ACCOUNTABILITY LAB ZIMBABWE

McDonald grew up in Zimbabwe’s high-density suburbs at a time when the economy and politics were taking a turn for the worst. Between 2000 and 2009 he served the students movement as a leader and later coordinator on the movement’s efforts at gaining international solidarity. Post-2009, McDonald continued as social justice, democracy and rights advocate and served in various leadership capacities in civil society. He developed extensive experience leading and managing programs and advocacy campaigns on democracy, rights, as well as governance. McDonald was a regular media interlocutor and a  technical resource to global civil society on creative advocacy and campaigning for activists in Tunisia, Serbia, Ukraine, Zimbabwe and other countries in Southern Africa. McDonald has a Bachelors degree in International Politics and Diplomacy from the University of South Africa, a Masters degree in International Development from the University of Manchester,  as well as a Masters in Research and a PhD. in Political Science from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). At the LSE he also taught undergraduates and masters students in the Government and International development departments. McDonald believes that accountability and integrity deficits are at the centre of most social justice challenges in the world across both the claims-making demand-side (Society) and duty-bearing supply side (Authorities) of the accountability-integrity equation. He reckons that lasting solutions can manifest when citizens work both sides of the accountability equation, are actively engaged and demand as well as promote responsible leadership. McDonald joined Accountability Lab to aid these efforts through developing and promoting innovative and unorthodox approaches which model integrity, showcase accountability and prototype transparency in community with young people.

Hometown: Mufakose Township, Harare, Zimbabwe.

When I’m not at work, I’m: reading, writing and binge-watching excellent TV. I also play chess, basketball, and volleyball, but never do seem to win.

Ask me about: Mount Idah, elevators to the top, and Ferraris caught in traffic.

Alois believes that corruption is a victimless crime, it affects the most vulnerable people and deprives them of basic entitlements and services such as health, education,housing among others. He has worked in the governance and human rights sector for over a decade.Alois is interested in building a world that is free from corruption so that all people can enjoy their lives. He enjoys monitoring and evaluating governance and anti-corruption interventions to support evidence based anti-corruption programming. Alois holds a Master of Science in Development, a first degree in Sociology, and several qualifications related to development and monitoring and evaluation. He has previously worked for Transparency International Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, Zimbabwe Open University, Legal Resources Foundation and Helpline Zimbabwe Trust.

Hometown: Rusape, Zimbabwe.

When I’m not at work, I’m: Social outings in nature with family, at church, writing articles and talking to people about gender based violence issues.

Ask me about: Anti-corruption,  Monitoring and Evaluation, development planning.

Nosikelelo has over 10 years of experience in the non-profit sector in Zimbabwe focusing on democracy and governance, human rights, youth, Peace building and Security Sector Transformation. Despite being a holder of a Bachelor of Science honors degree in Journalism and Media studies, much of her journalism career has been practiced in information management in the civil society, reaching out to the disadvantaged urban and rural folk who have limited access to the mainstream sources of information. Her development work within the civil society inspired her to study an honors degree in Monitoring and evaluation, to facilitate her positive contribution to the realisation of impact in the work done by Civil Society. She hopes to use her time at the Lab to demonstrate, through story-telling, the positive effects of accountable leaders and institutions on the lives of ordinary citizens. She also holds a Masters degree in Development Studies. She is a women’s rights activist, who is motivated by the desire to see young African women rise above their circumstances, take up leadership roles and begin to challenge all forms of oppression. During her spare time, she volunteers with a network for young women called the Girl Empowerment Trust, an initiative she co founded as well as a youth focused CBO in Matobo. She is also a Mandela Washington Fellow, a United States Government funded fellowship for young African Leaders.

Hometown: Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

When I’m not at work, I’m: On the pool deck, supporting my boys or officiating, but never actually setting foot in the water.

Ask me about: African literature and a feminist living in a ‘frat house’.

Upenyu is fascinated by stories. She began her career creating stories to build brands, along the way she was nominated for a Ngoma Award in copywriting, and voiced a mother and baby in Nyami Nyami ( the second animated movie to be produced in Zimbabwe). Upenyu believes that stories are powerful vehicles for sharing ideas. She is dedicated to using her energy and skills to support people whose ideas can change the world by helping them to craft and share their stories. Upenyu is a 2018 Obama African Leadership Fellow. She is interested in digital media and content creation, politics and movement building. Upenyu is a rights activist and has worked extensively with civil society organisations in the fields of gender and children’s rights, access to information and freedom of speech. She is a TEDx licensee and the lead organiser for TEDxHarare and Global Entrepreneurship Week events. She has co-founded Level Up a mentorship program for early stage entrepreneurs, and served on the Board of the Harare Mayor’s Cheer Fund. Upenyu’s work has been published by Kubatana.net, Pambazuka News, Newsday and African Arguments.

Hometown: Harare, Zimbabwe.

When I’m not at work, I’m: Doing something with my hands.

Ask me about: The question posed by Tsitsi Dangarembga’s cat.

Zibusiso has nine years of experience in communications and project management, working in the civil society sector in Zimbabwe. His passion for promoting democratization and good governance was horned in the tough Zimbabwean period between 2006 and 2008 when he witnessed how bad governance and poor public resources management led to widespread poverty and suffering. Zibusiso’s interests are at the area of intersection between the media, democratization and development. He has served in leadership roles where he primarily used his skills in research, communications, project management and media practice to promote an active citizenry and accountability in governance. He believes that local people have solutions to the challenges they face and only need support to thrive. At Accountability Lab Zimbabwe, Zibusiso hopes to work with a dedicated and innovative team to promote engaged citizens, responsible leaders and accountable institutions.

Hometown: Luveve township, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

When I’m not at work, I’m: Listening to hip hop music, watching documentaries or hanging out with people close to me.

Ask me about: Life in Bulawayo and fun things to do in the city and surrounding areas.

Tinotenda graduated from the University of Zimbabwe with a degree in Political Science. She is passionate about human rights, particularly those of women and youth and is committed to ensuring they have a voice that is heard within the governance discourse. Her interest in accountability issues stems from working with and equipping rural and urban communities to actively engage in holding their local leadership to account . Within this work Tinotenda has been focused on encouraging young women to be more engaged with their local governance structures, and their local leadership. She has conducted numerous research projects exploring factors affecting and influencing active citizenship of women and youth in Zimbabwe. Tinotenda designed and implemented various dialogue platforms and public conversations to motivate the active participation of women and youth in governance.

Hometown: Harare, Zimbabwe.

When I’m not at work, I’m: Travelling or Netflixing.

Ask me about: My best vacation destination.

Zvikomborero is a seasoned administrator with a wealth of experience spanning over 15 years in the development sector. In 2014, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology and Gender Development Studies and is currently completing a Masters Degree in Human Resources Management. Her interest in accountability started with a dream to make a meaningful contribution to ending corruption in her society.

Hometown: Chishawasha, Zimbabwe

When I’m not at work, I’m: At home with family or hanging out with friends. I also enjoy traveling and watching Formula 1 and Netflix series.

Ask me about: Formula 1 or Netflix Series

Honest is skilled finance and accounting professional with over 10 years of experience in finance management, including financial reporting, budgeting, project administration, payroll, taxation and external and internal auditing. He graduated with Honors Degree in Accountancy and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Zimbabwe. He is also a student member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants at a professional level.
In a effort to mitigate the impact of Covid-19, he worked as a volunteer Project Finance & Administration Advisor for the ZimCovid-19 Health Booths Project. His interest in accountability issues stemmed from his desire to learn and explore the role and commitment of office bearers in public institutions in Zimbabwe and Africa to the citizens. The state of Zimbabwe’s political and government landscape has given him insight into accountability, governance, and policy matters and how it impacts society.

Hometown: Masvingo , Zimbabwe

When I’m not at work, I’m: Watching soccer with my friends

Ask me about:Budgeting, financial management, democracy, accountability and governance issues

Beatrice Macebe completed her high school education in 2015 and is currently completing a degree in Development Practice at Midlands State University. Her interest in accountability issues started after she realized that young people lack key activities that can support and improve their contribution to society. She is an advocate for youth empowerment and tries to dedicate some of her time to supporting initiatives to improve young people in Zimbabwe and become better leaders in Zimbabwe.

Hometown: Harare, Zimbabwe.

When I’m not at work, I’m: When I’m not at work I’m?
At home with my mom and doing side hustles.

Ask me about: Fashion and side hustling.

Shellie Mahachi has always sought to see things that are fair and just. She believes accountability issues start at the individual level and escalate to national and global levels. She believes accountability issues begin at the individual level and then gradually grow to the national and international levels. She says governments fail to live up to their expectations which they have mapped out in their National plans and strategies. It takes individuals and organizations to hold others accountable for their actions and encourage realignment with the desired action plans. Organizations working in and with such accountability issues help individuals to engage actively and respectfully and operate at their full potential to achieve their objectives. The governments create an enabling environment where their citizens flourish and businesses thrive. Accountability issues grow the economy if the support is well received.

Hometown: Masvingo , Zimbabwe

When I’m not at work, I’m: Spending some quality time with family, very close friends and reading.

Ask me about:Finance, grants and contracts management and major donor funding requirements.

Mr Ishumael Chigwedere is a Harare native who grew up in Mufakose. He is an experienced driver with over 20 years working for various companies and organizations. He prides himself on reliability, honesty and being a problem solver.

One of the qualities mentioned above, honesty, is why he jumped at the opportunity of being a part of the Lab. He regards honesty as a principle lacking in our communities and would like this to become the norm rather than the exception. Ishumael, also known as “Dread Ishu” is an avid motor mechanic and self-taught electrician. He is a master of martial arts and loves reggae music.

Hometown: Harare, Zimbabwe

When I’m not at work, I’m:I am in the dojo practicing my Kyokushin Karate a style in which I am a Sensei with a 2nd Dan Black Belt.

Ask me about: Home electronics