young is the rule of the thumb.

HIV/AIDS and Children

By Caven masuku

The HIV/ AIDS pandemic have had an enormous impact on the world. The increasing rate of HIV infection affects children in countless ways and in nearly every aspect of their lives.
The number of children living with HIV/AIDS continues to grow daily as children are born to HIV infected mothers, contract the virus from their mother during pregnancy and during birth.
In addition, there are millions of orphans who have lost at least one parent to an HIV/AIDS related illness. Although the number of orphans is staggering its effects are only just begging. Children who suffer from or have died of AIDS related diseases, such as tuberculosis are stressed with additional related orphans
Girls are vulnerable to HIV/AIDS and the negative effect of the virus. They face the possibility of both physical abuse and the exploitation of labour.
The effects of HIV/AIDS on the children’s lives can be economic, educational, social and psychological.
Economic effects on children can be in the form of savings used for medications/treatment and children must work to supplement the family’s income. Such illness reduces the economic performance of the household.
Economic hardship makes it necessary to look for alternatives sources of income for example through prostitution, street children, or early marriage. When both parents have died or are enable to care for their children, they are shifted into the homes of the extended family, often taxing the financial stability of those households.
Furthermore, lower nutritional status in house hold with less income and many children make the whole situation worse.
More so, the pandemic affects children educationally; other responsibilities may cause children to drop out from school. Unsolved psychological trauma caused by the HIV/AIDS can undermine the performance of children at school. This worsens the whole scenario as the traditional skills, passed through the generations, die with the parent before imparting it to the children.
Orphans face stigmatization by other children even at school and this sometimes thwart their performance.

HIV has social effects in some communities since taking non-related children into one’s home can cause social unrest. It is a taboo that dying should not be talked about to children, so children do not understand what will be happening until their parents die.
Most of the times when a will is written it is disregarded by greedy relatives who leave nothing for their orphans children. In some instances children become the head of households and can not provide all the necessities.
Poor families are affected since losing a family member may impoverish them, moving from poverty to destitute.
Married ones let us join hands and fight this pandemic before it is late. Single ones let us be responsible for whatever we do with our loved ones so as not to impede someone’s life.
For sure AIDS is there and is wiping the population day and night, hence people should fight tooth, nail and claws.

Zimbabwean government should respect our education sector

Education is the pillar and contributes immensely to the development of any given country. Quality education should be the priority and responsibility of any government. Education in this context refers to amassing of values and skills that suits industrial needs.
In Zimbabwe the provision of education is protected and enshrined in the Education Act and in our national constitution. Even in some of the home made Human rights conventions like the African Charter of human rights, Banjul and so forth it is clear that any government is solely responsible for its citizens.
Zimbabwe has something to smile at, especially looking at the universities that have been initiated after independent. In Zimbabwe we have 10 state universities of which 9 were established and build after our independence in 1980. Government constantly controls the provision of education for education is a way a political agent. Orienting education sector means controlling the masses in Zimbabwe
Our education system is crippled and is at the verge of doom if not in the brink of collapse, right from the top to the bottom. Schools from Primary, Secondary level and higher learning institutions from colleges to universities have been weakened. Drastically measure has to be taken immediately to bring sanity to these facilities. Teaching Staff has left the country enemass to neighboring countries for greener pastures. Maslow hierarchy theory of workers needs has to be recognized and respected for the education sector to regain its credibility. Universities remain unoperational due to the poor working conditions. They are no incentives and the remuneration is pathetic to suffice the teaching and other administrative universities staff. A few years ago Zimbabwe was a shinning African Jewel and its education was valid and recognized world wide. Today it is a shattered country.
As a nation we should live and learn, but by the time we learn, it seems it’s too late to live. Children’s rights to education have been violated and their future has been disrupted. As a nation and individuals per se we should have a heart for the youngsters who are the leaders of tomorrow. It pains me although I am incapacited and also that my bright future has been shattered, to work hard for my country. Yes student’s needs to be educated and their rights to education rights need to be observed by our leaders. All the time I spent at school is a wastered time if grade 7 could drive posh cars and a person of my age with his credentials is reduced to a destitute.
I wish if the government can compromise for the schools and tertiary institutions to resume so that learners are not disadvantaged. Our political scenario has been allowed to permeate to all spheres of all lives of which education is one. Parents are worried after sending their children to school to find out this negative development. Politics should not be allowed to ruin our lives and our children’s future.

South Africans you are civilized

I respect the South Africans for voting in peace without fighting each other. You have shown civilization and hope that my country will learn from what you have displayed in the southern region of Africa.
You have the weapons to fight against each other, but decided to show the world that you are not violent as most people thought they will be blood shed. You have displayed a good behavior and wish to congratulate you all for voting peacefully. I wish your President Jacob Zuma a good term of office and I know that God will guide him through out. Already he had the blessings as it rain when he was inaugurated.
It is my utmost hope that South African government will go a long way in respecting its people and delivering to their social needs and welfare. My country Zimbabwe last year in the harmonized election did not respect its people. I am happy that as for now the main political parties are working together towards restoring the lost glory. I wish to be in a peaceful country with good governance and economic environment.
Recently it rained heavily and in some other parts of Zimbabwe the storms caused destruction as some house window panes we cracked. It looks like it will be raining through out the whole of this country. South Africa is a lovely country just like Zimbabwe and shall pray so that in future even violence should not stay. A nation with multiple races and with good economic sounding is a blessed country.
In the Southern region of Africa we should do our politics and address bread and butter issues without infringing the rights of the people. I know that we are capable of doing that and the civilization that we now hold makes us a distinct people in entire Africa. I wish to get contacts in all South Africans who wish to cross pollinate ideas with myself from Zimbabwe.
Congratulation to all South Africans! God bless your new President, together with its citizens. You have shown civilization and hope that my country will learn from what you as a country have done.

MDC-M Suspends five Party members

MDC Mtambara yesterday supended five party members for undermining the top leadership.

In a press conference deliberated by Liason Mlambo the National Disciplinary Committee Member for Mutambara who is also the Midlands South Chaiperson briefed the press.

The five MDC Mutambara members of party includes Member of Parliement Abedinico Bhebhe ( Nkayi South), Njabuliso Mguni (Lupani Constituency), Norman Mpofu (Bulilimangwe), Alex Guseni, Job Sikala( Member of executive committee and Gift Nyandoro(National MP for Youth Assembly).

The National Disciplinary Committee Member ,Liason Mlambo told journalist in a press conference in Gweru that the five have been served with letters of suspension. The Five MDC Mutambara members denounced publicly last week, in a rally in Nkayi that they will ouster the Party President Professor Mutambara forceful. The five are accused for dismantling the process of the party and will be called before the disciplinary hearing in due course. "Justice delayed is not justice denied", said Mlambo.

There are some schools of thought that thinks Abedinico Bhebhe could be paying back for his appointment by the MDC-T President who also happen to be the Primew Minister of Zimbabwe for a ministrial post. Mlambo denied the claim and said that is mere talk without evidence.

The five are leveled against breaching the MDC Mutambara constitution subsection (10:17). The disciplinary which consist of Liason Mlambo, Tonderai Chitere, Trudy Stevenson, Mrs Gijima and Mr Jele saw it worth to suspend the five party members and let them appear before the disciplinary Committee.

Mlombo said that if the five had a contention they could have use propare party structure to table their complaints than criticising the Party President openly.

Responding to the question as to whether the five will be dismissed, Mlambo said it is too early to think along those line." In any case the accused persons are not guilty or found guilt until trial". Those who are members of Parliement will remain as MP's with pending decision whether they can be expelled in the party.

It is alleged that some of the party member are accusing their leaders who do not tolerate views from their fellows and discend upon them heavily when they hold contrary ideas. The five are accused agin for violating the GPA, which united all the three main political parties in Zimbabwe.

Learn to be a good partner

Learn to listen to the partnerIt is easy at time to lose touch with what is happening in the lives of our partners. If you wish to know the feeling, thinking and dreams of our loved one we have to give them space in our lives. Also try to keep in mind the difference between men and women and the way they express themselves. Men usually try to offer solution when their loved ones merely want to be listened with a sympathetic ear. Listening well will make you only gain relationship confidence, but also be able to relate better to everyone with whom you come into contact. Listening well will make you as thoughtful and supportive as you want your loved one to be and also will make you an effective worker, mother, husband, collegue and so forth.
CompromisePeople enter into a relationship with different background and personalities an try to share life. That per se is not an easy task. Do not expect to see things from your own perspective and doing things the way you want without an approval of your loved one.Finding a meeting point is a key skill to learn if you wish to be a better partner.
Have reasoned discussionConflict is a sign of health relationship especially if it is maintained to a certain level. When you are unhappy about about something say it out.Any hassels please get it off your chest before you bust.

Gweru World Press Freedom Day celebration (Zimbabwe)

By caven Masuku
Zimbabwe today join hands to commemorate the World Press freedom Day, a move which most media practitioners believe that it is yet to be reformed. The speech read on behalf of the Media Institute of Southern Africa in Zimbabwe (MISA) hinted that the inclusive government should repeal draconian media laws such as POSA, AIPPA and BSA. These laws cause severe challenges to media practioners.
Again MISA said that freedom of speech should be guided jealously for journalist to tell the truth and to work effectively. The invited guest honorable deputy minister Sisel Zvidzai said that inclusive government is not an accident. His party MDC T saw it necessary to solve political dispute through negotiation. People often talk about the inclusive government as a child product of rape case said the honorable Zvidzai.
Zvidzai said that inclusive government is there to give freedom to the people of Zimbabwe. However, Zvidzai admitted that inclusive government have a mammoth task since Zimbabwe had a high inflation rate. The unique babe which is a result of rape case needs to be breast feed and the press should play a pivotal role in telling the truth.
The honorable said that inclusive government has so far achieved certain issues which among include the availability of basic commodities, improved health conditions, better water purification, sewage improvement and the decline of cholera cases. As the media celebrated the press freedom, honorable said that this is another achievement which is about to be truly achieved. Media laws such as interception bill of communications which debugs mobile phone message, electronic mails, snail mails and so forth has to be repealed completely. Self regulation is the only responsibility that can guide the journalist to execute their duties effectively said Sisel Zvidzai.
“Economic stability which is still standing but is gradually addressed through short term economic recovery program (STEP), is likely to bring the positive development to Zimbabwe financial wellbeing”, said the honorable Zvidzai.
Furthermore, Zvidzai said that the move by America, Germany and other countries to remove travel ban will benefit Zimbabwe a lot and assist in reviving the international relationships. Britain’s move of donating fifteen million pounds for water purification and food staff will go a long way in improving the life style of the people of Zimbabwe said Zvidza. Gremmer Phiri the chapter Zimbabwe union of Journalism (ZUJ) read the speech on behalf of the ZUJ president Matthew Takaona. In the ZUJ speech the theme for 2009 press freedom day celebration is “reconstruction of media responsibility”. ZUJ expressed their happiness with the deal of inclusive government which was brokered by the three Zimbabwe main political parties as the best solution ever to the people of Zimbabwe.
ZUJ however, said that despite 81 day of inclusive government there is little achievement especially to the media fraternity. ZUJ said that they will be happy to see reforms in liberalization of air waves and that per ser will show the freedom of the press.
Again the other reform that ZUJ wish to see is plural media. More newspapers should be licensed to operate and Daily News should bounce back. Self regulation should be the best conduct of media practioners .
The Gweru Press Freedom Day was celebrated in style and all media practitioners were left in a jovial mood with lots of entertainment.

What is a name?

A name is a word formed out of syllables through which human and objects can be identified. A name can have impact that can be neither positive or negative. It is a symbol through which memories can be envoked to imagine. In fact a name is more than what all human beings can think of.Names carries respect, love, hate and triggers peoples emotions. All human beings have symbols to identify them. Like myself i am Caven and who ever hears that name can be happy, provoke, enticed, respect or filled with love. Respect is something that one can claim to have. It is derived from what you are, you do to others and sends echoes to human kind. Attempting to be sociable, humane and lovely can bring about respect to you. Moreso, education and intelligents can also work as an attributes for ones respect. As a human being you should and have to crave incessantly for respect.Love again is something that i hope all human beings live to enjoy and to have and show in abundance in this universe. This word have to be considered from a wide spectrume to include non intimate love. Hence love for peace, prosperity and assisting those in need of your help. Intimate love is the one that human are so much into. This element have caused people to run head over hills, to commite suicide and to render themselves useless. It is a God given gift that no one can total claim to be in control. Well others can nurture it, but some have the inert one.They are individuals who are loveable and lovely. You just look at some one and feel moved and loving. All that can be alluded to a name.Hate again is an element that every human being possesses in this universe. Albeit that it is not good for one to have in it in copies. We hate others because of their names. Not only mere names, but for what they would have done tracing their lineage. Hence tribal hate, sex and gender hate and so forth. Another day when i was seated in the park reading my book, a hate message passed my eavesdrop that had hate. A certain gentleman said i hate the Ndebele ladies because they are loose. Ndebele is a tribe that identifies my tribe and it is a name through which my people can be identified. I could tell that the name have caused hate. I was moved but could not do anything about it.A name can trigger peoples emotion! yes, that is true and i am an example that stand to testify. When i was nominated twice as the NAMA nominee in 2007 and 2008 most people were eager to know who exactly i was. Not that they wanted to fight me nor praise me but, because they did not expect the paper that i work for to have a NAMA nominee quality. On tribal ground i have head people saying rubbish and mentioning names, associating it with bad happenings. I use to work with a certain man who use to look me negatively always.Any word that i say would then associate it with my tribe. He will say Ndebele people are blood thirst and i hate them. This person was triggered and provoked by my tribe.I had not querrel with him not even a single day and use to respect him. I could tell that it was the name of my tribe that angered him.One day I got a call while in the Office, and a certain lady all the way from Englands said can i speak to Masuku Caven. When i told him that he was the one in the receiver she got fascinated and wanted me to give her all my details. The issue was that he worked with my brother and were in good books. The name "Masuku" and "Caven" is a symbol and an identity through which she could identify me and the persons we are.So a name is important to be worked for. People should behave in order for them to be respected and loved.Where ever i work i have left a good name that even my former employers wants to associate with it. Even at school, my teachers use to love me and could identify respect and love through my symbol which is simultaneously an identity. Buffons are not respected and carries with them tainted names. No one would wish to associate with an embecile or a buffon. Worse still with rauge or rascal and such people can be identified through their names which later, can be generalised , such that who have bears a similar name in looked upon negatively.If you have any comments please feel free to exchange with me. I stand to be corrected if i am wrong and promise that i will accept what you think is true about the name. The world never end to amaze and learning is an ongoing

Manners

Manners are the social traits that each and every human carries in relation to the entire society and people around. Manners have the social norms and values that act as a yardstick to measure how an individual carries around himself in relation to others. However, it is highly believed that male and females have different manners that can act as a repulsion or an attraction to each other.Manners can be displayed at one's work place. Respecting the elders at your work place and greeting well others are other ways of displaying manners. It is rude to ask a lady to lift heavy material while you look at her with your hands thrust in your pockets. Picking up ones nose is bad manners that are oftenly associated with men, than with women. Again telephone manners is something that speak volumes about people, even though you hardly know the person. Some people are rude over the phone and some are nice and well cultured. At times manners are cultivated at work, home, school and so forth. Talking over the phone while eating produces a cacoophenous sound which disrupt the other receiver. Arguing over the phone is ill-mannerisum that can kill ones character, reputation per se or as an organisation.Manners transcend to include even the way we dress ourselves. Just like the way we dress language so does dressing manners. In business and for professionals dressing formal and with a neck tie for man is propare mannerism which reinforces and instills faith and trust to the people you are dealing with. Reception is another way organisation maintains mannerism. Women who are highly receptive in welcoming clients have higher chances of being admired and respected by the community members. Manners assist in maintaining social cohesion, solitarity and fosters professionalism. Talking to elders with your hands in your pockets indicates rudness.The way people dresses language speaks volume about them. It is one element of manner that though subtle, but have more impact than one could anticipate. Diction of words even when you are talking to someone of opposite sex is important. Language can entice and put someone in the good mood and right position. However, such manners are learnt at school and can make people to manipulate and to be ranked highly over others. Introducing yourself to a stranger takes certain manners for two of you to creat a phatic communion (Social relation). The manner we handle ourselves also is part of manner that can make people to love, admire and wish to associate themselves with you.At times it is good to look at yourself and see where you are lacking in terms of manners. People can continue for a long time with bad manners without knowing that it causes discomfot to others. Some people are rude. For instance in Zimbabwe because of the long queues people are ill-mannered. They have no respect for others. Someone stands in the queue the whole day, and someone comes and stand in front of him without even piting with them. Valger language is a sign of bad manners. people often uses vulgar to silence others in a crowd which is bad mannersWomen in a courtship prefers man who are well-mannered. People ususally collect their marks highly through displaying good manners. The way you approach a lady, even for the first time can reveal your manners. Women prefer smoothly and nicereception which is entertwined with knowledge.Culture is another element which assist in moulding individuals and ensuring good manners. Speaking with a low voice even when you are in despute, is a manner which can resolve the contention. I would wish to know much from whoever thinks that he or she has something more better than what i have said. The floor is yours and i will be happy to hear and learn what others think and know about this issue. Lies also are part of manner and culture. People lack good manners by lying to their hubbies, ladies and to their bosses.