Monday, April 15, 2024
Thursday, February 16, 2012
I know this is Africa but how about service delivery
Why are we so secretive anyway.
Why wont the water people explain why they can't pump water everywhere, why the water isn't clean and why oh why they can't charge people for exactly the water they use or misuse. And ok, let's say I'm being mischievous by asking these questions: why dammit, why can't they specifically detail the scope of our problem and how they intend to get out of it. Why wont they account for all income and expenditure publicly. Countries under sanctions (of the wholesale type) tend to do well. Look at the South of Africa and umm old Germany *hides*. In my very lay mans view they both now make Volkswagens and other good things because the countrymen (and now women) at the time (bastards) had to work with what they had towards national targets. If I knew that in five years I'd have clean running water supplied by the government on tap wherever I went I'd be willing to be more careful with my consumption, quicker with my payment and I would snitch on my neighbour not being "patriotic".
Of course the water comes out of the tap when I want it but alas it's borehole water which costs the average person about $4,000 to install in a country where the majority, based on the nations united, are judged to be umm - poor, I guess. So water is not my problem and the nations united can work on other things...
My real problem should be laid bare, like sushi at Tokyo's do. Zesa! The Zimbabwe Electricty Supply Authority - although I've heard it said that The E. and the S. stand for "Electricity Sometimes".
Why won't the electricity people explain why they can't provide electricity all the time. And why they can't... Wait! Am I starting again? How about you reread the first paragraph and substitute water for electricity. Meanwhile I'll crank the generator so my pump will allow me to have a shower with borehole water. This, so I can be clean when I visit Zesa to discus the $2,000 electricity bill they sent me in obvious error! Thinking of the drive there, I've got to deal with potholes... Wonder what The road agency has planned regarding these...
Again I ask, why so secretive...
Why wont the water people explain why they can't pump water everywhere, why the water isn't clean and why oh why they can't charge people for exactly the water they use or misuse. And ok, let's say I'm being mischievous by asking these questions: why dammit, why can't they specifically detail the scope of our problem and how they intend to get out of it. Why wont they account for all income and expenditure publicly. Countries under sanctions (of the wholesale type) tend to do well. Look at the South of Africa and umm old Germany *hides*. In my very lay mans view they both now make Volkswagens and other good things because the countrymen (and now women) at the time (bastards) had to work with what they had towards national targets. If I knew that in five years I'd have clean running water supplied by the government on tap wherever I went I'd be willing to be more careful with my consumption, quicker with my payment and I would snitch on my neighbour not being "patriotic".
Of course the water comes out of the tap when I want it but alas it's borehole water which costs the average person about $4,000 to install in a country where the majority, based on the nations united, are judged to be umm - poor, I guess. So water is not my problem and the nations united can work on other things...
My real problem should be laid bare, like sushi at Tokyo's do. Zesa! The Zimbabwe Electricty Supply Authority - although I've heard it said that The E. and the S. stand for "Electricity Sometimes".
Why won't the electricity people explain why they can't provide electricity all the time. And why they can't... Wait! Am I starting again? How about you reread the first paragraph and substitute water for electricity. Meanwhile I'll crank the generator so my pump will allow me to have a shower with borehole water. This, so I can be clean when I visit Zesa to discus the $2,000 electricity bill they sent me in obvious error! Thinking of the drive there, I've got to deal with potholes... Wonder what The road agency has planned regarding these...
Again I ask, why so secretive...
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
How short sighted are you - 2011 Resolutions
Well these aren't resolutions in the normal sense. Been there, done that, abandoned them before. Rather 3 tips I've decided to get me through the year:
Many of you (and some of me) will stay in a job, business or relationship that's not working and destined to fail because you find it difficult to give up what you've worked so hard at, you find it difficult to give up the routine, you find it difficult to be the one to do the necessary deed, and you have faith that it's going to get better. You are secure with the devil you know. All in all you are still in it for the wrong reasons.
Let me add some Perspective for you. I know at least 2 men who after 20 years of marriage and 6 children, successfully divorced their wives. And you can't let go of that girl or boy who you're dating?! FOH. Drop the dead weight and take a step first to sadness but ultimately towards happiness. My first resolution: Do everything you do best, and if it's not working get out and do something else best.
Get things done. It's simple. Don't complain about something and leave it be. Either put up or shut up. If you can't beat them join them and if you can't join them get them to join you. Do something dammit. My second resolution then: Act. Get things done.
Look to the end. Too many people get into things for the immediate benefit, novelty is a big drawcard; the salary that will allow them to pay for their shoe fetish, the partner who makes them laugh, the business that is taking advantage of the cheap tyres from Malaysia, whatever the case. I'm not saying don't do it. I'm saying look further ahead. Look to the future and then some and plan accordingly. Consider the role of perspective and depth in everything and do so before making any decisions. The third resolution: Think, turn around and think again.
Pretty simple then. Hard to mess these up, difficult to forget. In summary: Consider your actions, act and act best.
Happy 2012 everyone. Let's make it a year to remember.
Many of you (and some of me) will stay in a job, business or relationship that's not working and destined to fail because you find it difficult to give up what you've worked so hard at, you find it difficult to give up the routine, you find it difficult to be the one to do the necessary deed, and you have faith that it's going to get better. You are secure with the devil you know. All in all you are still in it for the wrong reasons.
Let me add some Perspective for you. I know at least 2 men who after 20 years of marriage and 6 children, successfully divorced their wives. And you can't let go of that girl or boy who you're dating?! FOH. Drop the dead weight and take a step first to sadness but ultimately towards happiness. My first resolution: Do everything you do best, and if it's not working get out and do something else best.
Get things done. It's simple. Don't complain about something and leave it be. Either put up or shut up. If you can't beat them join them and if you can't join them get them to join you. Do something dammit. My second resolution then: Act. Get things done.
Look to the end. Too many people get into things for the immediate benefit, novelty is a big drawcard; the salary that will allow them to pay for their shoe fetish, the partner who makes them laugh, the business that is taking advantage of the cheap tyres from Malaysia, whatever the case. I'm not saying don't do it. I'm saying look further ahead. Look to the future and then some and plan accordingly. Consider the role of perspective and depth in everything and do so before making any decisions. The third resolution: Think, turn around and think again.
Pretty simple then. Hard to mess these up, difficult to forget. In summary: Consider your actions, act and act best.
Happy 2012 everyone. Let's make it a year to remember.
Monday, January 9, 2012
It's Christmas in Zimbabwe
The vast majority of people you can ask will tell you that our economy is in a fragile state. They'll tell you it's bad even. That somethings got to give.
Bollocks. More than half the registered companies shut down "for Christmas" at least a week before Christmas day to return at least a week later. Don't get me wrong, I'm for holidays and all that but my thoughts are that with our economy in such a bad state every single day of trade and manufacturing count to bring companies to their old values.
I can't help but smile though because everyday the competition is sleeping gives our companies a better chance at staying ahead, and in other cases, catching up. So merry Christmas. Drink and be merry. I'm off to work! Suckers!
Bollocks. More than half the registered companies shut down "for Christmas" at least a week before Christmas day to return at least a week later. Don't get me wrong, I'm for holidays and all that but my thoughts are that with our economy in such a bad state every single day of trade and manufacturing count to bring companies to their old values.
I can't help but smile though because everyday the competition is sleeping gives our companies a better chance at staying ahead, and in other cases, catching up. So merry Christmas. Drink and be merry. I'm off to work! Suckers!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
The Donkey That's Dead
A donkey it is. A donkey that's dead
Why bring that donkey to the derby instead
Of principle you seem, and some self esteem
So why would you bother the donkey that's dead
And bury it not and bring it right here
The derby's a go, the crowd at full cheer
The hats are in view but the donkey is dead
This creature can't win for surely he is dead
This creature can't win, a horse shall instead
So why is he here, why wont it be said,
Why Is he here when he is actively dead
Why oh why, why are we here...
Why bring that donkey to the derby instead
Of principle you seem, and some self esteem
So why would you bother the donkey that's dead
And bury it not and bring it right here
The derby's a go, the crowd at full cheer
The hats are in view but the donkey is dead
This creature can't win for surely he is dead
This creature can't win, a horse shall instead
So why is he here, why wont it be said,
Why Is he here when he is actively dead
Why oh why, why are we here...
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Just answer the phone
I know a number of people who will not answer calls from a private or withheld number. Some of them aren't thieves. But excepting celebrities as well as those for whom going to jail is an occupational hazard I think its people just being stupid. And you're probably right, it shouldn't bother me. But you will find that these same people feel the need to announce to everyone within ear shot that someone calling on a private number is calling. But don't worry - they won't answer it! Free tip: FOH!
Get over yourselves. You're seriously not that important and it's likely that you're not that serious neither. So my nipples are not being ground by the private number issue, it's the fact that there are so many delusional people about. People who need to step back to reality and realise that gravity rules there. The same simply need to come to terms with the fact that very soon after their death life goes on, the world continues to spin, and Justin Bieber will continue to be an annoying little girl.
Get over yourselves. You're seriously not that important and it's likely that you're not that serious neither. So my nipples are not being ground by the private number issue, it's the fact that there are so many delusional people about. People who need to step back to reality and realise that gravity rules there. The same simply need to come to terms with the fact that very soon after their death life goes on, the world continues to spin, and Justin Bieber will continue to be an annoying little girl.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Get A Job: Boss
A lot of the time people want to blame failure in business on the economy and the government, particularly ZANU PF (Yeah I said it) but like I read in a blog recently its not any of the above it's you, you idiot. Seriously, everyone can't be an entrepreneur but damn near everyone and their dog will try to be in Zimbabwe. FOH with that! Everyone knows dogs can't be entrepreneurs.
And don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to discourage anyone from taking up their dream and making a go at making it reality. I am rather saying people should more seriously consider what they are getting into - do they have the skills, the resolve and dedication, the resources? And if it should fail all I'd ask is that the true reason be ascertained. The economy was in it's current state yesterday, and even the day before that. And you know what, our economy was worse when you started reading this blog. It's not good but it seems to me to be getting better and better. For those who after seriously considering whether being an entrepreneur is best are found wanting: get a job.
Of course there are those who say we have such high unemployment and there are no jobs etc etc. This is true but in my experience our unemployment for skilled jobs is mostly structural. Last time I had to interview candidates for an accountants job I must have interviewed one jousand people (which is plenty). They mostly had the same certification but they all lacked people skills, or basic communication skills, or they just weren't ready for corporate employment (or life in general for that matter).
The job remained vacant until one day someone who already had a job decided he wanted another one. Again people just need to be realistic - don't get a silly qualification because you think it'll get you a job because it won't, you need a more full set of skills and you should ask yourself if you have such, which would then be complimented by your silly certificate. And in the absence of the above, be a labourer - our country needs these as well. And if you can't be an entrepreneur, can't get skilled employment and won't be a labourer here's a tip: FOH
And don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to discourage anyone from taking up their dream and making a go at making it reality. I am rather saying people should more seriously consider what they are getting into - do they have the skills, the resolve and dedication, the resources? And if it should fail all I'd ask is that the true reason be ascertained. The economy was in it's current state yesterday, and even the day before that. And you know what, our economy was worse when you started reading this blog. It's not good but it seems to me to be getting better and better. For those who after seriously considering whether being an entrepreneur is best are found wanting: get a job.
Of course there are those who say we have such high unemployment and there are no jobs etc etc. This is true but in my experience our unemployment for skilled jobs is mostly structural. Last time I had to interview candidates for an accountants job I must have interviewed one jousand people (which is plenty). They mostly had the same certification but they all lacked people skills, or basic communication skills, or they just weren't ready for corporate employment (or life in general for that matter).
The job remained vacant until one day someone who already had a job decided he wanted another one. Again people just need to be realistic - don't get a silly qualification because you think it'll get you a job because it won't, you need a more full set of skills and you should ask yourself if you have such, which would then be complimented by your silly certificate. And in the absence of the above, be a labourer - our country needs these as well. And if you can't be an entrepreneur, can't get skilled employment and won't be a labourer here's a tip: FOH
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