See how it works
Book Kudzanai with Paydesk
Make your booking securely through paydesk for these benefits:
1
Preferred Booking Channel
Kudzanai is more likely to commit to assignments booked through paydesk, as it is a trusted platform that validates the seriousness and legitimacy of each engagement.2
Insured Bookings for Peace of Mind
We provide basic insurance coverage with each booking on paydesk, giving both you and the media professional confidence and protection while they work for you.3
Effortless Online Payment
Paydesk offers a payment protection system to ensure payments are only finalized when you are satisfied with the job completion. Freelancers trusts our process that guarantees their efforts are rewarded upon successful delivery of servicesStill have questions?
Check FAQAbout Kudzanai
I am a multi-media freelance journalist based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, with well over ten years’ experience in print and radio journalism. I initially pursued a career in teaching, but after an increasing interest in journalism in the intervening years, I went back to college and graduated from a public journalism school in the country in 2002. I share the view of famous British playwright Tom Stoppard who once said: “I still believe that if your aim is to change the world, journalism is a more immediate short-term weapon.” Since November 2006 I have been a regular stringer for a radio station that broadcasts to Zimbabwe from outside the country. The station, established in 2003 with the help of some journalists living in exile, has become a credible, popular alternative to the propaganda churned out by state-owned electronic media in the country. The state has had a stranglehold on electronic media from the time the country attained independence in 1980. In spite of a seemingly endless and much reported cycle of socioeconomic problems, I believe there is still a lot to report on in Zimbabwe, especially from Bulawayo, the country's second biggest city where I am based. Amidst the doom and gloom that the country’s current situation often evokes, Zimbabweans, who have earned a reputation of being resilient in the face of adversity, still find ways to get by, doing their best to take care of their families’ daily needs, still sending their children to school, holding on to the hope that things shall be better soon. Such a situation, no doubt, provides a rich basis for several inspiring stories, some of which I have been able to capture and keenly strive to continue doing so for as long as I can.
Video Package (Web / Broadcast)
Audio package (Radio / Podcast)
Interview (Video / Broadcast)
Portfolio
The women behind Zimbabwe’s striking hut painting art
In the Matobo region of Zimbabwe, women like Peggy Masuku are gaining international recognition for their traditional hut painting art. This cultural heritage, once a routine task, is now being commercialized through initiatives like the Matobo Collection, supported by the German Embassy and local organizations. The art, which has roots in Ndebele traditions, is being incorporated into fashion and design, providing income and preserving cultural identity. Younger generations are also learning the craft, ensuring its continuation and evolution.
The Women Behind Zimbabwe's Striking Hut Painting Art
In the Matobo Hills of Zimbabwe, women like Masuku are gaining recognition for their traditional hut painting art, which is now being incorporated into fashion and designs sold internationally. The My Beautiful Home competition and projects like the Matobo Collection, supported by the German Embassy, are helping these artists earn income and gain international exposure. The initiative also involves intellectual property support to ensure fair compensation for the artists. The art, rooted in Ndebele tradition, is evolving from its original communicative purpose to a focus on aesthetics, with younger generations learning the craft.
Zimbabwean schoolkids cycle past elephant danger
Children living near a nature reserve in northwest Zimbabwe face dangers from wild animals like elephants and hyenas on their way to school. To mitigate this, park authorities and the International Fund for Animal Welfare have provided bicycles to shorten travel time and reduce exposure to wildlife. The initiative aims to ease tensions between the park and local farming communities, who suffer from wildlife-related injuries and deaths. Conservation efforts have led to a growing elephant population, with Hwange National Park housing 65,000 elephants. Additional measures include setting up predator-proof livestock enclosures and a proposed compensation fund for victims of wildlife.
The women behind Zimbabwe's striking hut painting art
In Matobo, Zimbabwe, women like Peggy Masuku are gaining international recognition for their traditional hut painting art, which is now being incorporated into fashion and design markets in Europe. The My Beautiful Home competition and initiatives by the German Embassy, in collaboration with Zimbabwe's National Gallery and Fashion Council, are helping to commercialize these designs through the Matobo Collection. This project not only provides income for the artists but also raises awareness of this unique cultural heritage. Younger generations, such as Nozipho, are learning the craft, ensuring the tradition continues.
The women behind Zimbabwe's striking hut painting art
In the Matobo region of Zimbabwe, traditional hut painting, led by women like Peggy Masuku, is gaining international recognition. The art form, rooted in Ndebele tradition, is being promoted through initiatives like the My Beautiful Home competition and the Matobo Collection, a project supported by the German Embassy, Zimbabwe's National Gallery, and the Fashion Council. These efforts aim to preserve cultural heritage while providing economic opportunities for local artists. The project has successfully introduced these designs to markets in Zimbabwe and abroad, particularly in Germany, offering artists royalties and licensing fees. The initiative also involves intellectual property support to ensure fair compensation for the artists. The tradition is being passed down to younger generations, ensuring its continuity and evolution.
Zimbabwean Youth Use Art to Combat Drug Abuse, Support Mental Health
In Bulawayo, a township in Zimbabwe, a youth organization named Yellow World has created a mural to raise awareness about mental health and combat drug abuse. The program coordinator, Michelle Mulingo, and program director, Pride Mujoli, emphasize the importance of addressing mental health issues, which are often stigmatized in their society. Zimbabwe faces a growing problem with drug and substance abuse, particularly among youths, exacerbated by high unemployment and economic challenges. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has announced government funding to tackle the issue, including the establishment of public rehabilitation centers. Yellow World is also engaging in outreach by visiting schools and youth centers. Independent counselor Kuda Kunze calls for more government support, including infrastructure for rehabilitation and more counselors. Police have initiated a program to arrest drug peddlers and users, but there are concerns about the effectiveness due to the alleged powerful connections of some involved in the drug trade.
Zimbabwean Conservationist Expands Skills at Disney World
Blessed Gundo, a 30-year-old from Zimbabwe, has dedicated his life to wildlife conservation and cultural exchange. After training at the Zimbabwe Institute of Wildlife Management, he became an independent guide and conservationist. Gundo is currently participating in a cultural exchange program at Disney's Animal Kingdom in Florida, where he educates visitors on the importance of conservation and shares his Zimbabwean culture. He is actively involved in anti-poaching efforts and has participated in awareness campaigns such as the 'Ivory Belongs To Elephants' walk across Africa. Gundo advocates for the protection of elephants and opposes lifting the CITES ban on ivory trade. He calls for increased private sector involvement and public awareness campaigns to promote conservation in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe's Elephant Population Crisis and the Controversial Ivory Trade Debate
Zimbabwe is facing a significant human-wildlife conflict due to its growing elephant population, estimated at 100,000. The country has the world's second-largest elephant population, leading to increased encounters with humans, as evidenced by the 60 people killed by elephants this year. Hanganani Gideon Dube, a 75-year-old cattle herder, was severely injured in an elephant attack and can no longer work. Zimbabwe's government, represented by Fulton Mangwanya of the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, is advocating for the legal trade of ivory at a conference in Hwange. They argue that the sale of their $600-million ivory stockpile could benefit conservation efforts and local communities. However, there is international opposition to lifting the ban on ivory trade, with the EU, America, and Britain against it, while China and Japan show support. Zimbabwe has threatened to withdraw from CITES if the ban is not lifted.
Zimbabwe's ballooning jumbo herds a growing threat to humans
The article discusses the growing conflict between humans and elephants in Zimbabwe, where deforestation and poaching have led to increased encounters with the local population. Zimbabwe boasts a large elephant population, which has led to overpopulation and habitat encroachment. The country is seeking to lift the ban on ivory trade to manage the elephant population and benefit local communities. In a separate but related incident in Indonesia, a critically endangered Sumatran elephant and its unborn baby were found dead, suspected to be poisoned. This highlights the ongoing battle against wildlife crime in the region. The article also touches on the international debate over the trade in ivory and elephants, with various countries holding differing views on the matter.
Economic Impact of South Africa's Unrest on Zimbabwe's Industry and Trade
The article discusses the potential economic impact on Zimbabwe due to a decrease in diaspora remittances from South Africa (SA) and the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns. It highlights the reliance of Zimbabwe on SA for raw materials, with 58% of imports coming from SA. The CEO of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), Sekai Kuvarika, expresses concerns about the impact of unrest in SA on Zimbabwe's industry, which has seen improved capacity utilization recently. The article also touches on the unequal trade relationship between Zimbabwe and SA, with the latter being the former's biggest trading partner. It mentions the types of goods exchanged between the two countries and references a World Bank report on trade partners.
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium
doloremque laudantium,
totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur?
doloremque laudantium,
totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur?
Want to see more portfolio samples?
Sign up to paydesk, it’s free!
Log In
Sign Up
×
Kudzanai's
confirmed information
✓
Identity
Verified using government ID
Feb 2024
Feb 2024
✓
Financial institution
Verified Oct 2016
✓
Phone number
Verified Dec 2017
✓
Joined
Oct 2016