I am delighted to present to you this exciting January - April 2021 edition of MyZOUnews. In this issue, we share the various activities and on-going issues within the University Community, the ZOU Family.

A new season is upon us and it is a great time to re-energise ourselves for the challenges ahead. Let us accomplish our goals and objectives. Let's get to work!

Colleagues, our year started on a somber note, as we lost two staff members, Mr Ishamel Vingirayi and Mr Augustine Kudakwashe Mubika. May their departed souls rest in eternal peace.

Coming back home, colleagues, lets continue to help in flattening the COVID-19 pandemic curve through protective practices, so as to protect ourselves and others from this infectious disease. You can protect yourself and others by washing your hands frequently with alcohol-based hand rub or soap with running water, covering your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or flexed elbow, avoiding close contact with anyone with cold or flue-like symptoms, keeping a social distance of one metre and avoiding touching your face.

#Protect yourself and protect others, stay safe.

Till the next communique…

Stewart Mwandiwanza A/Director Information and Public RelationsTel: +263-242 793003/7/8.information@zou.ac.zw

Kindly share your success stories from your Unit so that we share with the rest of the University stakeholders in future publications.

Send your contributions to information@zou.ac.zw or kurwat@zou.ac.zw. Let your success stories inspire others! Thank you all who have contributed in the past, you have made this and earlier editions captivating!

Remember, Stay in touch! Staff Writer:T. Kurwa, A/Information OfficerTel: +263-24-2793003/7/8 Ext 239kurwat@zou.ac.zwYou may follow us on Facebook, youtube, Instagram, Twitter.

my my my newsnewsnewsmy newsJan - April 2021

Editors' NoteEditors' NoteEditors' NoteZOU aligns Strategic Plan to NDS1 2021 -2023

he University's senior members of

Ts ta f f , admin is t ra to rs and stakeholders held a Virtual

Strategic Planning Workshop aimed at aligning the University's blueprint with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) 2021- 2025. The two-day workshop, which ran from 10 – 11 February 2021, was officially opened by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Paul Henry Gundani.

n his welcome remarks, the Vice

IChancellor highlighted that the University's Strategic Plan 2019 –

2023 was not 'business as usual' but a practical plan as ZOU was poised to meet the NDS1 stated objectives by 2025.

“ZOU welcomes the NDS1 initiatives that collectively point to a transformative and inclusive development agenda... Fundamentally realigning the ZOU Strategic Plan 2019 – 2023 with the NDS1 would revitalise the University's focus on delivery of quality service to satisfy the needs of its clients and stakeholders…. An NDS1 accountability measuring tool, Monitoring and Evaluation, will be used to track progress towards goals, desired outcomes and outputs within various Units and Departments using a robust Integrated Results Based Management (IRBM) system.” he said

The workshop was facilitated by Mr. Leonard Mwaita, from the Zimbabwe Institute of Public Administration and Management (ZIPAM), on behalf of the

Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC). The workshop facilitator articulated the provisions of NDS1 and how the University's Strategic Plan 2019 – 2023 could fit NDS1 particularly Chapter 8. Chapter 8 of NDS1 speaks of how Human Capital Development and Innovation mirrored the primary mandate of the University.

The workshop resolved that the University should contribute to national development in the following areas:1. National Priorities i. Human Capital Development and Innovations ii. Governance2. National Key Result Areas i. Innovation and knowledge- driven economy ii. Public service delivery3. National Outcomes i. Specialised workforce ii. Increased innovation for industrialisation iii. improved access and utilisation of advanced knowledge and technologies4. Sectoral Outcomes i. Improved access to quality, equ i tab le and inc lus ive education ii. I m p r o v e d u p t a k e a n d application of STEM/STEAM subjects iii. improved ava i lab i l i ty o f specialised skills for industry, commerce, and public sector.

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Screen shots of the virtual strategic plan workshop in progress

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In his concluding remarks, Professor Gundani, said that he was delighted by the robust engagement from all stakeholders. He encouraged stakeholders to seriously implement the strategies outlined therein and embrace a new work ethic based on excellence, integrity, accountability, innovation, teamwork and customer focus.

“It goes without saying that corruption, lethargy, red tape and incompetence are not tolerated and real or imagined silos would be dismantled…. My plea, colleagues, is for us all to put our shoulders to the wheel and deliver an Education 5.0 University. An African proverb says, 'if you want to go fast go alone, but if you want to go far go together'. Let us work as a TEAM to achieve more. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, let us not lower our guard, rather let us continue to mask up, sanitise and practise social distance.”

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ZOU commemorates International Mother Tongue Day

On Sunday, the 21st of February 2021, the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU), Department of Languages and Literature in the Faculty of Arts, Culture and Heritage Studies, joined the rest of the world in commemorating International Mother Tongue Day. The theme for the year 2021 was “Fostering Multilingualism for Inclusion in Education and Society.” ZOU focussed on two topics, “Fostering Pride in the use of Mother languages to Promote Unity and Nation Building” and “The Role of National Languages in the Modern Era in Enhancing Socio-economic and Political Development in Zimbabwe, Southern African Development Community and Africa”. Different presenters from the Department contributed towards the mentioned themes. The institution participated and contributed radio content on Power FM Zimbabwe, which was broadcast on the day, with recordings done by the following presenters from the afore-mentioned Faculty:

! P r o f e s s o r E n n a S u k u t a i Gudhlanga! Mrs Angeline Mavis Madongonda ! Professor Chipo Chirimuuta ! Dr Nhlanhla Sibanda! Mr Peter Makwanya also

contr ibuted an ar t ic le on “International Mother-Tongue Day in the context of climate change” that was published in the NewsDay of 22 February 2021.

Prof Gudhlanga's presentation gave background information on the colonial and post-colonial language policies. The presentation exposed the reasons behind the shunning of indigenous languages, with English being accorded a prestigious

s ta tus as the l ingu is t ic too l o f administration.

Mrs Madongonda zeroed in on the persisting negative attitudes towards mother tongue and their effects on society; and why people continue to shun and denigrate their mother tongue forty years after Zimbabwe gained independence. In this light, she interrogated why indigenous languages are still viewed negatively, associated with labels and stereotypes such as backwardness, typical of strong rural background (SRB), as opposed to being “musalad” associated with English language proficiency, affluence and prestige. In that regard, she cited the education sector as being at the core of either eradicating or reinforcing the stereotypes.

Prof Chirimuuta focused on the positive effects of promoting the mother tongue in a society. She unpacked the term mother tongue as “that kind of language one comes into contact with at the point of inception, the language of mutual relationships, the language of life.” She underscored that where society fails to recognise mother languages, disharmony, conflict and insecurity are the resultant outcomes.

Dr Sibanda explored the role of national languages in the modern era in enhancing socio-economic and political development. He underscored the role of mother tongue and i ts s ign i f icance in nat ional d e v e l o p m e n t a n d i m p l o r e d t h e development practitioners to closely consider the use of mother tongue in fostering community participation and ownership of projects. Referring to

ZOU aligns Strategic

Plan to NDS1

2021 -202

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The 2020 – 2021 National Student Executive Council held an induction workshop from 3 - 4 D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 0 a t t h e Management Training Bureau in Msasa. The induction marked the commencement of duty by the new SRC.

The Dean of Students, Professor David Chakuchichi took the SRC t h r o u g h t h e i r r o l e s a n d responsibilities in order to ensure a seamless term of office. The new 11-member SRC is under the leadership of Moses Sibanda, from Manicaland Regional Campus.

The induction of the new student leadership board follows their successful bid for office in elections held to choose new members of the Student Representative Council after

the expiry of the previous council's term of office.

Professor Chakuchichi charged the newly elected SRC to run activities of the student Council in a transparent manner in line with best practices and to desist from unethical conduct.

“The positions you have assumed make you servants of your constituency, the student. Serve them wel l , ” sa id Professor Chakuchichi.

In response, SRC President, Moses Sibanda assured the University's Management that the SRC members would ensure a harmonious working relationship with the University M a n a g e m e n t a n d a l l o t h e r stakeholders.

2020 - 2021 SRC Inducted

Members of the 2020/2021 SRC pose for a photo with the Dean of Students, Professor David Chakuchichi (left), and members of the

Student Services Unit at the Induction workshop.

The full list of the new SRC members is as follows;

scholars such as Frantz Fanon who argued that “to speak a language is to take on a world and culture”, Dr Sibanda showed how one's mother tongue is tied to their culture and vice versa. Drawing from Ndebele mother tongue, he also discussed how values associated with peaceful coexistence in the families and nation at large could be fostered through proverbs and idiomatic expressions drawn from one's mother tongue.

It was pleasing to note that some of students from ZOU tuned to Power FM and followed the presentations. One of them, Tineyi Nyoni from Bulawayo Province had this to say, “Greetings Prof, was so excited to listen to your presentation on Power FM as we celebrate International Mother Tongue Day.”

ZOU extends its appreciation to the Executive Producer Current Affairs and Outreach, Hazvinei Sakarombe, at Power FM Zimbabwe for facilitating the community engagement of this magnitude. In appreciation of the perceived long-lasting community engagement, partnership and contribution by the Department on behalf of the University, the Acting Power FM Station Manager, Thabani Patience Gambiza, had this to say.

“On behalf of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (Power FM Zimbabwe) I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to ZOU for assisting in content for our station on the day. May this be a long-lasting partnership between both parties as we both appreciate our Zimbabwean arts, culture and heritage through Radio Broadcasting. Thank you to ZOU once again.”

ZOU commemorates

International Mother

Tongue Day

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HEALTH AND WELLNESSThe Zimbabwe Open University has moved a gear up in its efforts to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff and students through acquir ing a sanitising booth at the entrance of C o r n e r H o u s e . T h e m o v e complements national efforts in flattening the COVID-19 pandemic as the sanitising booth is self-dispensing, thus breaking the infection chain in line with WHO Covid-19 guidelines.

Other efforts by the University to fight the pandemic

!· Established a National Health and Wellness Committee to assist with the implementation of plan of action. Existing Health and Wellness committees in the Regional campuses have been mandated to take active roles in COVID-19 mitigations. The National Health and Wellness committee will also make recommendations on SOPs and protocols that need to be implemented in conjunction with Deans and Heads of Unit and other relevant stakeholders. The committee is led by the Dean Facul ty of Science. The committee is taking advice from t h e H e a l t h S c i e n c e s Department. The committee can be reached on 0775 108 581!· Disinfected al l universi ty facilities prior to opening the campus and there is regular disinfection of all university premises.!· S taggered s ta f f work ing schedules to maintain the recommended social distancing in the offices !· L a u n c h e d a C o v i d - 1 9 dashboard !· Provided face masks, hand sanitiser and temperature checks at all campuses

!· Continued to provide online support to students.!· P o s t p o n e d w r i t i n g o f examinations to allow putting in structures to prevent spread of infection among staff and students.!· Examinations undertaken using COVID 19 WHO guidelines

Mental Health and Wellbeing during COVID-19

Mental health is as important as the physical health. Several theorists have attempted to define the concept of mental hea l th . Maslow emphasised an individual's motivation in the quest for self-actualisation. He identified a hierarchy of needs with the lower ones requiring fulfilment before those at higher level. Maslow described self-actualisation as being psychologically healthy, highly evolved and fully mature (Maslow, 1970). WHO defines mental health as the state of wellbeing in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. For the purpose of this text, and in line with the framework of stress/ adaptation, Townsend (2009)'s definition is adopted where mental health is viewed as successful adaptation to stressors both from internal and external environment which are evidenced by thoughts, feelings and behaviours that are age appropriate and congruent with the local and cultural norms (Robert, 1983). Anxiety, fear of the unknown and uncertain future are some of the stressors that people are experiencing during this pandemic. While having a flue has been an everyday phenomenon, this has been a nightmare because one is not sure whether they have contracted COVID-19 or not. We al l have experienced these emotional issues at some time during the prolonged lockdown. And the degree to which we have been able to adapt to these changes

defines one's mental state. To help us maintain one's mental health, here are some tips:· Eat healthy, if possible, stick to your routine eating schedule and ensure you eat a well-balanced diet. Eat a variety of food, including fruits and vegetables. Poor diet may cause mood swings and lethargy. Make sure there is enough calories.· Drink plenty of water, at least two litres a day. Water has an added benefit of washing away all toxins in your body, reducing chances of getting constipation and improving blood viscosity thereby reducing incidences of blood clots.· Exercise regularly in your backyard with bodyweight movements or go for a walk or jog or workout with a jump rope. Exercise can make one feel happier and this is attributed to the release of endorphins. · Engage in activi t ies that enhance inte l lectual and cognit ive st imulat ion, for example playing chess, tsoro or computer games.· Reach out to others through social groups to avoid feeling lonely.

These tips are not comprehensive, neither are they conclusive. If you think you need someone to talk to call the ZOU Call Centre on +263 242 793003 or toll free number 08677311311 or seek medical help from your doctor.

Click the following link for more information on mental health from WHO:https://www.who.int/campaigns/connectin g - t h e - w o r l d - t o - c o m b a t -coronavirus/healthyathome/healthyathom e - - - m e n t a l -health?gclid=Cj0KCQjwirz3BRD_ARIsAIm f 7 L Ox r n Y 1 g y 7 L d 1 w y O c N 4 1 8 z -DHDBrCxoHbZsqLdweOgjPYosEbN1Re

Picture collage: 1) Staff member entering the sanitising booth, 2) Staff member washing hands, 3) Staff member inside the booth, 4) Staff member on the way out

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In Remembrance

The ZOU family was saddened by the loss of Mr Ishamel Vingirayi and Mr Augustine Kudakwashe Mubika. Both members of staff passed on after a short illness.

The late Mr Ishamel Vingirayi passed away on 13 January 2021 and at the time of his death, he was the Harare Regional Campus Programme Coordinator, Marketing Department. He joined ZOU on 1

June 1994, when it was still the distance college of education as an Administrative Assistant. He later moved to Chinhoyi University of Technology as the Assistant Registrar, Student Records

Management. He returned to ZOU as the Senior Assistant Registrar, Records and Registration Officer until 2010 when he was promoted to become a Marketing Officer, a position he served until

2017. In the same, year he moved to the Academic side to become a Regional Programme Coordinator within the Marketing Department, the post he held at the time of his untimely death. In

between, he acted in various capacities within ZOU.

The late Mr Kudakwashe Mubika passed away on 23 February 2021. He was the Regional Programme Coordinator, Education. He joined ZOU as a temporary full time lecturer in the then

Faculty of Arts and Education in 2001 and became a full time lecturer in 2004. He was appointed senior lecturer in July 2012 and retired in 2017. He was appointed a lecturer on post-retirement basis from 2018 and remained in that position until his death. Mr Mubika was a legend of the

struggle for black liberation, workers' rights, social justice and academic excellence.

These committed, ever cheerful and easy going cadres would be remembered for their immense contribution to the ODeL cause.

May their souls rest in eternal peace.

The Late Ishamel Vingirayi The Late Augustine Kudakwashe Mubika

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