Lovert Mafukure

Out with the minivans and in with the hatchbacks. Many of you who aren’t really into minivans must have been itching, so the big question is, what are some of the hatchbacks  to look out for coming out of Japan? 

Ideally, all of us need cars that won’t break the bank when it comes  to buying and maintaining, we need cars that won’t give us a hard time finding parts for them. 

Hatchbacks are usually the first choice for the young and the young at heart because they are small, economical and the price isn’t really out of this world so read your Sunday paper in the next few weeks as we look at some of the best hatchbacks money can buy.

The Mazda 3 has made a mark on African soil with both looks and performance. It has become a favourite for many as it stands out from the crowd. 

The thing with it though is that it too is getting old and new models need to come through. 

The 2009 model Mazda 3 or Axela, as we would have it since we are importing Grey Japan domestic market cars, is quite appealing to the youthful folk because it was fully redesigned with a host of new features to mesmerise anyone. 

The major highlight on this model is that the 2,0-litre front-wheel drive (FWD) models are equipped with i-stop, Mazda’s unique engine stop/start system, which uses combustion energy to restart the engine in just 0,35 seconds, about half the time of most other competing systems. 

Mazda claims that the i-stop system also suppresses noise and vibration as the engine shuts down and restarts, ensuring that drivers experience a natural driving feel with no sense of discomfort. 

With the fuel price hitting the ceiling anyone would appreciate this stop/start system.

Mazda had not fancied the cvt technology that much when it was being tried by other manufacturers like Nissan and Honda but they have caught up with the band wagon and the 1,5l model Axela is equipped with a CVT transmission. 

We are yet to see how good it is but the pioneers of the technology have had years to perfect it so it is my hope that Mazda has got it right. It is claimed that this model can give you up to 18km per litre of petrol! 

That is just more than impressive but don’t get hopes so high because you may not get that much mileage with blended fuels.

The 09 Axela has been refined from front to back but it is still obviously Mazda. It has a sharper nose, big bumper upfront complemented by bulging fenders. 

It is well carved with enticing contours extending to the back. Mazda really never disappoints when it comes to body styling. 

This model comes with adaptive headlights, meaning the headlights swivel to follow the direction of the steering wheel improving night time driving.

Intelligent keys come standard. There’s no pressing buttons to unlock the car, there isn’t poking of the ignition to start the car. 

You just get to the door with keys in your back pocket and press the button on the door handle to unlock the doors. 

Once inside you just press the start button and the car will wake up from its sleep, that is if the intelligent keys are nearby.

That is not all, it’s also got dual zone climate control! That means if you feeling rather hot and your wife on the other hand is feeling a bit cold, you can set different temperatures for your self and for your wife, how cool is that? Sometimes technology is all you need to avoid squabbles.

The older models had tiptronic gearboxes on select models but this one comes with paddle shift on the steering on some models. 

This is some Ferrari stuff on an Axela. As usual you get the Axela in two body types namely the Sedan and the Hatch. 15 inch tyres comes standard with alloys but entry level models have standard rims with wheel covers. 

Seventeen inch wheels are available on the top end models. 

So, if you have been wondering what to buy, this is definitely something to look out for, it’s packed with all the latest technology to get you feeling like you really are in the 21st century. 

Till next time . . . Happy motoring! 

@lovert116 – Automart Used Spares Centre – Quality Used Japanese Spares -+263 772 33 99 38 – automartzw@gmail.com – Facebook: @automartusc

“EACH and every room in your home should tell a certain story, portray a unique personality and have soul. There is no better way to do that than to use antiques,” said Ms Nokuthaba Ndlovu, a homeowner based in Gwanda.

Ms Ndlovu said an antique can be any object with sentimental value, particularly a domestic item or piece of furniture or handicraft esteemed for its artistry, beauty, or period of origin.

“Instead of getting rid of your old furniture or other items, use them to create a beautiful sanctuary in your home,” suggested Ms Ndlovu.

To someone a tree branch may be seen as nothing or a piece of firewood but to Ms Ndlovu it can bring a new sophisticated look to her home.

“Imagine the look of a tree branch hanging on your wall in your living room, the colour of the tree branch accentuating the shade of the wall. Just exquisite!” she said.

Ms Ndlovu added that in order to have a museum look that you have always desired you need to be creative and plan carefully.

“The simplicity of a singular sculpture inside a fireplace makes this display extremely elegant. They can accentuate certain architectural features and adorn your home décor with unique items. Use a diverse mix of old and new finds (especially accessories) in various materials, like antique metal candlesticks and an artsy stone bust.”

“If you have always wished to have an antique-style kitchen, then you will love the distressed-looking cupboard doors. Select any door style and opt to have the corners rubbed off or have other distressing techniques done for that vintage vibe. By so doing you will be giving your cupboard door an old-fashioned yet stylish look,” she said.

She said vintage design offers a more feminine, soft and subtle touch. 

“It has furnishing which is often distressed or appears to be, paints tends to have antique-style finishes. The colour palettes include white and cream. Light fixture and wall hangings are elaborate and it continues with the feminine vibe.

Ms Ndlovu said antiques can match with any design style as they are timeless.

“For example, the Victorian design style is a dramatic style, perfect for homeowners who like to make a statement at the same time showing off their personality.” She continued: “It tends to be luxurious and sophisticated as it incorporates velvet furnishings and antiques. The colour palettes are bold such as purple, red and turquoise.”

Nhlalwenhle Ncube

HAPPY Father’s Day to all the men who respect and make sacrifices that bring love and joy in  women’s lives!

Thanks to all the mothers in this world and even on Father’s Day, we need to celebrate women first because without women, men would not be on this earth. Putting aside what happened during creation here am talking about what women go through, carrying men in their wombs for nine months and having to feel the most painful thing any human can experience, giving birth. So as we celebrate fathers, we can’t afford to ignore the special women in this world.

There is no way we can celebrate men who are the reason behind women’s heartbreaks and painful things they are going through in their lives. On  Father’s Day, let’s only celebrate cool dads. When we say fathers, we are not only referring to those men who managed to score and impregnate someone. It is bigger than that, we celebrate all men who love and care for women, giving them all respect without any conditions.

It is sad that in our society there are men who disrespect women, treating them like objects. Every time on social media you find them attacking women and you get to wonder and wish to know how they treat their daughters, sisters and mothers. They speak to women as if they have no feelings, as if they cannot hear and attack them as though they are a big game conquest. Such men are an embarrassment as they seem to find pleasure in hurting women. Even if you ask them what wrong these women would have done, it’s just that they are not living up to their standards or expectations. For crying out loud, women are not objects and anything short of respect for the female species is just not acceptable. Every human being deserves respect and should be accorded care, kindness and consideration for these are absolute truths. Having said this, the gospel of respect should not only be preached to women, because it seems men are the ones who need it more. Many homes have been  broken after someone failed to show respect.

The other problem I have realised is that in expecting to be respected, men always try and quote the Bible. They forget that in the same holy book it is said, “Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you.” Men must learn to respect women and give them their personal space. Think about how you would want your own mother and sisters to be treated. No men wants his own family to be disrespected, abused or called names. This is exactly how all women must be treated, they have to be accorded kindness and respect. We are tired of men who cause so much pain for women  by demeaning them in public with their misogynistic language and actions. The bad treatment has resulted in high number of failed marriages because each and every person deserves happiness and cannot settle for anything  low. A good relationship is built on some basic, down-to-earth qualities and respect is a major one.

Truth be told, women don’t need partners who invest all their energy in trying to prove how strong, manly, masculine, macho, or heroic they are. They just want men who are willing to meet them where they are and treat them fairly and equitably — and are able to make sure that the romantic spark keeps burning.

Mutual respect is an all-or-nothing proposition: Once a person loses respect for a partner, all bets are off. Women should be given the same respect that men offer other men. When a person is made to feel disrespected or patronised, the relationship is likely to end sooner rather than later. Even when you are angry or disappointed by a partner, respect should be maintained. Women need men to show kindness, patience, understanding, empathy and compassion. Regardless of the type of relationship, men and women should be considerate of each other’s feelings. Recognise that a partner’s trials and tribulations matter to her and that partners’ roles are to cherish and care for and about one another.

Emotional maturity is essential. It’s okay to have some childish fun when it’s appropriate, but it’s important for women and men to behave like grown-ups when it’s time to do so, too. Being aware that brute strength does not equal intelligence is also helpful in maintaining healthy communication and connection. Sometimes it’s better to sit back and think through problems before trying to manhandle your partner into a forced solution.

Being supportive to the women in your life can do a world of good. Supporting your partner is a primary role. Whether your partner or a friend needs emotional or practical support, be there to assist in small and big ways. Whether it’s taking time to listen or more active involvement in major decisions, child rearing, finances, etc, make your presence a positive and supportive one. Recognise your own biases in how you view other women and imagine how your partner might be negatively affected by a world that sees women as less than.

Bring adventure and excitement into the relationship, in safe and welcome ways. Challenge your partner’s perspectives and allow your own to be challenged as well. Open yourself up to new experiences and ways of thinking as you make it safe and inviting for your partner to do the same. Intellectual stimulation keeps relationships dynamic.

Women need the men in their lives to be feminist allies who want to see the women in their lives succeed every bit as much as they want to enjoy their own success. Men should take time to recognise and acknowledge a woman’s strengths and respect her for all that she brings to their relationship. 

Happy Father’s day!

Share your comments on womenforum460@gmail.com

Rutendo Chidawanyika

COMFORT is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about sneakers. They should be comfortable, however, besides comfort you need to get sneakers for a whole lot of reasons. Sneakers are always in season, summer and/or winter. Sneakers have always been cool especially when it comes to fashion. You can dress them up and look chic or dress down to look laid back.

White sneakers are a must have for everybody. It doesn’t matter the label, you just need a good white pair of sneakers. Some are particular about sneaker brands while others aren’t. Good brands are usually costly but worth it as they last almost a lifetime, be it Nike, Adidas, Fila, Puma or Vans. There are the original brands which are so expensive but if you can get knock-offs at a cheaper price it’s still good enough, not everyone can afford Balenciaga shoes anyway!

Support is another great feature of sneakers. They provide support for the feet while doing strenuous activities such as running, dancing or even at the gym. Injury is prevented because the sneakers provide support for the feet. Sneakers provide stability than any other type of shoe. There are some type of sneakers that are specifically designed for flat-footed people. Flat-footed people have a tendency of tripping and falling when running or walking.

Sneakers are breathable especially if you buy those that are made of breathable materials such as mesh. The air is allowed to pass through the mesh, allowing the feet to breathe. It is important that your feet breathe so that they are not soaked in sweat. Feet that are soaked in wetness for long periods of time are likely to have a foul smell and develop diseases caused by fungi and bacteria.

Versatility is another great characteristic of sneakers. They can be worn to different types of activities. Casual sneakers can be used for walking exercises or strolling in town. They can also be worn on casual days at the office. There are so many sneakers to choose from and all of them are versatile. The same cannot be said about leather shoes. You can wear them with your formal attire but you can never wear them with gym clothes.

When buying sneakers 

Choose sneakers with unique prints and interesting colours to reflect personality. You can pick novelty sneakers printed with cartoon characters. Use bright or funky sneakers to add visual interest to your outfit. Try pairing a white tee and jeans with bold high-tops in red for an eye catching look.

Some casual sneakers have bold features that can also be functional, such as roller wheels or bright lights in the sole.

Buy your sneakers from reputable sources. Try to buy your sneakers directly from the manufacturer or respected athletic store when possible. Second hand sources online or sending someone to buy them for you may not be ideal unless you trust them.

Try on multiple sizes of your favourite style for a proper fit. Try on shoes in your typical size, a size larger and a size smaller. Many people get hung up on a specific shoe size without considering how the shoe fits. Sizing runs differently from brand to brand. So just try them on.

Try elastic slip-on sneakers for a relaxed look. Opt for slip-on sneakers for a backyard get together or a day outdoors. These sneakers slip on and off easily, making them ideal for a picnic or braai.

Replace your sneakers regularly. Look at the soles of your shoes to see if the tread is fading or has worn unevenly. If so, it’s time to replace your sneakers with new ones. Older sneakers can provide less support as they wear, resulting in back and leg pain. — Additional information from online sources.

Email: rutendochidawanyika3@gmail.com

Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday Life Reporter

WHAT do African music superstars DJ Maphorisa, Tresor and Mampi have to do with cooking? The answer to that question is nothing, yet when Zambia recently held its annual Zambian Food Festival (Zamfest), these were the names that rocked the stage in that country’s capital, Lusaka.    

Far away from the stage, attending to the core business of the fest was Zimbabwean chef Zinzile Masiye, who was invited as one of those rare guests to rub shoulders with the main attraction at the food extravaganza that day, South African celebrity chef Lazy Makoti. 

As the only one chosen to represent her country Chef Zinzi, a professional chef currently working for Africa Albida Tourisms Victoria, revelled in the occasion as it was one of those few times when a woman was a star in the kitchen. 

Despite that some still look at cooking as an essential skill that women should possess, this is not necessarily the case in professional set-ups where the skills of women are not as appreciated.  

“It’s not a walk in the park being a female black chef. We are at the bottom of the food chain. I haven’t yet met a female executive chef in Zimbabwe. A pretty face is considered a distraction in a still very sexist industry so as a woman you have to work twice as hard as your male colleagues to get any gratitude or recognition,” she told Sunday Life in an interview. 

The lack of representation, the chef who has an HND in Culinary Arts and worked at such quality establishments as The Victoria Falls hotel, Elephant Hills Resort and Holiday Inn said, had resulted in a lot of women avoiding the kitchen. 

“So you’ll find women shying away from professional hotel kitchens and doing better on social media, catering for weddings or baking cakes. Hopefully more female chefs are willing to stick it out and change the narrative in the next few years,” she said. 

Being one of the rare breed of women who had decided to take the bull by the horns and try to forge a successful career as one of the country’s few female chefs, Chef Zinzie used the Zamfest as an opportunity to further her goals. 

“The opportunity to network with and work with different chefs from the region is not only enlightening but it’s a great exchange of culture through food,” she said. 

Her passion for food, she said, was ignited at a young age. 

“My culinary journey started at a very young age. Firstly my mum always experimented with recipes. Her food has always been great so this is what initially piqued my interest. I started baking for my mum’s office friends when I was in high school and knew then all I wanted to be was a chef,” she said.

Chefs in modern times have used various media platforms to spread their names and skills, with British culinary experts like Gordon Ramsey and Jamie Oliver becoming multi-million dollar brands that are followed widely on social media. Chef Zinzi is also eager not to be left behind in this lucrative technological rush. 

“I run a food blog called Eatoutvicfalls where I review menu items in restaurants in and around Victoria Falls, it’s very interesting because it’s a guests (my) honest opinion about a restaurants food quality, service, price range, everything another potential guest can expect from a restaurant. 

I also share my personal recipes and pictures of food I’ve cooked. I used to host a radio cooking show called Simple Home Cooking on the local radio station Breeze FM and write a weekly publication on Urban Culxure where I’d give details on my recipes, share shopping tips, advise home cooks on budget meals, hosting friends or family, meal prep and how to use leftovers for other meals, generally giving listeners and readers advice on how to survive financially and practically in their kitchens,” she said.

Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday Life Reporter 

IT is an open secret of the local music industry. It is the secret that is never spoken openly about but rather whispered, usually between artistes who know all too well the consequences if they were to speak too loudly about the dark practice. 

In America, they call it payola, a combination of the word pay and “Victrola” (the latter of which refers to a record player). This is the practice of paying DJs to play an artiste’s music on the airwaves.

In a world with an oversupply of musicians, airplay is an invaluable commodity and that has been the case for decades. Corruption by those behind the microphone started a long time back and it did not start in Zimbabwe. 

Its origins can be traced as far back as the 1950s in America’s Big Apple, New York City, where it is widely thought that the practice was born. Record company owners, such as Hy Weiss of New York-based Old Town Records, were known to hand out bribes for preferable radio treatment, and many DJs were happy to pocket some cash. Chicago-based DJ Phil Lind, for instance, admitted to bringing in $22 000 to play a single record in the 1950’s. 

South of the Limpopo, Eugene Mtetwa from the South African Music Industry Council said artistes who do not pay payola are also very unlikely to be nominated for awards because their music will not get exposure. He said it was the reason why some not very talented artistes are given awards in South Africa. 

In 2016, a programme called Checkpoint on eNCA News channel conducted an investigation and established that artistes in South Africa usually offered to play for free at radio station events and offered money and gifts in return for airplay. The most desired gift in most instances was money.

So how prevalent is the practice that is rampant in other parts of the globe in Zimbabwe? According to Afro Jazz musician Jeys Marabini, paying for airplay is almost mythical in Zimbabwe, with many saying it exists but few bringing forth evidence that it does. 

“One thing I can say about this issue is that it is like other things that we hear about in African life, and I’m only using this as an example. We always hear that there are things like ghosts, or goblins or other creatures that have been raised by people with evil intentions. You always hear it but you never hear a person say that they’ve come across a goblin. No one says that they’ve seen it with their own eyes. 

“So in the same vein I always hear about DJs making artistes pay for airplay but no one openly admits to the practice. Personally I’ve never seen anyone pay and neither have I ever seen a DJ asking anyone for money in front of my own eyes,” he told Sunday Life.

Gospel musician Knowledge Nkiwane, who has become famous for using a scania to promote his music, said bribes to DJs were the reason he had decided to promote his own music. 

“We said as musicians that are doing gospel music, it wouldn’t work for us to buy someone a ‘cold drink’ as they call a bribe. We felt that this would be basically diluting whatever we’re doing in our music. So I decided as an artiste that rather than rushing and focusing on the radio stations, I would rather cultivate my own fan base,” he said. 

For rapper Asaph, who is now also a DJ on Skyz Metro FM, the practice exists although he had personally strived to build personal relationships with DJs in order to beat the system. 

“Every time I would release music I wanted to be on that tip where the music gets to the DJs first and I try not to interact with DJs that I haven’t met personally or didn’t have some type of relationship with. So I guess for me that’s how I manage to avoid those situations. 

I’m pretty sure that they (bribes) do happen. I’m pretty sure that they do. Anytime that you give people power over a certain platform I’m pretty sure they’re bound to be doing that. I’ve never had to pay because I’ve always dealt with DJs I know personally or who I’ve grown a personal relationship with over some time basically,” he said. 

According to music scholar Fred Zindi, when Zimbabwean major record labels were still in business, they used to dictate terms to radio DJs with “some of the most influential popular DJs presented with flashy sports cars, and when colour televisions came around, they were also given TVs as payola.”

The major record companies have long folded but rumours of DJs receiving payment still persist. 

“Personally I’ve never had to pay anyone in my life but I’ve heard instances in which someone paid or someone was asked to pay by some DJs. Personally I’ve never experienced such and I think it’s because I’ve been lucky. Even on radio I don’t pay to get played and that applies to even the clubs. Although it has never happened to me, I think it’s something that’s there because people complain a lot about it,” said rapper Cal_Vin. 

Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday Life Reporter 

DESPITE his acclaim with those that might be referred to music or arts gurus, very few people bring up the name Dumi Ngulube when they talk of the country’s greats. Yet in the eyes and ears of those who live and breathe art, Ngulube was the real deal. 

“In the league of Dumi I will put Sam Mtukudzi, Don Gumbo, Don Gumbo Junior and Tendai Manatsa,” Amakhosi founder Cont Mhlanga once said.

“They’re different from the rest of their counterparts that play on radio. And unlike the rest of them they know how to play instruments unlike impostors who use synthesised music created by sound engineers and they start claiming to be musicians.” 

With its owner no longer there to perform it, Ngulube’s music is now found in the dark corners of the internet. Despite this obscurity, it stands with some of the country’s most formidable Afro Jazz compositions. 

The song Siyaphambili for example, finds Ngulube and his Amagents in full flow, with a breath taking instrumental arrangement only interrupted by chants of siyaya phambili and mayibabo during the song’s duration. The flute, drums, bass and acoustic guitars make for an intoxicating taking musical cocktail that anyone with functional ears would find hard to resist. Yet this week the song had a paltry 404 views on YouTube. 

In the world where some of the country’s new princes and princesses of music seem to just snap their fingers and garner a million views on YouTube, such numbers make for sad reading. 

However, sometimes numbers do not tell the full story. When Dumi Ngulube passed away at the age of 41 in September 2010, in many ways still in his prime as a musician, the collective despair in the arts community suggests that some knew that the country had lost a star, a gem whose brilliance was yet to be fully realised. Sunday Life looked at the life of Ngulube through the eyes of three arts titans who saw him in various stages of his life. 

The Teacher 

For Cont Mhlanga, a man who had nurtured Ngulube from his early days at Amakhosi, Ngulube was a man who had been destined for greatness. Like many rough diamonds from the rich dust of Mzilikazi and Makokoba, Ngulube had found himself at the gates of Amakhosi Cultural Centre with nothing to his name but a bagful of talent. 

“Dumi came to Amakhosi when he was a 14-year-old boy. He looked talented but neglected and came from the dusty suburb of Mzilikazi. All he wanted was to be a jazz musician. He played marimba with the ability of a genius and he aspired to be like Hugh Masekela and I told him that to be like Masekela you should train and that is how our relationship developed. He was a very disciplined and committed boy. I did not know that his life and talent would be so short. I actually saw the next Hugh Masekela in him,” Mhlanga said.

It was this relationship with Mhlanga that had seen Ngulube finally relocate to Harare where he was to eventually settle. 

“Dumi together with Clayton Ndlovu were seconded by myself to go and learn Ethnomusicology. After completion of the course, they came back to Bulawayo but there was a shortage of Ethnomusicology teachers at the college so they had to go back and teach. But I reminded him that his dream was to be like Hugh Masekela and that is when he formed Dumi and Amagetsi.” 

The student

Throughout his life, Ngulube was to earn high praise for his charitable nature. 

At his funeral, his long time friend and colleague Clayton Ndlovu had remarked that Ngulube was “an honourable individual who despite his limited resources always made an effort to reach out and assist not only his extended family but other artistes as well.”

It was Ngulube’s kind and giving heart that perhaps gave Zimbabwe, in Victor Kunonga, one of its greatest music gifts. 

“If we talk about Dumi Ngulube then there’s a fact that I have to state. I am what I am because of him. Basically there wouldn’t be a Victor Kunonga if it wasn’t for Dumi Ngulube. For me to be a part of the Saturday Pop Workshops at the Zimbabwe School of Music was because of him. 

“I was invited to the Saturday Pop workshops through a friend of mine. I was very late to the workshops and at that time I had not yet really found a path as an artiste. So Dumi was the contact person in those first days. So that’s just how instrumental he was for me personally at the beginning of my career. If he had not been there, my career is something that might not have happened,” he said

Kunonga admits that when he met Ngulube he was still largely a clueless novice who needed his hand held by a more assured and experienced artiste. The Kunonga from all those years is a far cry from the one who went on to work closely with and earn the admiration of Masekela, a man that Ngulube had always wanted to emulate. 

“Even when I had gone on with my career on my own, I always respected him because he was someone who gave everyone a chance. When he was settled in the capital, he would invite artistes from Bulawayo of a lesser name to come and perform in gigs that they wouldn’t otherwise get a chance in performing in. 

“The one lesson that I got from being close to Dumi was that everyone has potential. When I first came to him, Dumi didn’t know that I was capable or if I was only interested in making up the numbers. Not everyone who enrolled in those classes came up and did great. That’s the one great life lesson I took. Nowadays, when I work with people, their current status doesn’t matter much but I look at how much more they might go on to achieve in life with my help. That’s because Dumi treated me that way when I was starting out. 

The friend 

Like Kunonga, poet Chirikure Chirikure met Ngulube at the Zimbabwe College of Music. After a few collaborations, the two struck up a deep and lasting friendship.

“I was in good books with a number of colleagues that knew him so we would run into each other from time to time. We had performances together with me contributing the song lyrics or sometimes we would be co-composers of the songs that we made.

“This continued until we decided to form a band called Uya Moya which was a jazz outfit. In that group we had a number of musicians that have gone on to make a name for themselves. We had the likes of Lenox Sibanda and Dudu Manhenga in that group,” he told Sunday Life.

While some might remember Ngulube’s forceful voice, his deft fingers on the guitar or the precision of his hands on the drums, Chirikure remembers his laughter. 

“We became really close friends. He was a very affable character, very humorous. In fact, even when I’m speaking to you right now I can see Dumi laughing. 

“He was one of that rare breed of artiste that could play multiple instruments. He was very versatile as an artiste and he could play the drums, keyboard and guitar in addition to being a very good singer,” he said.

For Chirikure the painful end of Ngulube’s short life will always be a reminder that he never got to leave a house for his wife Lindiwe and children, Nothando and Mandla. 

“One of the saddest things about his passing was that it happened when he didn’t even have a house yet. One of his greatest passions was that he wanted to build a house and it was sad when he passed on without completing it,” he said.

Hi Sis Noe

MY girlfriend has cheated on me many times. I left her for that but she asked for forgiveness and I have forgiven her. I love her to death; do you think she has changed? Can I trust her? Has she learnt her lesson? Am I doing the right thing taking her back? — Cheated.

Reply

If you need to ask me a question like that then your love for her is blinding you. I want to ask you a question. If she was cheating on you with not one, but two other guys the first time around, what the, I will use the word “hell” for lack of a better word, would possibly make you think that has changed this time? Even if she has learned her “lesson” like you think, how long is that really going to last before she is looking for a new man or two on the side? Keep in mind that you found out about her little side deals, imagine if you hadn’t? You would still merrily sing love songs to her while she gets her jollies with the other guys. What if she does it to you again, but she is a bit smarter in hiding it? Imagine the other stuff she probably has not told you about. If she lies about who she is seeing, she probably lies about other things as well to you. Guess that is the chance you are taking. I would say she is not worth it, unless she comes up with some pretty amazing reasons why you should trust her again.

Hi Sis Noe

I am 22 and engaged to a man who is in the UK and he is promising to marry me next year. The problem is that I am having a fling with one of my superiors at work. He is married and has two children and is 44 years old. He tells me things I like to hear and treats me right more than my man does. Should I end the fling and devote myself to my boyfriend even though I have a lot in common with the man? — Confused.

Reply

There is a whole lot of stuff here that says end the fling. Right off the bat, you should not be marrying your boyfriend. If you are saying things about your fiancée like “he tells me things I like to hear and treats me right more than my man does” then you are not ready to be a wife. Let’s get real here, you are not even married and already both of you sound like you have fallen off the horse. As for that fool at work — this is a case of in the right place at the right time. Look at the scenario, he is 44 and you are 22, he is father of two and is married. Are these not signs that he is not into this as much as you think, or if he is, then he is a sick bastard? It’s so obvious that he probably is not happy with the home life factor, and at 44, a 22-year-old coming along and showing an interest is a perfect outlet away from that whole ball and chain marriage scene for him. It’s very easy for a married man who is not happy with his wife to sit and spill their heart out to a 22-year-old. It is also very easy for him to tell you the exact words you are looking for to get that warm fuzzy feeling, because trust me he has been there and done that years ago. He knows exactly what to say to get your little ticker going. If his current marriage was not on the rocks he probably would not even give you a passing thought. Let’s pretend it all goes your way and this fool wants to get serious with you, leaves his family behind to embrace you for eternal undeniable love. WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU GOING TO TALK ABOUT? You will die from boredom in no time. Wake up from this dream and love your man, your boss is using you.

Hi Sis Noe

Recently I married a 19-year-old woman. It’s now three months but she is not pregnant. Both of us are desperate for a child. Is there any help? — Worried.

Reply

Don’t you think it’s too soon to be anxious? I mean it’s only three months to be desperate. Pregnancy is a matter of chance. Conception does not always happen even if the egg and sperm are in the right place at the right time. The length of time it takes couples to conceive varies considerably — failing to conceive even after a year does not necessarily mean that something is wrong. The chance of getting pregnant during a woman’s cycle vary according to a wide range of factors: For a woman aged 20 to 25, the chances of conceiving are around 25 percent for each cycle (in other words, a one in four chance). Statistics prove that one in ten couples will take more than a year to conceive. One of the secret tips on getting pregnant really involves the woman’s monthly cycle . . . this should really not come as a surprise, but lots of women have probably forgotten lots of their basic biology. A woman ovulates once a month, and the ovum or egg last for approximately 12 hours. During this 12-hour period, the egg has to be fertilised or it dries up and is no longer viable. Obviously, then, having unprotected sex any other time of the month could not possible result in conception. It is only when you make love during the “12-hour window” that a couple can conceive — it’s really quite miraculous that a woman can even get pregnant at all.

Tafadzwa Gwetai

‘‘SOKO Risina Musoro — a tale without a head’’ is the name of the Zimbabwean exhibition at the Venice Biennale 2019. The exhibition title was derived from the late Herbert Chitepo an African Nationalist who was the first black lawyer in the then Rhodesia now Zimbabwe. VaChitepo was a creative at heart and wrote a poem that captured the hearts and minds of many in the literary field. The poem is described as being an epic poem by virtue of its structure and long “epic” nature.  What was even more significant was the fact that the poem was written in Shona at a time when Zimbabwe was yet to be born and at a time when African identity was evolving from colonial grips.

The poem is a narration of a traveller who is on a journey and has a potent message that can change the course of life. The poem creates a platform for dialogue and questions our existence in relation to our ancestors, challenges our very being as mortal beings and interrogates issues of African humanity and our origins. ‘‘Soko Risina Musoro — a tale without a head’’ exhibition is carefully woven into the 2019 Venice biennale overall theme is “we live in interesting times”. VaChitepo’s poem still has relevance to the now and how we still seek for belonging and how we trust blindly and selflessly in our beliefs and ancestors. Mankind is undergoing a lot of changes, uprisings and revolts, religious mistrust, broken lineages and distorted truths. Nature is also in revolt and is communicating to us the imbalances mankind has set in motion. ‘‘We live in interesting times’’ is a theme that artists from all over the world have been invited to interpret through their artistic creative colourful language. 

Zimbabwe is part of this great gathering of artists at the 58th Zimbabwe Pavilion at the La Biennale di Venezia 2019 for their fifth appearance. Championing our artist course at the  Venice Biennale 2019 is Kudzanai-Violet Hwami, Neville Starling, Georgina Maxim, and Cosmas Shiridzinomwa. Their creations interpreted the themes with such grace and artistic dignity. Their creations boldly  interrogate the state of the human condition from a perspective that comes from the artist and from a Zimbabwean vantage point. Raphael Chikukwa, chief curator at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe is the curator of “Soko Risina Musoro — A tale without a head”, Doreen Sibanda, executive director of the National Gallery in Zimbabwe, is commissioner of the exhibition. 

These are times when false truths and false prophets are being challenged as there is spirit of re-awakening among mankind. Science and technology have altered people’s beliefs and spirituality as memories have been created for us. Memories that are instilled into our minds and we inherit them and pass them on further. ‘‘Soko risina musoro’’  translates to a ‘‘tale without a head’’ and on many levels translates to ‘‘words without meaning’’ and ‘‘amazwi angela khanda’’. The metaphor being that there is a form of imbalance created by a lack of having a ‘‘head’’. The ‘‘head’’ being the truth and the source of all reason and that which is believable. We are consumed with many layers and angles of ‘‘tales’’ that we are taught and told. These ‘‘tales’’ are the words and lyrics that are used strategically to disorient and confuse the people. When people begin to question their purpose, their worth, their leaders and their faith, ‘‘words’’ without ‘‘meaning’’ are brought to light. Our artists from Zimbabwe re-engaged the dialogue VaChitepo initiated through his epic poem with the world on the Venice Biennale platform. 

It is incredible how VaChitepo was one of the founding fathers of Zimbabwe and a nationalist at heart. He also contributed to the Zimbabwean heritage through the arts and in his case through a poem of great symbolism and relevance to our current times. The power of the written word transcended and still resonates with us in these current times. VaChitepo aimed at raising and cultivating “Black consciousness” across Africa and its diaspora. His literature had qualities that raised an awareness in all mankind to be conscious of where they came from and to be vigilant about oppressive and deceptive forces. Our artists representing us rose to the challenge and shared their thoughts to the world. ‘‘Soko risina musoro — a tale without a head” exhibition explores the journey of African identity and how it has been shifting to suit the context. Art finds a way to narrate the stories of mankind and document the moments that challenge and celebrate their existence. Most of Africa’s stories have been preserved through words and mythical references. Art from Africa has finally reached platforms where our narratives can now be herd and studied with proper intellectual reference.   

“May you live in interesting times” is this year’s overall theme for the Venice 58th Biennale 2019 was curated by Ralph Rugoff and organised by La Biennale di Venezia. Saturday May 11th to Sunday November 24th 2019, at the Giardini and the Arsenale. Zimbabwe and Africa are fairly new to this platform as our creations have gradually been gaining their long deserved attention and recognition. 

Remember, ‘‘Legalise Art’’,  promote, permit, admit, validate, legitimise,  authorise. 

Feedback: houseofmenka@Facebook.com/ 

houseofmenka@gmail.com

Rumbidzai Mhlanga, Sunday Life Reporter

HARVEST Music Super Choir, a product of Harvest House International Church has recorded its second album.

The live DVD recording took place at the ZITF last week. The 28-song project is titled At the Altar, and will be launched on 30 August.

The choir, which is fast becoming one of the best choirs in the country is motivated by the way people loved and received the first album, Genesis.

“The first album was a success which means people love our music hence we pushed for the second album which will be available on the day of the launch. We love to sing and we compose our own songs although we also sing some songs from Joyous Celebration. Like I said we also have our own songs, composed by Harvest House International musicians. We have run what we call the Clash of Choirs where different choirs from all our churches compose, arrange and perform songs in a completion set up,” said Minister Suku Luphahla.

Minister Luphahla said the songs in the first album were taken from the competition.

“Our choir has 65 vocalists and 10 band members so far and that is not the maximum number,” she said.

One of the celebrated artists who is a product of Harvest House International Church, Takesure Zamar, was among artistes that  graced the event last week.

@ruekushie

Rumbidzai Mhlanga, Sunday Life Reporter

DETERMINATION, passion and faith is what encouraged Shylo Masamba nee Yassin to pursue her dream.

Born in a family of singers, Shylo became passionate about singing from the age of 13. She released her first album titled Ndinovimba Nemi on  27 May.

The album has eight tracks Rakanaka, Ndinovimba Nemi, Hlala lami, Hapana Chandiri, Nguwo ya Jesu, Wamuka, Garai Muripo and Mweya Mutsvene featuring Bulawayo Citadel Praise Team.

The 34-year-old gospel artiste related to this publication how she managed to change her dream to reality.

“I can say I was born a singer. I loved singing as a small child even at school I loved participating in anything musical. I wrote my first song at the age of 13 and as the years went by more and more songs came and the love for singing my own songs, hence from then I have been working on having my own album.

“After I completed high school I did some recordings, which I  kept as demos, each time I listened to them I would  pray to be better in future, however, the challenges I have been facing are financial that is why I took so long to get where I am today,” she said.

She said belief in God kept her going.

“My greatest inspiration is from Heavenly Father. I believe that he has blessed me with songs to bless others and I knew that I wouldn’t have done any justice to God’s love for me if I didn’t record. I have a very supportive husband, my family and my Pastor Jedmos Moyo who has always been following up and encouraging me achieve my goal. I’m grateful for everyone who has been there for me and helped me to be where I am today. I am also inspired by successful female gospel singers the likes Shingisai Suluma, Agartha Murudzwa, Bethany Pasinawako, Sharon Manyonganise among others,” she added.

@ruekushie

Raisedon Baya

THERE is a sad saying that goes something like “what’s not written down may never have existed.” The belief behind the saying is that if something is not there and there is no evidence it once existed then surely it never existed. Well, the saying may be very true in the arts sector. There are a lot of things, events, milestones, discoveries, that took place in and around Bulawayo in the sector that one would actually be forgiven to think they never happened or existed. We are all blank about it.

It is true that often times, history is distorted by omission — deliberate or otherwise. A good example is the political history of this country. Anyway, there is a lot of history in the sector that is missing. There are also a lot of distortions and blank slates that need to be properly filled in. For the literate and bookish the reality on the ground is that a lot of research, writing and documentation tends to concentrate more on one or two individuals, one or two institutions. Other efforts and important footprints are totally ignored, like they never happened or are completely irrelevant. I had a talk recently with a friend who lectures at one of the local universities about the need to encourage students to do a lot of their research projects and dissertations on diverse subjects so as to properly reflect on the realities of the sector.

For example what paper, academic or otherwise, has been written about Mthandazo Ndema Ngwenya and his pioneering work? Who talks or has written about the contribution the likes of Mthwakazi Arts Writers’ Association, (Mawa) or Iluba Elimnyama? Who talks of Salukazi Arts Centre and the artistes and art works that have been produced there? Who has done an extensive research about Umkhathi Theatre or Bambelela Theatre ensemble and their decades of activity and productivity? When will a proper book about Lovemore Majaivana be written? Who has researched and written about Cool Crooners or Black Umfolosi? Another friend, also interested in documentation and preservation, has been asking why there is nothing written about the likes of Madlezibabayo and Kembo. These are some of the pioneer comedians that created the first stand-up comedy skits in the region yet nothing has been said or written about them. They are obviously victims of omission perhaps, and by the same brush they have been completely erased from history. I could go on and give you a long list of old timers whose creative footsteps were erased or completely ignored by those privileged enough to have been documenting history.

I believe it is the duty of our local universities and the young academics to start digging and looking for nuggets of history, tracing critical footsteps that paved a way for what we now call the arts sector. There must be a deliberate and concerted effort to research and document arts and culture activities that used to happen at Renkini bus terminus a long time ago, the cultural activities that used to happen in beer halls, and other places. There were also critical activities in youth clubs. I am yet to come across something written down about the success of the youth club programmes that produced a lot of people who then went on to conquer the world as artistes. We honestly need that history told and documented. The early first steps in the sector must find themselves on book pages, on the internet, and on video so that those who decide to follow in some of the footsteps know exactly where the footsteps started and led to.

Perhaps the challenge we should give our researchers, academics and writers is to not short-change the sector by writing about the same person or institution or subject all the time. The sector is a big one and very diverse. Can that diversity and its richness be documented for future purposes?

As a sector we have always said Bulawayo has a rich history.  It high time we see this richness put down on paper or documented somewhere and somehow.

On a different note the RoilBAAs are on Saturday and arts focus wishes every nominee the best. To the general public this is an event to support. Buy your ticket and dress up and go and have fun.

Nhlalwenhle Ncube

ONE of the biggest fears in life is trusting someone then he gets to betray you. It is heartbreaking and for some, the lesson is in their memory. They never fully trust anyone again, not like they did before. They can’t bear the thought of going through that again. 

Whether it was a divorce, a lie, an affair, or a broken promise, the people we love can betray us in a thousand different ways. Some betrayals are like paper cuts that sting badly at the time but heal. Other betrayals cut us in half!

Some people have concluded that no one is worth being trusted because history always repeats itself after trusting someone. Truth be told, there is no free pass to trust if you really want things to work out.

To avoid being deceived, walked all over and used, always avoid giving trust right away. Falling in love sweeps you off your feet. When you are in love, you are in a different reality. Everything is beautiful; everything is right. Those rose-tinted glasses transform him from just another guy into your beloved, a knight and a hero among men. 

You can’t see your beloved clearly until the honeymoon period has worn off. Until then, you’ll only see the best in him. Those rose-coloured glasses distort reality just enough that we can’t be confident that who we see is who our beloved really is. 

It is wise not to trust 100 percent, accept the truth that at the beginning of every relationship, you see the other person as the best thing you have ever had and they appear flawless. You are in love and that’s how it works! Don’t give him all your trust right away, no matter how passionate you feel. Take it slowly. Wait until your vision has cleared before trusting him with the big things. 

You will know that you are seeing him more realistically when you start to see his or her bad points as well as the good. This marks the end of honeymoon. The period can feel like a bucket of cold water dumped on your head, but that bucket of cold water also wakes you up. It’s a shock, but it’s necessary. You have got to see the truth about one another eventually. 

In the harsh light of day, you will find that you can trust him on some things and not others. You can trust him to be faithful and care about you, but maybe not believe his word all the time and picking up the right groceries. And that’s fair enough. Trust should be realistic and that way, you avoid heartaches.

In life, don’t trust someone more than he respects you. Trust and respect go hand in hand. I know most people have got a tendency of challenging you saying, “Why don’t you trust me? Don’t you love me? You must not love me if you are not going to trust me on this.” This argument sounds convincing. Of course you love her, It makes sense that you should trust someone you love. Okay, then you will trust her on this, even though something feels off. You get forced to give trust a free pass even though deep down you feeling that something is off and after some time, reality will strike as that person who you gave all the trust will disappoint you. Do not let anyone manipulate you and get a free pass to trust.

Loving someone and trusting that person are two different things. Just ask any parent. You can love your children to the moon and back, but you are not going to trust them with matches or knives. Trust needs to be matched to specific situations and a proven track record. A person who respects you will understand that. They won’t pressure you into trusting them at once because trust takes time. 

The more your partner respects you, the more you can trust him. The less he respects you, the less trust he deserves.

The other important thing to take note of is that in trusting someone you are taking the risk. Remember a human being can change anytime and is unpredictable. No matter how careful you are, there’s always the chance of things going horribly wrong. The moment you love and trust someone else, you open yourself up to being hurt. You never know the outcome of it.

The greatest achievements often require great risks. Failures, wrong turns and despair litter the road to victory. Give yourself permission to get hurt. Accept the risks inherent in loving and trusting someone. Trust yourself to be strong enough. The best way to avoid getting burnt is to have knowledge that allows you to predict the future. Knowledge is power precisely because it lets you predict things other people miss.

Trust is the central pillar supporting any real relationship. Building trust in a relationship takes hard work and commitment. Trust requires that we listen and communicate our wants and needs to our partner. Above anything else, trust requires honesty.  Once trust is built, it should be maintained throughout. Once that trust is broken, it is almost impossible to go back to the way things were without the doubt and the fear of trust being broken again. A relationship that thrives on lack of trust will infuse uncertainties and insecurities in the relationship, either causing both parties to hate one another or the overall relationship to self-destruct.

Be cautious about who to trust. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t trust anybody,it simply means that you are aware that trusting someone is a risk and that risk can either create an everlasting love or destroy it. No free pass to trust.

Send your comments to womenforum460@gmail.com

Simon Gama

At this point in your training, you’re ready to take another step forward in the gradual progressive method of developing your body to its full potential. You’re going to start using the spilt system of training, working out four times a week instead of three. 

This will intensify your efforts, taking your body to new heights in muscle size, strength and endurance.

By now you may have reaped the full benefits of exercising your entire body in one workout three times a week. If that’s the case, following this plan further (of full body workouts) will defeat the purpose of the progressive resistance training system: If you keep adding weights, reps and sets to your workouts, not only will you overstrain your muscles, but they won’t have enough energy to exercise each muscle fully.

Such a situation can lead to lopsided development as well as deteriorate of muscle- and burnout. 

To avoid this, I have created the split system of training. At this time in your training it’s the safest way to help you, as it did all my champions. The split system will increase the intensity of your workouts, enabling you to avoid the above pitfalls.

The reason I want you to use this method is that you can work each muscle area more intensely, allowing it more time to recuperate fully before exercising it again. 

Every muscle is thoroughly worked, ensuring that your entire body improves in shape, proportion and symmetry, as I promised you it would. In using my split system of training, you will be working the upper body part than you would normally do when training your whole body in one day, allowing yourself to do more exercises and sets for each upper body part than you would normally do when training your whole body in one day. 

The following day you will only be working on your lower body, again allowing yourself the time to exercise each lower body much harder and more intensely. On the third day you will rest and repeat the workout process again on the fourth and filth days, resting again on the sixth and seventh day. 

Working out four times a week allows you to exercise every body part more intensely twice a week instead of working the entire body three times a week less intensely. You get longer rest periods, helping to induce faster muscle growth. My split system is your next step to intensifying your workouts for faster and more impressive muscular growth.

However, just when you’re able to start using this split system programme cannot be judged purely on a time basis. 

While it’s true that you will not be ready for it until you’ve completed three months of training on the first three courses, just because you have finished this training period is not, in itself, enough reason to make a change.

The guide for you to use is this: if you are still making good gains on your present routine, then do not make changes at this time. Rather, wait until you experience a slowing point in your gains, and then take a full week’s rest and start in with this routine. It’s wise to get as much as you can out of routine before changing to another. This is true for your entire training career, and it a good point for you to remember.

Only you can decide of you are ready for the split system of training. You may be ready to follow it now, after three months training, or you may not be ready for several months. Remember — don’t be too anxious to start on this split routine. You can always go to work on it, but it will not give you maximum benefits unless you have gone as far as you can on the first three programmes. And I repeat, you should take a full week’s rest before starting on the split system!

The purpose of the first three months of training on the first three courses was to give you these following gains: (1) added muscular bodyweight, (2) increased strength. (3) improved recuperation ability, (4) more energy and (5) the maturity to move on to more intense training.

In other words, once you have made the above gains and have exhausted the possibilities of the first three courses, you’ll be ready for more advanced training devised to give you even more improvement than before.

Naturally, for you to keep progressing in your training, you must be willing to work harder than before. 

However, since you are now much stronger and physically fit than ever before, you will actually enjoy this harder training, particularly if you make it a point to follow these rules.

1) Get 8-9 hours sleep each night; 2) Eat ample quantities of wholesome, nourishing foods. Be sure to add supplements to your diet; 3) Try to take a 30-minute nap each day. Do everything in your power to conserve your energy while following these courses for the next months. – Additional information from online sources.

Thobekile Khumalo, Sunday News Reporter

Like the motto states “home of all functions” Peniquila Gardens has managed to grow over the years to be the most preferred venue for functions in Bulawayo.

The garden is situated at 83 Hope fountain Road Waterford, Bulawayo. Last Sunday the venue hosted a Father’s Day function which attracted fathers from all over the country to celebrate their day.

In an interview, Miss Sithandazile Dube, a Director of Ceremonies who hosted the Father’s Day function said they chose a place that is clean and stylish enough to cater for any function.

“We chose Peniquila Gardens for the event we had this Sunday appreciating our fathers because it is a good place that is very clean and a peaceful environment fit for any function. 

“The owner of the garden provides you not only with the venue but also with her own staff for decoration and catering. At the venue you are also provided with everything that you might need in order for your event to be a success and the staff is well trained which is visible through their high standards of professionalism,” she said.

She also said the price of the venue is reasonable.

“The place has a reasonable price for booking and the owner of the place is an understanding person one can talk to in order to negotiate the price.”

She also said the event they hosted had a good turn up of fathers more than they expected.

“The function had a huge turnout of about 190 dads, not only from Bulawayo but different places in Zimbabwe,” said Miss Dube.

Miss Dube said this was not the first time they had booked the venue but had held other events there before.

“This was not the first time we did a project in the gardens, but we hosted a similar function for Mother’s Day and we were satisfied with the kind of reception we got,” she said.

Miss Dube said she encourages people to try out the place for their functions because it is a good place suitable for any event and very affordable. 

Rutendo Chidawanyika 

YOUR wedding is a special day, and you will always remember it. You will also remember the dress, it will be in your pictures and in people’s social media. Therefore it is important to pick a dress that complements your body type and fits the theme of your wedding.

Firstly, look for a dress that fits your height. Some dresses have lace or other type of embellishment at the bottom, so make sure they don’t fall at the wrong place. Petite brides look best in trumpet shape, sheath gowns, column dresses and narrow A-line cuts. Textures work well, but avoid calf length and drop waist designs as they will make your legs look shorter.

— Taller brides may prefer a bias or sheath dress. Strapless dresses may also work well if you are tall. Always make sure the sleeves and bottom are long enough to complement your body proportions.

— Plus size girls should pick empire and tailored dresses. These allow the dress to skim your body and give definition to your waist and help you flatter your curves. What also helps for plus size ladies; is to cut off the top part just below the breast, as this accentuates your upper body and draws attention away from the belly. Avoid pleating and oversized and/or unfitting gowns, which will add weight to your figure.

Choose a curved neckline if you are busty. A curved neckline will frame your face and collarbone and make your bust area a supporting feature. Avoid strapless gowns with straight horizontal necklines as well as fabrics with sheen ruching, they will make you appear heavier on top. Going strapless is possible for you, just pick a dress with boning or built-in corset to help the dress from slipping.

If you are pear-shaped or triangular, your shoulders will be thinner than your hips. Enhance your neckline and hide your hips. Deep necklines and strapless tops work very well for your body shape. The neckline should flatter your shoulders and bust. Sweetheart neckline do double duty by helping to augment your neckline and give you a chance to accessorise.

— Cinched waists and diagonally draped bodices will draw attention away from your hips. If you go with a cinched waist, you can choose a simple sash or add some jewels.

— Select an A-line bottom that will flare and add volume. Layers, ruffles and tulle can make your look pop.

If your body type is apple, you are full in the waist but your arms and legs are thin,  pick a deep V-neck to create a vertical line that will detract attention to the widest part of your waist. Go for bodices that are accented at the neckline with beading or embellishments. Ornamented bodices can visually add weight on top.

— Choose a high waistline. For an apple shaped figure, high waistlines will flow into the skirt, helping to give you an elongated figure.

— Opt for a flared bottom that turns into an A-shape, this will reduce weight on the waist.

— Hour glass! Go with a low-cut neckline, this style will expose your neckline ad will suit your figure. Choices include halter tops, v-necks and sweetheart necks. Choose a low drop waist or a ruched bodice. These will accentuate your curves and show off your figure. Select a mermaid silhouette or a trumpet skirt. These both work well for hourglass figures.

— Avoid straight cut dresses. They may be too snug for your curves and loose for your waist. Gathers and pleats can make your hips look disproportionate.

Set a budget — figure out how much you want to spend and be upfront with the salesperson so that you wont lose your heart in a dress you can’t afford. Your budget will determine the dress you can get. Fancy dresses with embellishments are usually much more pricey that a simple one.

Know the place and time of your wedding when shopping, this will help focus your search. If you are having a beach wedding, rule out ball gowns with long trains and dramatic sparkles. Avoid short slip dresses or anything that looks like it could be worn to a cocktail party. Most fabrics are suitable all year round but some such as linen and organdy are cooler in summer, while velvet and brocade are best left for winter.

Happy wedding gown shopping. — Additional information from Online sources.

Email: rutendochidawanyika3@gmail.com

Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday Life Reporter 

WITH the Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards less than a week away from holding their third edition, Saimon Mambazo Phiri, feels like the event’s founders are no longer in control of the ceremony. 

Like farmers watching the seed of a flower they planted grow, the five men who initially pursued the idea of the BAAs can only watch knowing that in as much as it belongs to them, it also belongs to those who come by once a year to criticise or praise its petals.

It is a product that not only belongs to the men whose hands tend to it, but to the passerby who is there to admire its bloom or, when the worst comes to the worst, its death. 

But before it was anyone could admire the BAAs for their glitz and glamour, they were just a seed germinating in the minds of Saimon Mambazo Phiri, Raisedon Baya, Nkululeko Nkala, Reason Rizzla Sibanda and Vusumuzi Siqalaba.

It is this seed, which comes into full bloom once every year, that Mambazo feels like they no longer fully control. 

Simon Mambazo Phiri

“The first year we were in control, the second we were partly in control but now we’re running a people’s project. We have had to learn that other people’s opinions matter even though it was our idea,” he said in an interview on the sidelines of Wednesday’s host reveal event where it emerged that comedian Nceku, model Samantha Tshuma and Lorraine Sibanda would be the main stage hosts of the event slated for 29 June at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.

Things were not always like that. At first, the ceremony’s masterminds were also plagued by doubt, unsure whether they could introduce an event of the BAAs nature to the city’s arts calendar. 

“The dream started way back. The idea was (conceived) like eight years ago. The idea was there but the question was how to make things happen because we didn’t have funds but three years ago we said let’s do this. The idea was not to pay people but to bring them under one umbrella and say let’s celebrate them,” said Raisedon Baya.

While the idea to host an awards ceremony for a city that had for so long cried of being sidelined when it came to arts honours, it  only truly came alive after another ceremony — the 2013 Nama awards held in the City of Kings for the first time that year.   

“So when we eventually got around to it four or five years ago, the calls were getting louder. When we did the Namas we had a taste of what it’s like to do these things. I was one of the people who, after that ceremony, felt we could do this. That particular event just rekindled a spirit that was already there. 

“When we did the Namas, even people in Bulawayo were saying we couldn’t host a ceremony like that in Bulawayo because we did not have the infrastructure but we did and so naturally it was easier for us to go back to the City Hall because we had already tried it,” said Phiri.

At first, Phiri said, the plan for the award lacked the focus that they would have later on. 

“When he (Raisedon) was pitching it to me it was so broad. They would be categories like Outstanding Footballer, Outstanding Businessman. It was a mouthful. Then a few years later Matsika (Megafest Business Awards) took the business side and I remember telling him that Raisedon there goes your idea. But this is the thing with ideas, there’s no monopoly to creativity. If you’re thinking of an idea probably a hundred other people are thinking of it,” Phiri said. 

Nkululeko Nkala

While the Namas gave the idea fresh legs, Phiri credits Nkala for keeping them on their toes and encouraging them to go through with the idea. 

“Among all my peers like Raisedon, it was Nku who really acted like the glue to keep us together. He kept on saying let’s do this because time is not on our side and in the end we ended up being the big brothers to him, big brothers we never had ourselves,” Phiri said. 

The project had many false starts and Nkala said it was from those aborted initial plans that he realised that not everybody necessarily needed to be on board with the idea. 

“For many years the idea of the awards had been muted by a lot of people. So when the Namas came we felt that maybe we could do it so we formed a shadow committee with the likes of me, Babongile Sikhonjwa, Mambazo and others who do events.

So we had a meeting and that was the end of the idea. We did this again two more times and that’s when maybe we realised that this wouldn’t work as a collective idea,” Nkala said. 

Nkala remembers those first days as he and Baya brainstormed about how they could bring the idea of an awards ceremony to life 

“When I was in Europe in 2016, I don’t know if it was because I was bored or whatever, I decided to get in touch with Raisedon who already had a concept around this. We started working on the concept, tweaked it and when I came back on 13 January (2017) I set a meeting for 14 January and told him we need to do these awards. The awards started at the veranda of Raisedon’s house. I asked him when we could hold the ceremony and he said we would sit down and decide on a date and I said no, we need to set a date. So we set a date before we had anything else decided. 

“So the first thing we needed to do was gain legality and so I got in touch with Siqalaba because we needed a promoter for this kind of thing or the National Arts Council would clamp us. 

I then told Raisedon that we needed to approach Mambazo and since he had been on the initial committee, I knew he would jump at the idea. A week or so later he suggested that we add Rizzla,” he said.

For Phiri, the award ceremony is now a triumph, a triumph that proves what can be achieved when people value actions more than words. 

“You know I call Bulawayo the city of ideas. You go to workshops and people have briefcases and laptops and during tea breaks they’ll say I want to see you about this idea. The problem seems to be the execution.  If you get to the awards on the 29th just know that we’re also equally surprised. 

If you get to the awards and you feel like they’re successful, we will feel like we’ve done a good job just because of the amount of battering we’ve had to do,” he said.

Organisers said advance tickets were selling well, with the general ticket going for US$5, VIP US$10 and VVIP US$15. 

Payments can be made in electronic money equivalent to the US dollars or RTGS dollars at National Art Gallery in Bulawayo and Zimbabwe International Trade Fair offices.

Sunday News this week ran a Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards (RoilBAA) competition and five lucky winners won double general tickets to the prestigious awards.

The five lucky winners were Collin Banda, Daniel Ntekula, Ingrid Nyathi, Awakhiwe Dube and Nqabeni Zondo.

Simon Gama

I would  like to answer several questions about women and bodybuilders that people have asked me over the years. 

It’s no secret that there has been an explosion of interest in weight training among women the past few years. 

Today there are almost as many women pumping iron as there are men!

There are some physiological differences between men and women with regards to bodybuilding. In general, men are stronger than women and have a greater endurance, primarily because they have larger hearts and their blood has more oxygen carrying molecules. 

Women are as strong in their legs as men when you consider their lower bodyweight. 

Many men train hard with weights, while many women shy away from going all out in the mistaken belief that they might harm their bodies, or might make them appear masculine.

I have often been asked if weight training can be used by women, especially now that more and more women are taking up weight training and bodybuilding for women is becoming a popular and highly visible sport. 

The answer to this question is an emphatic Yes! All you have to do is look at some of the great female bikini models, to see what I mean! 

There is no doubt that men and women are different anatomically and physiologically. But in many ways, they share a common physiological system. 

For example, women have basically the same complement of 600-plus skeletal muscles as men. 

Those muscles need exercise to remain strong and healthy, and they respond to progressive resistance training by becoming firmer, stronger and in shape.

The only note of caution I have for any new student (man or woman) is not to do too much too soon, especially if you’re not used to strenuous exercise. 

Remember this —  progressive resistance weight training is geared to having you work to your limit — never beyond it.

Other than this caveat, a woman’s body is designed to flourish when exposed to the proper programme of exercise, recuperation and diet, the same as a man’s. And when you follow the weight system, you can look forward to achieving results!

Differences in the sexes taken into consideration by the training system: On the average, men are larger and stronger than women, maximum oxygen intake is larger in men; Men have greater endurance due to larger hearts and move haemoglobin, maximum oxygen intake is larger in men; on the average, women are more flexible than men; Women usually have higher pain thresholds than men; Men are proportionately stronger in their upper bodies; Women are proportionately stronger in their lower bodies.

Physical Examinations

To be perfectly safe, anyone who has been physically inactive for more than a year as well as anyone who is over 35 years should have a thorough physical examination before he or she starts a weight training programme. 

Such an exam is intended to detect heart problems and other physical irregularities before they can cause you harm. 

I also recommend an electrocardiogram for everyone over 40 who plans to begin weight training.

It’s vitally important that you follow the advice of your physician on weight training and other exercise. 

You should follow your doctor’s advice even when it’s contrary to my own. 

Your doctor has examined you. I haven’t. –Additional information from online sources.

Lovert Mafukure

This just crossed my mind at one time as I was going about my everyday car business.  

There are people out there with serious power-plants in cars you wouldn’t expect to have serious power-plants — I hope that makes sense. What I’m trying to say is that there are people that drive their normal everyday cars not knowing that they have some of the world’s best engines like driving a car that has a Toyota Supra engine. Just in case you don’t know what a Supra is, it is a 2JZ GTE monster that creeps out all super cars!-That is the only way I know how to describe it.

There are many of these JDM cars that have some of these power plants  and we will look at some of them. By the way JDM stands for Japan Domestic Market and refers to all these cars we import from Japan that were meant for the Japanese Domestic Market but they find their way here through the back door.

Topping the list of the most iconic JDM engines of all time definitely is the JZ motor. There are two of them on the line-up namely the 1JZ and the 2JZ. There are many variations of these engines. The 1JZ has a GE version, a GTE version and an fse version which we are not going to dwell much on because it was never that popular. The 1JZ GTE is the 280hp motor found on the Toyota chaser tourer V — it is the baby Supra engine which is found in the mark 3 Supra as well. The same goes for the 2JZ, it has the GE, the GTE and the fse. The 2JZ GTE finds itself on top of the list of the best ever engines to come out of Japan. It is the engine that can easily handle 1 000 horsepower with mostly stock internals. 

You may be wondering what the difference is between a GE and an FE in Toyota engines. Well, Fe heads are designed for fuel economy high torque and power at lower rpm and a notable difference from the GE is that the timing belt/chain only drives one camshaft while the other is driven by a GE car. The GE heads have more power but at higher rpms and both camshafts are driven by the timing belt or chain. Having said that, the main difference between the 2JZ GE and fse was that the later was made for fuel economy and less emissions and it was confirmed to use 20% less fuel when compared to its GE counterpart. The GE was made for performance with no concern whatsoever for fuel economy. You have to respect it though because its the straight six cylinder engine that can outpace a V10 and can even par Buggatti veyron power outputs.

There is a good reason why this engine tops the list, its a 3-litre straight six engine that makes a lot power with little modifications and even over 20years later, it’s the engine of choice for most motoring enthusiasts. The JZ engine can produce and handle over 800Hp with a few modifications. There are very few production engines that can handle so much power without blowing up. So literally, this means that this engine is bulletproof. Most cars built for racing or drifting world over have 2JZ engines whether from factory or transplanted from other Toyota cars. The main reason they choose this engine is because of its high tolerance to abuse. You can imagine what the engine can do for you if you just use it for everyday business like going to work. It should last forever. The other strength of a straight six is that it is naturally balanced and runs smoother than any other engine configuration.

The simple looking Progres which is French simply meaning Progres does not look all that cute from the outside but its packing some goodies inside and under the hood. You could say it’s a luxury car because it comes with leather interior, real wood panelling, dual zone climate control, voice activated GPS (but I bet you would have to speak Japanese for that) and last but not least it comes with either a 1JZ or a 2 JZ engine and nothing else! Cool as that may sound, they only come with GE naturally aspirated engines and the models produced after 2001 have the fse engines, these were the D4 direct injection engines but hey they still are JZ engines.

When all is said and done, the 2JZ is not about miles per gallon but smiles per gallon. It makes up some of the best engineering pieces to come out of the 90s and up to today the 2 JZ still rules on the streets and on the racing circuits simply because it was engineered to endure all the abuse you can expose it to. Some spinners in south Africa are swapping iJZ GTEs into their Gusheshe BMW for he same reasons mentioned hereon — that should paint a clearer picture. Till next time. JDM ??

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