CUZ ePublications (Catholic University of Zimbabwe)
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Mashurugwi: A Manifestation of a Weakening Human Security Situation in Zimbabwe
No full textHuman security has been observed by the United Nations as a framework form assisting countries to identify and address several cross-cutting challenges that impact the survival, livelihood, and dignity of people. Zimbabwe has experienced a myriad of challenges that have affected young people. Over the past decade, cases of death, murder, rape, and robberies have increased and small-scale gold miners, illegal miners, and gold panners have been singled out as some of the key culprits. The term Mashurugwi has been used as a derivate to refer to a group of young people from the Midlands Provincial district of Shurugwi accused of terrorizing communities around the country. This article interrogates the assumption that Mashurugwi is a terror group from the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe. Using the human security framework, the article demonstrates how the murders, rape cases, and robberies experienced around the country are a product of the weakening human security situation in Zimbabwe. The article calls for the application of human security to advance comprehensive responses that address the multidimensional causes and consequences of complex challenges being experienced in Zimbabw
Assessment and Blended Learning: Learner-Centric Conduits to Physical Education Practical in Tertiary Learning Institutions of Zimbabwe.
Full text linkQuality physical education teaching is hinged on assessment. Meagre approaches offset the development of learners’ skill sets and movement repertoire prematurely ending envisaged aspirations. This article explored assessment and blended learning as critical learner-centric conduits providing new pigment to Physical Education pedagogical approaches. This descriptive study adopted a quantitative approach operationalized within “The Skill Theme Model” framework. A sample of 44 Physical Education lecturers and students from Great Zimbabwe University and Masvingo Teachers College was used for the study. Purposive sampling was used to draw up the study respondents. Questionnaires were used as data collection tools for the study. All data were summarised and presented in tables. Preliminary findings revealed assessment and blended learning deficiencies in tertiary Physical Education due to financial and resource scarcity. Technologically mediated expertise and learneroriented approaches remain a challenge hence learners’ critical superglue dimensions to athletic development in the psychological and physiological domain were not fully addressed. Multi-modal training batteries that developmentally test learners’ sociopsychological and physiological multi-skill sets hinged on learner-centric healthenhancing blended approaches are crucial. Assessment tests should be regularly administered as they form the cornerstone to the achievement of learners’ life-long capabilities
MEDIA COVERAGE AND HUMAN RIGHTS IN ZIMBABWE IN THE CONTEXT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Full text linkThe media are central institutions in any democratic society. They inform and educate citizens about political and socio-economic issues. The media further provide citizens with information they need to make informed decisions. As powerful institutions, they promote human rights by creating public forums where different views in a democratic society can be expressed. Informed by the agenda-setting and social responsibility theories, this paper analyses the extent and nature of media coverage regarding human rights in Zimbabwe in the context of the covid-19 pandemic. Utilising the qualitative research methodology, the paper scrutinised how The Standard Newspaper reported about Covid-19 and human rights-related issues for a period of one month after President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared a 21-day national lockdown on 30 March 2020. The paper concluded that the newspaper responded quickly in its coverage regarding human rights in the context of the unfolding pandemic. However, although most of the stories were informative, they were not educative since they were event-based and single sourced. This paper suggested that The Standard should use more comments and analysis and multiple sources to give diversity and weight to human rights issues covered
Violence Against Holy Objects in Zimbabwe’s War of Liberation: Selected Experiences from the Catholic Church
Full text linkZimbabwe went through an armed liberation struggle from 1966 that culminated in the attainment of African majority rule in 1980. Part of the violence of that liberation struggle was directed at remote mission stations scattered throughout rural areas. While many studies have focused on the murder and brutalization of missionaries and other mission workers, there remains a knowledge gap on the damage and destruction of church buildings, images and other objects considered holy. The purpose of this paper is to discuss material cultures which were destroyed and the effects with special reference to the Catholic Church in wartime Zimbabwe generally, and Mapiravana (St Theresa) Church of Chirumhanzu and Berejena mission of Chivi in particular. The paper is within the broader context of closure to some horrific aspects of the armed struggle since Zimbabwe has not established a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to deliberate on wartime violence. Furthermore, the paper widens our understanding of the forces behind the tearing of shrines and Christian Churches historically and to date. Although secondary sources were used, the research benefited primarily from oral interviews with parishioners of the time, relics of destruction which could be observed and press coverage of the same incidences. It is important to bear in mind that church buildings constitute sacred spaces which are set aside from the secular world and its laws. This constitutes enduring legacies of Catholicism in the present da
Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Capacity Building in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Policy Framework Approach
Full text linkClimate change related disasters are increasing in severity and frequency across Sub Saharan Africa worsening an already desperate socio economic and political climate. El Nino induced droughts, floods, cyclones and related disasters have increased community vulnerabilities especially on the rural poor that make up the majority of the population of Sub-Saharan Africa. This paper argues that climate change has become an inherent and permanent aspect of contemporary development discourse and trajectories. Therefore, the study discovered that resilience capacity building rests only on a robust policy framework tailor made to respond to climate change induced vagaries for a particular region as opposed to a one size fits all approach borrowed mainly from western based multinational institutions. Research results show that policy decay has led to repeated and worsening vulnerabilities. Adaptation and resilience to such dangers, hence requires a deliberate, meticulous and well-balanced response strategy enshrined in an equally well thought and inclusive policy framework. It is argued therefore that policy decadence is the major cause of the worsening vulnerabilities and policy paradigm shift is the major catalyst to a climate change resilient community. The research relied mainly on qualitative research methods and the collected data was analysed using the exploratory analytical method. The finding of this research is that policy decadence has led to ever increasing vulnerability across Sub-Saharan Africa in general and Zimbabwe in particular
Comparative Analysis of Migration Trends in Africa within A Global Context: Case of Socio-economic Cultural Integration in Northern and Southern Africa in Agenda 2030 Phase
Full text linkAfrica and in particular some of its structural geographical regions are not spared from migration challenges and moreover, socioeconomic cultural and political setbacks emanating from the first decade after independence. This contribution analyzes the migration trends in Africa with specific reference to socioeconomic cultural integration of the Southern and Northern region in the new millennium. Theoretically, the contribution is grounded in the relevant classic works by Charles Kegley and Shannon Blanton (2011); W Magaya (2018); Andrew Heywood (2011); Kanyenze G., Timothy Kondo., Prosper Chitambara and Jos Martens (2011) and John Iliffe (1999) among many others. Methodologically the work is informed by the theory and practice of transformative integration; and migration which is supported by data from primary and secondary sources. Quantitative and qualitative data analyses make central instruments of investigation in this study. Some of the key issues considered herein are migration trends in Africa; essence of Agenda 2030; migration challenges in Southern and Northern Africa; resolving migration challenges and socioeconomic cultural and political transformation particularly in Southern and Northern Africa and Africa in general. Ultimately, in conclusion and recommendations the contribution proposes a transformative Paradox Migration Model to inform an inclusive development migration policy for Southern and Northern Africa as well as Africa in general but certainly on the strength of exploiting fully the value in Agenda 203
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF MIGRATING TO ONLINE TEACHING AND LEARNING IN ZIMBABWE IN THE FACE OF COVID-19: THE CASE OF THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF ZIMBABWE.
Full text linkThe study assesses the challenges and opportunities of migrating to online teaching and learning in Zimbabwe, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Undertaken at Catholic University of Zimbabwe (Chinhoyi campus), the objective is to generate knowledge for improving evidence-based decision making in mitigating, preparing for, and responding to the pandemic. The study is a qualitative, descriptive research, whose aim argues that, though online education might have been prompted by the advent of coronavirus, the online teaching and learning is here to stay. Based on the findings from the literature review, one of the determinants of a sustainable e-learning program in education in Zimbabwe could be the availability of reliable infrastructure such as, internet access to provide opportunities for synchronous interactivity. The study suggests that stakeholders should investment in e-learning facilities. In the presence of appropriate technological tools, uninterrupted electricity and better access to the Internet - educators and students will be better able to implement e-learning programs in learning institutions. The study has found that real learning should be learner centered, with the instructor offering guidance. The study concludes that on a lighter side, COVID-19 could also be viewed as a blessing in disguise
THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC ON THE WORKING POPULATION IN HARARE, ZIMBABWE
Full text linkThe research aimed to assess the socio-economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the working populace in Harare, Zimbabwe. The study followed a descriptive cross-sectional research design. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the study respondents who were adult formally employed people. Simple random sampling technique was deemed appropriate for the research as it ensured that there was representativeness of the target population. Data was collected from randomly selected respondents through a self administered structured questionnaire which was designed using google form. The questionnaire link was sent to the respondents using either emails or WhatsApp. Data was analysed using a Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). Data analysis revealed that there was socio economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the working populace such as increase in household expenses, and negative impact on the mental wellbeing of the respondents. Additionally, the findings showed that working from home during the lockdowns was difficult due to disruptions. Fear of losing jobs was cited as one of the other effects of the pandemic and in the event of one losing their jobs most respondents did not have a sustainable income to take care of their families. These findings showed that there is need for the fiscal resources to be used to offer direct support to affected individuals and businesses in order to protect the productive capacity that will be needed to revive the economy when the coronavirus crisis ends. There is also a need to consider providing a sustained social safety nets for everyone during the pandemic using appropriate social and economic policie
IMPLICATIONS OF COVID 19 ON THE FOOD SYSTEMS AND FOOD AID.
Full text linkThe World was facing some challenges in the food systems before the advent of COVID 19. Some of the serious challenges include climate change and some economic instabilities in various countries. These challenges have resulted in some countries facing food crisis that requires food aid. COVID 19 has increased the number of the vulnerable population thereby increasing the number of people in need of food aid. COVID 19 related disruptions of the food systems and food donations have been faced in various parts of the world. COVID 19 has exacerbated food insecurity due to the disruptions of the food systems. The COVID 19 response measures are also negatively affecting the current food systems. This paper explores the current and future implications of COVID 19 on the food systems and food aid. The paper analyses the available literature on food security and COVID 19. The effect of COVID 19 on food security is likely to extend into the post COVID 19 period. The article concludes by saying that COVID 19 has negatively influenced every element of the food system and food aid activities. There is a need for the development of a resilient food system that withstands the current shocks and possible future shocks
Types of Marriages and their Counselling in Bikita
No full textThe types of marriage in Shona society before missionary influence as examined in this paper were: serial polygamy, polyandry, sororal polygamy, fraternal polygamy, and monogamy. The early missionaries, with all good intentions, brought a marriage template to the Shona people of Bikita that consisted of just two marriage categories: monogamy and polygamy. The latter was condemned as non-Christian and one of the early moral endeavours of the Church was to rid society of polygamy. Marriage in every society has existed as an inevitable institution for the purpose of the continuation of clans. In this paper the author examines the types of marriages that were common in Bikita district. Perhaps, unlike in other cultures, marriage in this district is more complex than is generally believed. While marriage has been serialised as being monogamous, polygamous, and other sub marital arrangements, it has hardly been questioned as to what led to such marriage arrangments. Polygamy in this paper is not taken as mere concupiscence of the flesh, but as a cultural and religious obligation for the Shona people of Bikita. The research design used in this paper is qualitative and inclusive of many views on marriage, its definition, process, and purpose in the community. To get the views of respondnts, the interview method was used in addition to observation by the author. It was found that both the process as well as themarriage itself in Bikita was quite complex and took several shades. Marriage counselling therefore requires sensitivity to these differences