Know your authors: Profile of Costain Tandi

By Brian Maregedze

Advanced levels students undertaking Humanities subjects usually struggle with identifying authors who contribute to their academic well-being. Fortunately, today I have good news particularly to those students studying History, Sociology and Shona. This is important to know and have in your file for research at advanced level. As some students are reflecting on what they can do after attaining their excellent grades, learning from others can be well enlightening.
Thanks to the New Curriculum, for some voices are now emerging to the readers and worth embracing. Constain Tandi has written 20 articles in internationally refereed journals, author of more than 10 textbooks and his research interests include but not limited to Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Climate Change and Variability, Rural Poverty, Agriculture and Community Development. The profile is being shared at a time when a number of advanced level students received their November 2018 public examinations results under the Zimbabwe School Examination Council (Zimsec).

Costain Tandi is a Graduate teacher for advanced level, History and Sociology as well as Head of Department (Humanities) at Rufaro High School in Chatsworth, Masvingo province in Zimbabwe. Tandi is well decorated academic and educationist with;

~Masters of Arts Degree in Development Studies from Midlands State University,

~Bachelor of Arts 4th year Honours (History) - Great Zimbabwe University,

~Bachelor of Arts General Degree - University of Zimbabwe,

~Graduate Certificate in Education - Great Zimbabwe University,

~An Executive Certificate in Project and Program Monitoring and Evaluation- University of Zimbabwe and

~An Executive Certificate in Project Management from the University of Zimbabwe.

Books written by Tandi include;

Tandi, C & Mawere, M. (2018).People-Centred Public Works Programmes:  A Strategy for Poverty alleviation and rural development in sub-Saharan Africa, Bamenda: Langaa research & publishing.

Tandi, C. 2018. New Trends in History, Form 1, Harare: Edulight Publishers.

Tandi, C. 2018. New Trends in History, Form 2, Harare: Edulight Publishers.

Mawere, M, Tandi, C. 2017. Total Sociology Book One, Harare, Priority Projects Publishing.

Mawere, M & Tandi, C. 2017. Total Sociology Book Three, Harare, Priority Projects Publishing.

The above are some of Tandi’s works. However, he has also contributed in Guidance and Counselling whilst some of his books are upcoming. Tandi is also currently studying for a PhD studies in Development Studies (Community Development specialty), with Tilburg University, Netherlands. Personally, I am inspired by Mr Tandi not only by his academic contributions but also his wealth of experience spanning over a decade as a teacher. It’s wise to learn from those who walk the talk.

Brian Maregedze is an author, historian and columnist.
Feedback; bmaregedze@gmail.com

Career matters: Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket

By Brian Maregedze

In the past year, I was invited to speak on Career matters and specific subjects in the humanities by a number of schools, namely, Kwenda High School, Howard Mission, St Columba’s High in Honde Valley, Seke 1 High school, Seke 4 High school, Seke 5 High School, Cranborne Boys High school, His Mercy Christian College, George Stark among others around the country. Due to circumstances beyond my control in certain scenarios, I didn’t manage to visit other schools from which invitations were made available, apologies. Questions on programmes to pursue after excelling at advanced level were averagely not many as some students doubted their potential, some were worried about their financial background but the reality has now knocked on every candidate who sat for the 2018 advanced level public examinations. Results are out, what next? In the past week, I have received over 100 WhatsApp messages and calls from different students in different parts of the country enquiring about the “proper degree” to apply for, some are still making efforts to have access to their results due to some pending issues with their respective schools, whilst there is crisis of expectation for a number of reasons. To those who are heart-broken and still in disbelief, I believe this blog post is for you. Parents/guardians, teachers and candidates had their various positive expectations. What can be done as some of those dreams haven’t materialized?

I have previously written on some programs offered by the University of Zimbabwe in the Faculty of Arts, department of History (https://humanitiesspecialists.blogspot.com/2017/07/history-major-career-opportunities.htm? and department of Economic History (https://humanitiesspecialists.blogspot.com/2017/12/economic-history-degree-to-pursue.html?). For more information, it’s vital to use the link; www.uz.ac.zw/index.php/faculties-units/arts/208-arts-programmes, for full details on entry requirements to the University of Zimbabwe.

Therefore, I encourage readers to utilise this opportunity to revisit the posts so that one is assisted in making a wise decision on career matters. It’s no doubt that thinking of the degree you want to pursue without the result slip and with-the result slip are two different contexts.
Firstly, I say congratulations to all those who are happy with their deserved hard work. As a University of Zimbabwe (UZ) alumni, I can only remind and or inform potential UZ candidates that undergraduate programmes now have one intake which is in August.

In the past two years, UZ had embarked on a two intake recruitment approach which they eventually dropped. However, this does not stop potential candidates to start applying for the career programmes of their choice. This is the time to apply. Make hay while the sun shines if you have collected your results. The application form is only $20. The pass rate for the 2018 November public examinations is 81.9% and this implies that competition for places at the most prestigious university in Zimbabwe do exist.

As long as you passed particular subjects, it follows that you have your place at tertiary level. You can still pursue your studies. I have also engaged with some students who think they can add up their grades cum June 2019 to cover up for the 2018 November public examinations which may not have materialized as expected. The will to push ahead and never give up under tough circumstances defines and shapes our capacity to be responsible citizens. Focusing on that which one desires to attain remains our primary goal.

I understand that whenever one submits an application form, options are offered. It is advisable to apply programmes that raise your chances for acceptance rather than to apply for a programmes which demands higher grades than those you have. This step actually destroys your chances of having a place at the university and a wastage of resources takes shape. Paying a visit to UZ is a MUST so that you avoid many myths about the academy that some students have. My high school tours in some parts of the country through workshops as a resource person helped me to listen to some of the views that some students have, which may be misleading. As such, I encourage potential UZ candidates to apply and live their dreams. Above all, if your first option didn’t materialize in terms of grades, it’s also possible to try other options- DON'T PUT ALL YOUR EGGS IN ONE BASKET

Brian Maregedze is an author, historian and columnist. Email; bmaregedze@gmail.com
Mobile details; +263779210440.

Robert Mugabe defeats four prophets?

By Brian Maregedze

It has been a while since I posted on Humanitiesspecialists.blogspot.com. Firstly, I can say compliments of the new season to readers of this important blog. Although the year has started with uncertainties on a clear path in Zimbabwe’s education system particularly with civil servants salaries issue dominating the print media, education has to be however pursued against these odd circumstances. Interestingly, to those in Harare you can now find me at Valley Crest Academy, situated in Waterfalls-Park town, along Masocha Ndhlovu road. More importantly, along the next few weeks, am expecting a dose of motivation from Advocate Arthur Marara in the form of an e-book as per now tradition in January. Today’s blog post pays attention to a story carried by Bulawayo24.com written by Mandla Ndlovu, Robert Mugabe defeats four prophets (08.01.2019). In three days the story already has over 1000 views and I found the story worth reflecting on. Is the story significant in light of its title and having a Zimbabwean society still confronting the past ‘death wishes’ on the life of Robert Mugabe whenever he was on leave? Above all, isn’t the story a work of sensational media reporting of the 21st century or some information worth engaging intellectually can be addressed both in Divinity and or Family and Religious Studies discussions?

Church leaders in Zimbabwe, namely, Apostle Johnson Suleman are reported to have prophesied that the former president of Zimbabwe, Robert G. Mugabe would die in 2018; Prophet Itai Ukama of Abundant Life Ministries was reported to have seen Zimbabweans gathering to mourn on the 3rd of December 2018; pastor Ian Ndlovu of Divine Kingdom Ministries was also reported to have been given a message of a father figure in Southern Africa departing, although exact date isn’t given and finally prophet Sham Hungwe was reported to have noted that;
“I am seeing the spirit of the late political leader ‘R’ calling another spirit of a living political leader ‘R’ to a resting place and this will happen by July.”
Mandla Ndlovu concludes the story by reporting that despite these prophecies, former President Mugabe has remained the last man standing.

The above four narratives seem to have some challenges especially with an open mind to events surrounding claimed prophecies on Robert Mugabe. In an article by Mediel Hove and Vincent Chenzi (2017), Robert Mugabe labelled those claimed prophets critical of his authority, ‘prophets of doom.’ Even the biblical Amos, an 8th century prophet attracted the same label ‘prophet of doom’ after making various pronouncements against the people of Israel (Amos 2:6ff) and other nations due to their transgressions against Yahweh.

I found the title used by Mandla Ndlovu misleading since the report supposes that one can be labelled a prophet by claiming that anyone who makes a prediction is a prophet. For instance, Pastor Ian Ndlovu, what makes him a prophet to fit the title of the story? What makes a prophet a prophet?
On another note, the conclusion by the reporter suggests that the so-called prophets were defeated by Robert Mugabe. Also on my Facebook post on the same topic, Archieford Mtetwa, my academic senior and an expert in Old Testament Studies argued that such claimed prophecies being grounded on ‘simply false positive prophets/sons of Sceva (Acts 19:14-16), a synagogue of Satan (Rev 2:9 and 3:9), sons of perdition.’

I also note that, the claimed prophets didn’t defeat Robert Mugabe but rather made self-defeating statements in the name of predictions.  The story reminds me of the need to engage with the debate between true and false prophets among learners. From a related study, particularly Obvious Vengeyi (2013), argued that the difference between true and false prophets is the same. As such a compromise or stalemate is reached thereby dropping the whole narrative by Mandla Ndlovu making it futile despite opening up to the idea that predictions made about death of Robert Mugabe have been in vain. The story may offer an entry point to the topical issue of true and false prophets, focusing on their features/characteristics.

For feedback, email; bmaregedze@gmail.com

To those who may have interesting stories to engage on this blog, don’t hesitate to call/app +263779210440.

The Historian Orator- Mr Muso

By Brian Maregedze
The pedagogue of History and historiography from primary to tertiary level remains an indispensable facet in our everyday life not only in Zimbabwe, but, the world over. To some, history as a subject is pursued for the acquisition of knowledge(s) in a way to uphold the heritage of a people. Three years ago at a High school Seminar organized by Advocate Arthur Marara in Harare, l met with the Historian Orator, Manners Msongelwa a.k.a Mr Muso. With Mr Muso, the learning of History is not only for fulfilling public examinations demands but for everyday living and sharing of long lasting memories. It is no wonder in his social media circles, Mr Muso offers reading material whenever possible and yes, as a teacher by heart, he also belongs to the pioneers of the History Teachers Association. Mr Muso is currently the President of History Teachers Association of Zimbabwe. An interesting dimension added to his work ethic is that of inspiring his students with a strong moral ethic as a foundation to excel in all academic and life endeavors. It is on this accord that it is paramount to pay a tribute to his contribution. Moreover, it is imperative to acknowledge his genuine intellectual role in building a primary source of understanding our past, reclaiming its significance in the present to map the future.
We are living in a swiftly transfiguring world such that emphasis on historical teaching seems in some circles to be trivialized. During the first generation of Zimbabwe’s independence, the learning of history has undergone various transformations. The major being the introduction of the New Curriculum as per recommendations from the Nziramasanga Commission which sought to ground the education system in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKSs). The Hillside trained teacher, Mr Muso, has made an inspiring initiative from which learning of history goes beyond the vicinity of school yard. The pedagogue of history has been made easy since Mr Muso created History audios and video learning material covering a miscellany of both African History and Regional and International Affairs topical issues. The audios and video learning material are also affordable such that everyone interested in learning History can buy and access them without any obstacle countrywide. This is in sync with global trends in embracing information communication technologies (ICTs) in the education sector.
More interesting is how Mr Muso has revived the ‘Von Rankian’ Seminar approach to the learning of History at high school in a way that he has become the Historian Orator of the New Curriculum. Based on high school History Seminars I have since attended since with Mr Muso as the Host Speaker, it is undeniable that his indefatigable oratory skill and engaging energetic stance distinguishes him to stand among the best speakers that learners enjoy having around. With his reverberating tone when delivering lessons, testimonies of students on his credence aloft. Beyond the comforts of home in Kwekwe were he is based, Mr Muso will be taking two weeks in Harare at Career Management Centre, located at Corner Jason Moyo and Leopold Takawira delivering elevating History lessons for advanced levels. His lessons commence on 17 December 2018 to January 2019. In celebrating the Historian Orator- Mr Muso.

Brian Maregedze is an author, historian and columnist. Author of; A Guide to Sources of African History: For Advanced Level Examination Candidates, 2018. https://www.amazon.com/Guide-Sources-African-History-Examination/dp/1985640600,  Link to the e-book. Researcher with Leaders for Africa Network (LAN), a Pan African think tank. Membership with Zimbabwe Historical Association [ZHA]. Comments, email; bmaregedze@gmail.com