The Centralite

2016 Hi guys Ii think the picture right next to this word best describes what the feeling of this magazine is. When you think back to all the child prodigies and musical greats. The music didn't just define them but it sets them ablaze and in turn our hearts burned within us.

You don’t smash the guitar at the start of the show, you do it when people have clapped and their palms hurt. You do it when people start throwing shoe laces and roses (amongst other things) at you. That’s the moment when the corner picture makes sense.

I recently had to answer the question which any fool can ask never endingly and leave any wise man stoned. Why? Perspective is what I had when I could answer why every- thing else is manageable.

Editor

utgoing OPresident’s Message Wow Rotary Year 2015-2016 is over already… unbelievable. It has indeed been a rollercoaster year for the Rotaract Club of Harare Central.

When we started the year the first thing that came to my mind was membership, membership, membership. How are we going to do this I asked myself, but as we look back at this awesome year Harare Central has a membership that has gone strong in leap and bounds. I would like to say to all those who pulled their socks to keep the club running, give yourself a pat on the back. ‘Being a Gift to the World ‘is not exactly an easy thing but I am sure if all of us look back, we were a GIFT to someone. The memories in Harare Central never seem to fade; where do I start, Kariba some of us got to camp for the first time, Mazvikadei some of us got to cook for the first time however the greatest of all was the teamwork that was shown this year, yes we had our squabbles but guess what we came out stronger.

As we enter the new year let’s build on this momentum for this beloved club and I sincerely wish our incoming president, the best Vice President a very much fun filled successful year.

I was a Gift to the World hope you were too…. ncoming President’s Desk

I Fellow Rotaractors, I'm most humbled by the confidence you have shown in me and all the other members who have been se- lected to be the board members for the year 2016-2017. I would like to thank you for awarding me the opportunity to be Presi- dent of the most prestigious club in the district, Rotaract Harare Central! To all those who have been selected, I would like to let you know that the titles that have been given to us do not make us kings and queens, but simply mean that we now have to take a greater share of responsibility. Our work in Rotaract does not change, what we joined Rotaract for is what we continue to do but the only difference now is that there is no more room for excuses.

We all know that Rotaract is a voluntary organization and our success thrives on one thing only: commitment. To volunteer is to commit and this means giving your time and skills to a cause. We have come together to take action in our communities, to develop our leadership and professional skills, and to have fun. So the question we should be asking ourselves is what am I doing to achieve the above, rather than what has the club or the leadership done. We all have our part to play and the most important thing we want from you is your word. Great projects always start with a word because if no one says anything, then nothing gets done. Every member has an equal say to what can be done. The club needs you to contribute your ideas but above all, you also need to participate in developing those ideas into real life projects.

Fellow Rotaractors and friends, as we face the year ahead of us, I invite you to be part of the history that we are going to make as the Rotaract Club of Harare Central. Our work is tough, but as good friends, we will face the tides together. We want to continue growing our mem- bership and this responsibility is upon us all. We all have friends, at work at church and at our homes. It is our duty to identify the people we believe to share the same vision as ourselves and invite them to be part of this great fam- ily of Rotaract. If every member is to bring in one new member this year, our membership will not only double but the impact we have in our communities will be greater too.

We all know our strengths and interests, it's high time the world benefited from those, step forward and let the club know about what you can do and together, we can change the world!

Professional Development and International Understanding

Professional development was at the heart of the committee and its meetings were the epitome of this. Introducing us to a spectrum of young professionals who are working hard in the community and making strides in their careers and professions. It highlighted both developing within ones profession and how talent can open doors. Though the height was its grooming session. When you wake up and the whiskers are trimmed, you know you have been turned into a professional.

Their work however was greatest on social media revamping the central website and giving it a make-over, it now has a bold new look and is regularly updated. Add a twitter page to that and we have a voice on all platforms. It went further to introduce the Heads Up, a fortnightly bulletin updating the club on all the things fresh in the club. The digital footprint of the club has spread over the past year and the continued use of these platforms will open great doors.

On the international front, by maintaining the RCHC Movember page we have managed to reach out and connect with a British club over and above the Australian link. Though work now need to be put in to develop our international relations and make the project and any other that we endeavour bigger and bolder.

Looking to the future it should be noted that Rotaract gives us the platform to meet new friends but apart from that, it helps expand our professional networks and to those who exploit these opportunities, Rotary is the beginning of successful careers. An important step for every Rotaractor is to find themselves a Rotarian mentor, someone who not only guides you through the activities of Rotary but through whatever profession you are in. One important thing to note is that no Rotarian will come looking Rotaractors to mentor, it is your own responsibility to find a suitable mentor in Rotary and the place to start is a Rotary meeting.

The new year beckons and the committee is raving its engines ready to concur the challenges that lay ahead. With a bold mandate and fresh ideas it seems the words of The Notorius BIG sound out to them “the skies is the limit just keep on keeping on.”

Fun Facts On Malawi and Mozambique

Did you know? Some of the scenes from Blood Diamond starring Leonardo Di Caprio was shot in Maputo.

Malawian men generally prefer wear- ing slacks rather than walking shorts, as the latter are regarded as a piece of clothing worn only by school children. Central cookery Mozambican Peri -Peri Chicken Ingredients 3½ – 4 pound chicken cut up Salt and pepper to taste 1-teaspoon chicken bouillon (optional) ¼ cup olive oil or more ¼ cup chopped onions ¼ medium red pepper 1 fresh jalapeno peppers, coarsely chopped, seeds removed 1 fresh chili pepper or more coarsely chopped 1 teaspoon smoked paprika ½ teaspoon salt plus more to taste. 3-4 garlic cloves Juice of I medium sized lemon (adjust to taste) 4 large basil leaves 1-2 tablespoon fresh oregano ½ cup coconut milk

Instructions Blend red pepper, jalapeno pepper, chili pepper, garlic, basil, oregano, and onions in a food proccesor or blender. Add olive oil, coconut milk to facilitate blending. Then mix in smoked paprika, lemon juice black or white pepper and coconut milk. Adjust for salt and seasoning. Refrigerate and use when ready. You may make this a day or more ahead of time.

Trim chicken of excess fat and pat dry with a cloth or paper napkin. Rub with lemon, and season with salt, chicken bouillon and pepper Drench the chicken with peri- peri marinate, place in a zip lock bag, or sealed containers and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

When ready to grill. Using a tong remove chicken from the peri peri marinade and remove excess marinate. Reserve the marinade Preheat grill to medium- high heat.

Place chicken on the grill and grill for about 10-15 minutes an each side you may need to turn the chicken occasionally on each side until it is cooked all the way. Do this in batches if you have a small grill. In a small saucepan simmer the remaining peri peri marinade and the one from the chicken for about 7 minutes. Serve

Papaya Egg Pudding INGREDIENTS SERVINGS 4UNITS US 1medium sized ripe papaya 5egg yolks 2cups sugar 2 -3lemons (or limes) 1⁄4cup water 4whole cloves 3inches piece cinnamon sticks DIRECTIONS Add the papaya, lemon or lime juice and water to electric blender and blend on high for about 45 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the blender with a rubber spatula. Repeat the blending process until the mixture is a smooth puree. Using the back of a spoon, rub the puree through a fine sieve into a 2 quart stainless steel pan. Add the sugar, mixing well to ensure even distribution. Add the cloves and cinnamon stick. Bring to boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Cook until a few drops of the mixture immediately form coarse threads when dropped from a spoon into cold water. (The mixture needs to be stirred regularly, until this point is reached.) Remove the pan from the heat and using a slotted spoon remove the cloves and cinnamon stick. Discard the cloves and cinnamon stick. Using a whisk, beat the egg yolks vigorously, in a deep heat proof bowl, for about a minute, until the yolks thicken slightly. Pour the hot syrup into the egg yolks in a thin stream, beating constantly and vigorously. Continue to beat the mixture until it is smooth and thick. It should be a deep bright yellow in color. The mixture should be divided into 4 individual heat proof dessert dishes and left to cool to room temperature. The des- sert will continue to thicken while it cools.

When Rotary gave his mother back to K R Ravindran PRI President K R Ravindran with his granddaughter Raika By Rasheeda Bhagat

Fifty-three years ago, my mother’s life was perhaps the very first to be saved from po- lio by Rotarians. We have saved millions of lives since then; but 53 years ago, Rotary gave me the gift I prayed for. It gave me my mother back.”

With these rather uncharacteristic emotional words RI President K R Ravindran moved the huge gathering at the RI Convention’s closing ceremony, with many in tears. It’s a personal story that only a few close to him know. That he chose to share it with the larger Rotary world gave it special meaning as it came at a moment of heightened expectation that soon Rotary would “give a gift that will endure forever: a world without polio.”

Ravindran recalled how as an 11-year-old, he was subjected to the trauma of watching his mother struggle even to breathe and rushed to hospital completely paralysed. In the midst of a Rotary committee meeting his grandfather, also a Rotarian, had hosted in his living room, a call from the hospital devastated him. She needed a ventilator to survive; the few available in Sri Lanka were all in use.rm But the Rotarians present acted quickly. One, a bank manager got the required foreign exchange cleared, another a Swiss Air manager, arranged to fly the ventilator the follow- ing day. “There was so much red tape at that time in Sri Lanka, but somehow, those

Rotarians made it all fall away. By the following morning, the machine was on a plane, and by evening, in the hospital helping my mother to breathe.”

She stayed in the hospital for nearly a year, but recovered slowly and though “carried there on a stretcher, when she left it, she walked.” And she lived for another 48 years, till she passed away five years ago.

RIP John Germ.

Apart from their tremendous work on polio eradication, Rotarians could be truly proud of the midwives they train to deliver healthy babies; the sanitation they bring to schools to ensure healthier students who would go on to better futures, and bring greater pros- perity to their communities and their nations.

After his speech, members of his club — RC Colombo, Sri Lanka, and RI President-elect John Germ’s RC Chatta- nooga, USA, took the stage to exchange club banners, a tradition that marks the changing of the guard.

Extract from The Rotarian

Finance Fundraisers during the year were few and far in between but when they did happen it achieved its purpose. The committee had was slowed down by the director and treasurer going AWOL. That however did not stop the individuals from standing up and being counted.

The committee had a traffic light party to bring members together and to raise funds. Who knew that colours could be so revealing, especially when a person wears blue to a traffic light party. Really!!!! Though there were some who really embraced the Red, Amber and Green. The sup- port we got from the other clubs was great. They really came out, By the way been checking social media and all those platforms for a success story. Tempted to do it again.

We also had our perennial Celebs tea at the Harare Inter- national School. The show never disappoints in its exposure to our members of oth- er music and show genres. This year however it did more than that for the club. It allowed the new members to come through and work together. We hope that people can grow this project and make it more profitable.

It seems as if every time there is the OK grand challenge the weather changes and the Mr Frost blows a light wind towards the racecourse. We thank MTC for continuing to work with us in this initiative. Moreover we would love to thank the club because firstly we woke up early on a Saturday (impressive). Secondly you put your back into it for a whole day.

The mixture of creative, low volume and high volume projects gives us a feel of the various projects that are on offer. It truly paints the picture that the finance we need is out there, what we need to decide is how we going to get it. To the guys that are coming in fi- nance is a place of expression. Hope we see you shining in it.

Choosing your side hustle By Ruvimbo “Bobby” Munyavi

There is one thing that determines A unique product or service: It is whether or not a startup important to note that you should survives in its formative years choose a side hustle that does not use and that is money. Money affects so up a lot of your time. This means that many of the operations of a small the product should have a high propen- business if not all of them from adver- sity for creating sales for you. tising to product development. The owners of capital are not usually willing to Product differentiation is one way to en- lend money to small businesses sure that you get good sales and fast. as they usually cannot provide Spend more of your time choosing what proof that they can pay the money to get into and then spend less time and back on time. effort selling it. Do not just rush in.

I have found out that it is important to A necessary product/service: have a ‘side hustle’. This is another You should not waste your time business that you can have on the and energy by selling products side that maybe linked or not that your market does not need. linked to your main business. Conduct a small survey and get an idea The purpose of this business will of which products potential customers be to provide funds for your main need most. The most popular business to grow. products are the ones that you should concentrate on. The business model: There are several types of business models New on the market: On average ranging from manufacturers to you will have an easier time selling franchises. Of all the business a new product than an established models the one that requires the product. This is because there will be a least in terms of investment is smaller number of distributors for the the distributor model. You can product or service which will lead to a invest as little as $100 in order to situation where you will have more gain access to a finished product customers. People usually sell which already has goodwill established products because and a history. You will then earn they do not want to take the time commissions on your sales in to do their research. Remember, turn getting money to invest in there are more rewards on the your main business. Try network path that is less trodden upon. marketing, people are making a What do you think about having a side hustle? Is it good? Is it a waste of time? If you have a side hustle what are you into? Share with us and let us grow together.

Extract from Plexis website Finance Tips From Music Music has always made our heads and limbs shake side to side. Apart from the occasional club banger and truly romantic track we hardly ever listen to the lyrics. On a lazy Saturday I was listening to some Ludacris and he spit “in God we trust but other people pay cash” It got me thinking who else has great verses for finance

Winky D (shut up udye mari) This song is a gold money of money tips from “hautenge beer nemakeup” and “shut up udye mari” to mari haidi noise”. What is most consistent is that Noise and making money don’t go arm in arm. True wealth is generated quietly and consistently.

Wiz Khalifa “Work Hard, Play Hard” (2012) Just the title speaks for himself. Central prides itself on working hard and parting hard. The concept of celebrating as hard as you work is a going motto.

Stunner (vane Mari) “togona kurova $10 vanhu vakafunga kuti tarova thaza” it sounds a lot like the words of J Cole “fake it til you make it.” Develop a brand that is consistent with your lifestyle. This does not mean be frivolous live within your means but paint the portrait.

Drake “Started From the Bottom” (2013) Drake explains about starting from the basement and getting to the top. The irony of it is that he says the whole team here. Meaning that getting to the top is not a solo effort but it is a team effort. If you can work together your reach im- proves.

JNR Brown “matsaga aya achapera mari achiedza kubeata zvatakapihwa naMwari” identifying ones talents and skills is critical. Do not compete with one who is skilled in an area when it’s not your thing.

Eminem “Till I Collapse” (2002) Eminem is the embodiment of the song he sang. Going beyond the norm to get to where you going. The environment will have many inhibitors but knowing that you cannot turn back. You will go forth til you drop

Mudiwa Hood “Pisa Semarasha” When cooking a steak the raging flames may be fun but they burn the meat and burn out faster. The best way to do it is with the charcoal sizzling and crackling. It speaks to controlled burning and such should be our development in all things

The greatest line though is probably from Jay Z in reminder, “Men lie, women lie, numbers don’t.” When in doubt do the numbers after that and you still have to choose then listen to your gut. Let the music be the voice that makes that paper

The Making of a President William Shakespeare says "some are born great, others achieve greatness and others have greatness thrust upon them. As District Rotaract Representative I read with intrigue the list of President Elects after clubs held their elections in March. Many of those names sounded quite familiar as I had the privilege of crisscrossing our dis- trict and interacting with them. Among them was Michael commonly known as “other Mike”.

It immediately struck me that "Other Mike” had big shoes to fill, the same shoes that had been donned by legendary Wiseman Kuchera, Temba Banda and Councillor Ben Manyenyeni the Mayor of Harare amongst other illustrious Harare Central past presidents. Not forgetting his "sazita" Mike Murenzvi who had also served as President and eventually Country Coordinator for Zimbabwe. The Rotaract UZ graduate had walked in the shadow of a giant hence earning the tittle "other Mike" as a Harare Central rookie.

My first interaction with him was at a Central meeting in the aftermath of an epic club retreat as he gave a report as the then club service director. I was left green with envy for not attending as he gave an elaborate account of the event that indeed confirmed Rotaractor’s likeness to adventure. With a smile he answered all questions including the few that were out of sync. What stood out for was how he accepted being the "other Mike”, in retrospect it gave me the impression he is the sort of leader who wanted to earn his stripes and earn the admiration of his colleagues as opposed to resisting the nickname.

I would have yet another epic encounter with Michael when he and PADRR Lisani joined me on tour as I visited the Rotaract Clubs in Masvingo. At the time I was Country Coordinator and travelled from Bulawayo for my official visit to Harare Cen- tral. My Harare engagement was Friday and the Rotaract Masvingo engagement was on Saturday morning while I was scheduled to attend the birthday party of our then Rotaract Belmont President on the Saturday evening. After all, all work no play makes Jack a dull boy. During my address to the Centralites I did extend my invita- tion to the road trip including fine Rotaract hospitality at the final destination. There were several volunteers but only "other" Mike and Lisani showed-up. Mike was in for a treat as we were warmly received in Mas Vegas, getting a chance to share on his Rotaract experience with the new club before we were treated to a braii.

I had gathered Michael was outspoken sometimes brilliant, sometimes dry sense of hu- mour but always smiling but what was quite impressionable on me was his ability to listen interrupted only by a few incidental questions as Lisani and I discussed or debated on vari- ous issues concerning our district. As leaders we are often too quick to give our opinions and not listen. That was a rare leadership skill exhibited and would be a key presidential success ingredient. Passing him the torch Other Mike addressed the Masvingo Rotaractor’s was our affirmation of a president in the making and he did give an insightful talk.

Your experiences shape who you are and Michael's appetite for adventure to learn new things, to listen and learn from those who have walked the path and his keenness to go beyond the usual has defined his journey to the Presidency. No matter how illustrious our history is we can never succeed ourselves and I believe it's quite refreshing for the colossal figures of yesteryear to see a leader in the mould of Michael stepping up. From experiencing legendary Belmont fellowship to a maiden Discon ap- pearance at Mangochi we have seen a president in the making. The tales are innumerable in the journey from being “other Mike” to becoming President Mike!!!

Being born Michael he was born great, through his illustrious journey he has achieved greatness and great- ness will be thrust upon him when the presidential chain is passed to him. However, it not his greatness that will matter but the greatness of the heights that he and his team will elevate the Rotaract Club of Hara- re Central to that matters in year of service through partnerships!!!!

By IPDRR Inno Kariba Retreat At the mere mention of Kariba generations of Centralites start to quiver. Something about this exotic water source holds an allure that calls out to us. Never mind that temperatures there sore in the upper 30 degrees. Never mind that we have at one time or another we have gone there as individuals and never mind that this time when we went the water levels were lower than usual and we had to attempt to fill it with booze #ColossalFailure.

Yes I said it, “when we went.” This year it was dubbed the “Kariba retreat” but trust me when i say that no one was retreating. The very culture of the club that calls us to Kariba got us started. With members rain- ing in to the designated pick up point with excitement that was palatable. So palatable it convinced a would be reveler to come straight from work and on to the tour bus off a Whatsapp message that said we are off. Narrating the trip would be a waste because I know you envision all you have done on this said trip and any other trip for that matter.

It seems almost guaranteed that whenever we come together epic happens and this time was no different. The camp sight was prepared for us, tents set up and a power source for us to bring the noise. The sun came out early thus the pool was a welcome get away. Between the pool sessions breakfast was served and a tour of the town was taken. The dam always delivers providing us with the opportunity to take lots of photos. Strike all the poses we could think of. Time seemed to be flying away and indeed it was before we knew it darkness engulfed us. In the absence of city lights we hung out and had games since the wee hours of the morning. The dam had an inviting allure at that hour thus a quick visit was warranted. Refreshing is all we can say. Community In Pictures

A pic is worth a thousand words 2016-2017 Executive Board President Michael Chiwere Michael has been a devout and dedicated member of Central from 2012, after transferring from the Rotaract Club of UZ. He has grown within the club in rank, stature and wisdom. He chaired the committee that organized the tour of Swazi- land and Mozambique during the Rotary year 2013-2014. In 2014-2015 he was the PRO of the club and his efforts led to the resuscitation of the Club website. This catapulted him to the post of Vice President and ultimately the Presidency.

Vice President Gilbert Chimunya Gilbert is a vibrant and effervescent member of the club having transferred in from Matopos. During the 2015-2016 year he proved pivotal in the clubs activi- ties. His efforts were recognized in the Club trips and socials that he helped in putting together.

Secretary Tinashe Dzangare Tinashe has gone about her Rotaract career in the most quiet but effective man- ner. She has excelled in her tasks whenever she has been called up. The new task ahead of her is but a stepping stone to greater avenues.

Treasurer Rutendo Rugwete Gabby as she is affectionately known with the club has proved herself as a goal getter. She Propelled the Prof and Int committee too dizzy heights during her time as director, and also setting new standards in the club services committee in the recent retreats. We are sure our money is in good hands. Discon Mangochi Public Relations Officer Spencer Kuwana For the best selfies ever trust Spencer to take it. His heart for the community and the club are unparalleled and as we begin to establish our global footprint we believe he has the mind for it. Passion is the word that comes to mind.

Immediate Past President Penelope Mandeya Penny has been an inspirational leader for the club, leading from the front in all club activities. She was an ambassador of the club in both Zambia and Malawi. Not to forget feeding the club with her own hand.