August 2023 Volume No.

5
 CONTENTS
VOLUME 5 AUGUST2023

05 NOT MY VOTE
RUDO L MUDZINGWA

10 Thinking Green
GUGULETHU M DUBE 12 Embrace Your Beauty
LANGELIHLE T NDLOVU

15 Her Strength
SISASENKOSI NCUBE 17 Bridging the Gap
BLESSED TAPIWA 21 The World Cups
KIMBERLY MALIMA

Info Session with

23 Mantathe Mlotshwa [PICS]

27 Home
KUDZAISHE CHIBAYA

24 Girl Get up
intwasa
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PHATHISA M MANGENA
 www.amplify.co.zw

Editorial
Election fever is upon us and as we grapple with the
excitement of voting for the first time for most of us, we
also delve into our business.
We continue to explre issues affecting us - like how
many young girls will not participate in the election and
the lack of representation of women. In this issue we
explore how thinking green can make our world better
. Let me not kill your excitement with spoilers and leave
you to dive into these issues and more
Happy reading y'all
xoxo

contributors contact details our partners

Sisasenkosi Ncube info@amplify.co.zw
Kudzaishe Chibaya
+263 71 734 9121
Rudo Linda Mudzingwa
Gugulethu Matshazi Dube amplifyinggirls

Phathisa Moyo Mangena AmplifyingGirlsVoicesTV

Blessed Tapiwa
amplifyinggirlsvoices
Kimberly Malima
AmplifyingGirlsVoices
Langelihle T Ndlovu

Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo

JMN Nkomo St & Leopold Takawira This magazine has been designed using stock images from unsplash.com; pexels.com.

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe InstantVisuals.africa; Artwork from Sahiwl Baghat, freepik.com, okayAfrica.com. Magazine
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admin@intwasa.co.zw
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4 intwasa
 NOT MY VOTE
x

by
RUDO LINDA
MUDZINGWA

T
he media coverage of the 2023 harmonized elections has done nothing
to point out the gaps in our aspiring leaders’ ideological viewpoints.
Fair and fine, we have heard about employment, roads, health care,
inflation and pension funds, all of which are important issues, but what
have we heard about gender issues? Why does this even matter?

W
hile the polls have been swayed this
way and that way, up to the depths
of Pfungwe, girls and women's rights
have been successfully relegated to the other
category, into the box that houses all things
insignificant and underserving of governance
focus and attention. This is the summary of the
2023 harmonized elections as far as gender is
concerned.
With millions of campaign funds at the
disposal of the many aspiring candidates, it is a
bit alarming to note how none of the campaigns
aggressively pushed for girls' rights and
emancipation, despite the fact they constitute
a great deal of the pool of voters. Not to say that
all that matters is getting votes, but the citizens
should get concerned when the candidates do
not even care enough to lie to them. We have
been promised jobs and affordable education
for decades, and while we do not have that yet,
they at least know we need it and want it. That
level of recognition that absents itself when it
comes to our rights and freedoms is the core
business of this warning message. One can go
ahead and rightly announce that tough times
await us ahead, tough times for girls.
It is easy to turn to the ruling party and point
fingers, to judge and accuse, while hurting and
hating. All of which is justified by the way. One
would think, however, that any opposition in that
race would lean towards the disenfranchised
minorities, of which women and girls constitute
a heart breaking majority. But, if opposition also
runs with other things that do not speak directly
to that injustice, who cares about the rights of
girls and women?

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 www.amplify.co.zw
...only 17% of
people aged
between 18 and
25 registered to
vote. Of that 17%,
most were not
even sure about
who to vote for
For all those who were born after 1999, the
infamous ama-2K, a normal Zimbabwe does
not exist. We do not know of a stable economy
and a functional government system that takes
care of its people. What we do know however
is that in 2008 buying ompabanga after school
was a nightmare. They cost only billions in the
morning and trillions after school. And for a
long time, we thought the school tuck shops
were secretly running anti- sugar campaigns.
But when the MaNdlos and Dubes seemed to
be in on it, that is when we knew something was
terribly wrong. Children under the age of ten
do not know economic policy and the Oxford
definition of inflation, but they know what the
effects feel and look like. So when Dube started
fondling girls for sweets after school, and when
MaNgwe gave extra barley to her favourites
during feeding times, they adapted. That is the
world ama-2Ks have been brought up in.
The issue of representation and appealing to
the needs of the young is therefore definitely
personal. We do not have tales of the five-cent
coin that could buy milk and sweet buns. We
however remember the heavy wads of cash
we had to carry. We were there, holding our
6 intwasa
mothers’ hands while queuing for mealie meal
and USAID cooking oil. The 2Ks remember their
sisters who got pregnant because of ten-rand
notes, not because they envied the finer things
in life, but because they needed to eat, never
mind the need to obtain clothing and sanitary
wear. What then, does it mean, when our
existence is forgotten?
According to the pre election opinion survey
conducted and published by the Public Policy
research institute of Zimbabwe, only 17% of
people aged between 18 and 25 registered
to vote. Of that 17%, most were not even sure
about who to vote for. Further investigation
revealed that the interests of the voters were
not represented, neither did the contesting
parties appeal to said interests.
Maybe some airtime should be given to young
people, especially girls to air their grievances.
Those statistics that say that majority of girls
aged between 15 and 24 are HIV positive reflect
so many systematic failures and injustices.
 www.amplify.co.zw

We do know that democracy is our armor, our
bullet and our sword to fight these. But whose
democracy is it?
For purposes of scope of AGVTDA, this article
will focus on girls aged between 18 and 21. Of
the total number of eligible voters, most girls
did not register to vote. Democratic rights be
damned, until we give them the time of day to
express their grievances, they reserve the right to
abstain from shambolic democratic processes.
The aim, the whole point of democracy is rule by
the people. It embodies fairness, representation,
upholding rights, inclusion and shared power.
If we were to take that definition however, it
would mean that Zimbabwe is not a democracy.
Because girls' rights aren't fundamental or

The aim, the whole

point of democracy
is rule by the people.
It embodies fairness,
representation,
upholding rights,
inclusion and shared
power.

inalienable, rather, they are considered as elections? How many were voted in? Of the two
the petty disgruntlements of entitled people giants in the race, which one of them prioritized
- women. Girls' rights are reduced to silly, gender equality through equity? Let us assume
weightless and definitely logic deficit tag lines. that a new party won, judging by the gender
aggregation of their candidates in Bulawayo
It is therefore not surprising that as the spirit
(because Bulawayo is an all opposition city), if
of the elections covered the tea pot, when it
that were to be multiplied by ten (number of
boiled and spilt over, the remaining residue
provinces in Zimbabwe), would gender equality
was a mixture of sweaty men and their crowned
be achieved? If the ZANU PF candidates had
princes. Yes, we know that this was not a
won all provinces, would gender equality be
regular election. We are aware of the fact that
achieved? If prof. Madhuku had won, would
there are some Zimbabweans who want a new
gender equality be achieved? Why does this
government in power, but we also know that on
matter anyway?
all sides of the pitch, girls' rights are missing. How
many female candidates were fielded for the

intwasa
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Zimbabwe is supposed to be a democracy. In
democratic nations, public office is assumed
through electoral processes. So if the biggest
of those processes, that is, the harmonized
elections, speaks little to nothing about
addressing the gender gap in positions of
power, influence, decision making and national
interests, how are we going to achieve gender
equality? In what world do we achieve that?
As an advocate for girls' rights, as a member
of this beautiful project, it is unfair to expect
us to rely on advocacy and civil society to
address the injustices against girls. Infact, it
is somewhat disrespectful as it suggests that
girls' rights are not a matter of National concern
but rather power Paralympics that will not be
funded, addressed, corrected or fought for, not
deliberately anyway. Come 2024, the day after
elections, when the dust has settled and new
members of parliament and councillors occupy
their offices, who will be leading the discussions
and solution mapping meetings that will be
drafting gender parity agendas? Women's
quota has been proven ineffective in the past,
acts of parliament (for example, the 'new' age of
consent) haven't been passed into law, political
parties have come and gone, but the situation
remains unchanged. The status quo on girls'
rights is ugly.
8 intwasa
assuming that
more girls had
registered to vote,
they still would have
voted into office
people who do not
represent their
interests as far as
gender issues are
concerned,
Assuming that more girls had registered to
vote, they still would have voted into office
people who do not represent their interests as
far as gender issues are concerned, regardless
of the winner(s) of the elections.
What does this mean for our future?
More is yet to be done as far as toxic patriarchy
and gender parity is concerned. The democratic
system is yet to deliver, and girls remain
disenfranchised minorities.
These statistics reflect the gaps in our
education system. Perhaps we need to
conscientize young people more about their
democratic responsibilities, which include the
right to vote. Above that however, we need
more representation, and the best way to get
that is to educate girls from a young age about
democracy as a system and tool to addressing
inequalities. This could help to balance the scale
and to create a system that forces office bearers
to fulfill their duty to the people. The duty to
serve all, without gender bias. Remember, we
remember 2008. The violence, the food aid,
the hunger, the striking teachers, the lack of
clothes. We were those children. We will not
be those adults. Girls’ rights, children’s rights,
young people’s freedoms and liberties are not
up for discussion.
#EnoughIsEnough
#DemocracyForAll
#GirlsWithVoices
intwasa
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 www.amplify.co.zw
Thinking
Green
W
hat would it take to save our planet?
That was the first question the
facilitator asked at the start of the
Youth Art-preneurship project. Recently I took
part in a project that aimed to raise awareness
on environmental protection through art.
Throughout the project I was challenged to
come up with sustainable solutions on how to
promote environmental protection as a young
female artist.
The participants of the project were a few
artists from the city of Bulawayo working in
collaboration with like-minded youths from
New Orleans, USA. The project being aided
by the Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund for U.S
10 intwasa
by
GUGULETHU M
DUBE
Alumni and Fundi Trust working hand in hand
with Centre for Talent Development.
Throughout the project we got to be mentored
by great talented minds such as Coach Ronny
J - a life coach based in the USA. Seeing the
attraction, the project was gaining I realized
just how many people want to protect the
environment but just don’t know how to. This
goes to show just how much little knowledge is
out there on environmental protection methods.
The poor flow of information on environmental
protection shows how relaxed the majority of
the human race is about the degradation of
our earth. We can no longer go on as if after
exhausting this planet we will get another one.
There is no planet B.
 www.amplify.co.zw

So where does art come into play? Through

creative recycling. Taking something old and
dipping it into art making it reusable and
beautiful.

The first focus was on old car tyres. Taking

those old tyres and turning them into luxurious
furniture fit for any living space, be it gardens
or a simple living room .When I watched tutorial
videos online I didn’t think my own two hands
can turn an old tyre into a chair or coffee table.
What seemed impossible became a reality
within a matter of a few hours. With ropes, spray
paint, cloth, glass and passion for environmental
protection I was able to turn old tyres into
beautiful furniture, with the help of my fellow
participants of course. We had made a chair
and coffee table from materials that were once
considered trash.

We can no longer go on
as if after exhausting
this planet we will get
another one. There is
no planet B.

The last bit was a talent show themed on

environmental protection. As the master of
ceremony of the whole event I made sure to
preach more and more on how young female
artists can save our planet through art. How
they can raise awareness on environmental
protection through their music, dance, acts or
writing.

I’ve always told myself that my artwork

should always have purpose. Through this
project I found a way to broaden the purpose
of what I write, what I say and what I perform.
I am a young female artist ready to say more
and do more for environmental protection
through my artwork.

intwasa
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 www.amplify.co.zw

Embrace Your
Beauty by
LANGELIHLE T
NDLOVU

Body shaming is an issue that now happens frequently especially among adolescents in this
modern era. Studies show that body shaming can lead to serious mental challenges such as
mood disorders, anxiety or even depression. This also contributes to how a person behaves
around other people and how they socialize. Body shaming results negatively to an individual
as it destroys a person's self-esteem.

Social media has been a push factor on how
people especially girls and women view
themselves and how they “should” look,
with magazines and social media platforms
like Instagram, Twitter and even Facebook
portraying "how women should look". The media
has also had a negative impact on adolescent
girls as they tend to hate how they look and
want to look like women on social media as it
portrays the “perfect” way a girl should look as
seen in most reality shows, magazines, music
videos, movies etc. Girls no longer know how
they should look. It is often said how you look on
the outside is less valuable than how you look on
the inside but is this true with all the magazines,
televisions showing women with the “perfect”

12 intwasa
 www.amplify.co.zw

Body positivity is important in the sense that we

have to accept all body types with regards to size,
structure, features and focus on being healthy and
functional.

skin tone, “perfect” body type, “perfect” hair
and “perfect” everything? How do we know
that it is alright not to look flawless, that being
beautiful is not about how you look?
The age-old adage of “beauty is pain” has never
been truer than it is today. Many adolescent girls
now want to live up to the standard of society
and media. These unrealistic expectations of
beauty have been going on and on for decades
resulting in women and girls losing their identity.
We now watch movies, follow celebrities, even
act and dress like them as a source of escapism;
to be lost in the lives of those celebrities. Some
even go for surgeries only to appear “beautiful”.
Some take enlarging products whilst some
take weight lose products to change their
appearance. But is beauty defined by your body
type?
Nowadays people view beauty depending on
the size of the breasts, thighs, curves, butt or on
the fair complexion on women which is why some
women buy enlarging products and bleaching
creams to enhance their beauty so they can
also be considered beautiful. I do believe that
all body types are beautiful! Society and media
dictate how a lady should look to be considered
as beautiful, this is wrong. It is our nature to
worry which is why we constantly worry. We
worry about family, work, school, money but
most importantly about our appearance. Quite
obvious, when you worry about how you look or
how your thighs and arms are, how your breasts
are too small or too big, how dark your skin
is, how chubby your cheeks are, how big your
tummy is or how thin or long your legs are unlike
the people on social media. You DON'T need
to pressure yourself or bow down to societal

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 www.amplify.co.zw

expectations. You need to accept

your flaws, what you look like; your
imperfections and limitations. You don’t
need bleach creams, enlarging products,
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok or
anyone around you to compliment and
make you feel good about how you look.

As an individual you need to know that

you're beautiful on the inside and on the
outside despite the pressure surrounding
you. Body positivity is important in the
sense that we have to accept all body
types with regards to size, structure,
features and focus on being healthy and
functional. Practice body gratitude every
time you look at your reflection in the
mirror, tell yourself someone else wishes
to be you because of your beauty. Let the
negativity that surrounds you build you
instead of destroying you. The mind is a
powerful tool, what you think is what you
see. If you think that you're ugly that’s
what you'll see every time you look at
yourself and if you think you're beautiful,
beauty is what you'll see. Think about
your body as a driving vehicle to your
dreams, hopes and aspirations. Change
your message and listen to your body.
Exercise to stay healthy and to feel good
not to lose weight or punish yourself.
Learn to appreciate your body in spite of
your flaws. Do not over think or conclude
negative things about your body. Every
time we want to rely on what the next
person says I look like and not on how
I feel I look. I do not love seeing people
change how they look just to make other
people happy about our appearance.
At the end of the day we end up not
happy with our appearance. Accept your
body type, size, shape, skin tone, height,
weight.

Know that you're beautiful just the way

you are.

14 intwasa

B
efore l indoctrinate let me disinfect
my words and enlighten the lost. From
her childhood to her womanhood, she
has only been discriminated, being torn apart
by gender inequality and all the obstacles that
came with it.
She is hard pressed on every side but
not crushed, perplexed but not in despair,
persecuted but not abandoned. She is constantly
being struck down but not destroyed, taken for
granted but still remains strong. She has been
dearly tormented and tortured but she keeps
moving, body shamed but she still remains
intact and walks with her head held high. She
is told that she is worthless but she knows
her worth. They say she is not good enough,
characterless, and shameless but she's still
smiling. She has been finger pointed but she
does not shed a tear, for her tears have taught
her how to be stronger. She wears her scars as
her best attire and her pain as her best make up.
The dolls and pots they bought her threatened
to define her fate but those toys simply taught
her how to love, care and simply share. Day by
day she is a mother, aunt, sister, wife, healer, and
a grandmother but not only that she is home to
peace and kindness. She is everything that they
www.amplify.co.zw
Her
Strength
by
SISASENKOSI
NCUBE
say she is not, a heroin herself. She is imbokodo
that has molded her beloved into strong leaders
of tomorrow.
Her pure heart defines her character. Her
strength is found in her heart, it is like a treasure
safely hidden in the sea. It cannot be seen,
touched or found but it is never lost. It is in
the ones that keep her going, the people who
tell her that she can move the mountains, the
people who look at her and know her worth, in
the ones that see royalty inside of her, the ones
who see her for who she really is. Her strength
has taught her to become a protector l mean she
is a warrior in disguise, unknowingly she wears
her shield every day. Her strength becomes her
love, power and wisdom, it is indeed resilient.
Her strength is also inside her mistakes that has
driven her to try and try again. Her strength is
not a quitter, but a motivator.
She can endure it all because she has been
through it all. She becomes light in the darkness.
Her strength has given her the power to rise
and conquer all the challenges in her life. She
defines strength, but will never allow herself
to be manipulated into proving herself. She IS
strength.
intwasa
15
 "Here's to
strong women,
may we know
them, may we
raise them, may
we be them"
- MANTATHE MLOTSHWA

16 intwasa
BRIDGING THE GAP
www.amplify.co.zw

HELPING GIRLS WITH DISABILITIES

by
BLESSED
TAPIWA

Girls with disabilities face a multitude of challenges in their daily lives, as

they navigate the intersection of gender and disability. Unfortunately, these
girls often find themselves marginalized by society, facing discrimination,
limited opportunities and social barriers. However, by fostering inclusivity,
raising awareness and providing targeted support, we can help empower
these girls and ensure they have equal access to education, healthcare and
opportunities for personal growth.

intwasa
17
 www.amplify.co.zw
Girls with disabilities encounter a host
of barriers and biases that hinder their full
participation in society like having limited access
to education. Many of them encounter barriers in
accessing quality education due to inadequate
infrastructure, lack of specialized support and
negative attitudes towards disability which often
result in exclusion from mainstream educational
settings. This denies them the opportunity to
develop their full potential and perpetuates a
cycle of marginalization.
Social stigma and isolation serve as
another barrier; Society’s misconception and
stereotypes surrounding disability can lead to
social stigma and isolation for them. Negative
attitudes and lack of awareness create barriers
to forming meaningful relationships and
participating in social activities resulting in
feeling of loneliness and exclusion. However
raising awareness about the rights, capabilities
and achievements of girls living with disability
is vital to challenge societal stereotypes and
biases. Advocacy campaigns can promote
18 intwasa
To address the above it is essential to foster
inclusive education by implementing inclusive
policies that promote equal access to education
for all girls regardless of disability. This involves
adapting infrastructure providing assistive
technologies, and training teachers to support
diverse learning needs. There is also need to
conduct awareness campaigns to combat
stigma and foster a supportive environment
within schools. Educate teachers and students
about disability rights, inclusion and the unique
capabilities of girls with disability.
...it is essential to foster
inclusive education
by implementing
inclusive policies that
promote equal access
to education for all girls
regardless of disability.
inclusivity, dispel misconceptions and create a
more accepting and supportive environment.
Access to comprehensive healthcare is vital
for girls with disabilities in Zimbabwe. However,
they often face barriers such as limited
specialized services, inaccessible facilities and a
lack of awareness among health care providers.
To enhance healthcare for these girls, we must
promote accessibility through advocating
for the creation of disability friendly health
care facilities with appropriate infrastructure
including ramps, accessible bathrooms and

examination equipment. Additionally, there
is need to ensure that healthcare providers
receive training on disability-inclusive
practices and improve outreach programs
by developing targeted healthcare outreach
initiatives that reach remote areas and provide
specialized services for them; Collaborate with
disability organizations to bridge the gap and
ensure holistic health care support.
Girls with disability further encounter
significant obstacles when it comes to
securing employment and achieving
economic independence. Discrimination,
lack of reasonable accommodations and
limited access to skill development programs
contribute to disproportionately high
unemployment rates among this group. To
address the above, offering vocational training
programs and internships specifically for
girls with disabilities can enhance their skills
and employability. Encouraging inclusive
www.amplify.co.zw
www.amplify.co.zw
Despite the challenges
they face, numerous
girls with disabilities
in Zimbabwe have
risen above societal
barriers.
hiring practices and providing reasonable
accommodations in the workplace are
essential steps towards creating equal
employment opportunities. Also, highlight the
capabilities and unique perspectives that girls
with disabilities bring to the workforce.
Despite the challenges they face, numerous
girls with disabilities in Zimbabwe have risen
above societal barriers, becoming beacons of
inspiration for example; Tanyaradzwa’s journey
to education. Tanyaradzwa, a girl with a
physical disability, faced immense challenges
in accessing education. However through the
support of organizations such as Leonard
Cheshire Disability Zimbabwe, she was able to
attend a school that provided inclusive facilities
and specialized support services for children
with disability. Tanyaradzwa’s determination
has enabled her to pursue her education and
inspire other girls facing similar obstacles.
intwasa
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 www.amplify.co.zw

These stories of extraordinary

girls with disability in
Zimbabwe serve as powerful
reminders that disability does
not define one’s potential for
achievements and success.

Also, Ruvimbo a girl with mobility impairment

has defied societal expectations and excelled
in the field of sports. Through the support of
organizations like the Zimbabwe Paralympic
Committee, Ruvimbo has participated
in national and international wheelchair
basketball tournaments, showcasing her
athletic abilities and breaking barriers. Her
achievements highlight the importance of
inclusive sports programs that empower girls
with disabilities to showcase their talents and
pursue their passions.

These stories of extraordinary girls with

disability in Zimbabwe serve as powerful
reminders that disability does not define
one’s potential for achievements and success.
Tanyaradzwa, Ruvimbo and many others have
overcome immense challenges, shattered
stereotypes and inspired countless others to
dream big, regardless of their disabilities. Their
accomplishments highlight the importance
of inclusive opportunities, support system
and a society that recognizes and value the
abilities and contributions of all individuals. By
celebrating these girls and their achievements,
we can pave the way for a more inclusive
and empowering future, where every girl
in Zimbabwe with or without disability can
aspire greatness and make a lasting impact on
society.

20 intwasa

The World
Cups
I
remember going for netball trials when I
was in Grade 6, had never played before
but had watched my cousins representing
the school so I thought it was easy until
the ball was passed to me and I had to run
around the whole ground because I was
centre. I think my performance was not that
impressive because I became a substitute the
whole time and I don't reminisce playing during
competitions. In secondary school, the patron
for netball was one of the most feared teachers,
I mean those teachers who just lash out insults
and are excused so I ended up sticking to
drum majorettes. Nonetheless I never stopped
loving netball, I just watched from the sides and
became the biggest cheer leader.
Funny how I did not know that there was a
Netball World Cup until now. Was it not hyped
www.amplify.co.zw
by
KIMBERLY
MALIMA
enough the previous years or I was just not
informed? Watching netball on TV was the most
surreal experience ever. Watching in person is
more exciting but what tops that excitement
was the Zimbabwe National Netball Team
qualifying for this year's World Cup hosted
by our neighbouring country, South Africa.
My favourite game was the one where they
avenged their loss against Barbados and beat
them 75 - 48 to finish in the 13th position. The
head coach Lloyd Makunde still has a lot of work
to do with the team though because there is
room for improvement and who knows maybe
one day we will lift the cup. And of course, all
the necessary financial support is needed to get
us there
The women's Soccer World Cup ended
on Sunday the 20th of August where Spain
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 www.amplify.co.zw
Linda Caicedo from Columbia, an 18-year-old who scored a magnificent
goal in the match against Germany
emerged as the world best champions against
England just like I had predicted, maybe I should
start betting because I seem to be good at
predicting finals. With soccer, I just reprimanded
the inner me to not to embarrass myself. There
was no way I could run around the whole pitch
when I couldn't catch my breath after finishing
100 metre races and being a goalkeeper when I
failed to catch the ball during netball trials. I just
focused on perfecting my cheerleading skills
and learning the praise songs, best decision
I have ever made. There's nothing as good as
criticising, cheering and complaining after
losing or winning because it somehow becomes
your loss or victory even if you were not running
around the pitch for 90 mins plus and sitting
comfortable at the shade and drinking cold
water or juice, that was me at high school.
What made this soccer world cup stand out
for me was the number of girls and women who
were following up on the games, posting about
the victories, their favourites and just hyping it
up. Four African nations qualified, South Africa
played well and proved to us why they deserved
to win the Women's Africa cup of nations
22 intwasa
though they were eliminated in the round of 16.
It was the same fate for Nigeria and Morocco.
Zambia also tried their best but Spain just had
to show off and eliminate the team in the group
stages with a score of 5 - 0. Banyana Banyana
kept us on our seats, some of us biting our nails
because we did not know what was going to
be the final score in their game against Italy
but they emerged victorious and the 3 - 2 score
sent them into the last 16. The Netherlands did
the most in South Africa's last game, sending
Banyana Banyana back home with a score of 2
- 0 but we are proud of all African nations who
represented us.
The number of "2ks" who played in this
tournament was impressive, my favourite
being Linda Caicedo from Columbia, an
18-year-old who scored a magnificent goal
which contributed to Germany's first ever loss
in group stages. Young women and girls are
doing the most out there and it is inspiring
and empowering at the same time as they are
proving to other girls that anything is possible
and age is not a barrier in sports, talent is what
matters.
INFO SHARING
SESSION WITH
MANTATHE MLOTSHWA
 www.amplify.co.zw

Girl
Get Up
by
PHATHISA M
MANGENA

S
o, a Sunday ago whilst I was at
church, I was asked to stand and
pray for the offering. Praying is
something that I do every day
but never did I ever think that
one day I would be standing in
front of a crowd praying for something as
important as the church offering. Little me,
scared as I was, I just walked down the aisle
and held the mic, nervous like never before.
In my mind I was trying to figure out what
kind of words I was going to say. I looked
at the crowd and was welcomed by these
pretty smiles, if you were there to see it you
would have sworn that God had replaced
the congregation with His angels. I battled
with my mind so it could produce the ideal
words that were just going to entice the
angels so they can vouch for me to the Man
Above so my place in Heaven would be a
guaranteed thing.

24 intwasa
 www.amplify.co.zw

For people to believe in everything that you say,

they first have to believe in the person that you
have presented in front of them

Now that I think of this whole scenario I've
realized that it's something that has to do with
my spiritual life but it so much related to other
areas of my life too. One thing that I had to
learn from this other life coach is that for people
to believe in what you are saying, you have to
believe in it yourself. The way that you walk
has everything to do with what defines you
and who you are. Are you the kind of person
that when you walk into a room, everyone just
stops and pays attention to you without even
having to utter a single word? Are you the kind
that demands attention by simply standing
at the door and saying nothing? Do you leave
their jaws dropped?
During my high school years, there was
this teacher who always managed to stay in
everyone's mouths. She was not the kind to go
around punishing students or called out any
student for doing what was not allowed but it's
how she turned the school's pavements into a
runaway by her elegant walk. What I want to
point out is that, we noticed her, we noticed
the way she walked because she carried herself
in a way that seemed to be different from
everyone else in the room. Her majestic walk
made everyone want to fix their neck ties and
make sure that their braids were tied perfectly
into a neat bun. She commanded it without
saying a word.
For people to believe in everything that you
say, they first have to believe in the person that
you have presented in front of them. When I
was asked to pray, true that I was nervous
because the whole responsibility of having to
relay the thanks giving to God was placed on

intwasa
25
 www.amplify.co.zw

my shoulders. But you know throughout my 19

years of life I've been taught that confidence
should be worn with pride. If I doubted myself
and my words to God, how was God supposed
to believe anything that I was saying?

That little girl who was asked to stand in

front of a crowd and say Thanksgiving words
to God is not someone that I had not seen
before. I have seen her in so many girls out
there. Girls struggling to let out their talents
because of fear of what the crowd may say,
fear of judgement and fear of moving out of
their comfort zones. In all honesty, confidence
doesn't grow on trees, it takes a lot for a girl to
actually feel worthy of being in front of a crowd
and saying out their mind. A lot of things come
into play, that one moment when they mistake

...confidence doesn't grow

on trees, it takes a lot for a
girl to actually feel worthy
of being in front of a crowd
and saying out their mind.

her for a boy because she had boobs too

small that she almost appeared like she had
a flat chest or that time she was called out for
gaining weight or when she was made fun of
for being too dark. These are the kind of things
we face as girls and they always find a way to
stick inside our heads and each time we finally
think we've gathered up confidence, they
always creep in at the corners of our heads.
But you know what, Girl Get Up! It's time we
shined through the negative comments and
wear our confidence with pride. That's the
one thing that should be defining us, our
willingness to look beyond the messed up
society and the toxicity in the world that just
seeks to weigh us down. Girl Get Up!

26 intwasa
 www.amplify.co.zw

Home by
KUDZAISHE
CHIBAYA

Home is where family is, where you feel most at ease.

Everyone looks forward to being home and safe.
Everyone looks forward to going home and getting there in time.
Home is where one feels loved, cared for.
Home is where you're welcome to be yourself and let the walls protect
you.

The walls feel like a prison

I put on a facade and think I'm losing myself.
I go out there, into the cold world and somehow, I feel like I could take on
the world.
I go to a land that's not mine and wish I could stay and never come back.
Home isn't like the painting in the gallery where you're perfectly happy
and all.
It's where the heart lays right, but my heart is always racing and never
rests.
I lay wide awake at night because
Because...
I can't even pin point
Explain it
Or say it out loud.

So, home for me is yet to be found,

because I'm most at ease when I'm far from that house.
The house of terrors and nightmare
Where night time is time to put my guard up.

intwasa
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