CUZ ePublications (Catholic University of Zimbabwe)
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Gender-based violence in Things Fall Apart
No full textA cursory reading of Things Falls Apart has resulted in some analysists labelling this novel sexist. The main purpose of this article is to argue that, on the contrary, a close reading of Things Fall Apart shows that women are depicted as revered stakeholders with significant religious, economic, cultural, and political roles. This is despite the patrilineal and patriarchal stratification of the traditional pre-colonial and colonial village life portrayed in this novel. The feminine principle is in firm control of the entire social fabric. Agbala, the Oracle of the Hills and the Caves is undoubtedly the most potent god, but he is only a messenger of Ani, the Earth Goddess, the owner of the land, and the ultimate judge of all morality. Chika and Chielo, Agbala’s priestesses, are also immensely powerful women. Okonkwo, the flawed hero of the novel, is a conceited, single-minded man whose excesses do not represent Igbo values. The crimes he commits are most offensive to Ani. Things Fall Apart is thus exonerated from being sexist
Examining the Sustainability Perspectives of Beneficiaries and Benefactors in Community Based Projects in Masvingo province, Zimbabwe
Full text linkInformed by Marcus and Mao’s (2004) Participation Theory, the Rotary International (2014) recognises that Community Based Projects (CBPs) are central to development across all levels of society; and embracing sustainable practices enables these projects to promote democratic coexistence, mitigate environmental woes, foster social equity and ensure long-term economic viability. However, in developing countries, most such projects are funded from overseas and they often face sustainability challenges such as lack of continuity when the funders pull out, which motivated this current research. The aim of the research was to examine the project sustainability perspectives in force among CBPs implemented in Masvingo Province. The research adopted a mixed methods approach called concurrent triangulation (a convergent or parallel design) for the purpose of applying both qualitative and quantitative data, allowing the views of different stakeholders to be thoroughly appreciated in the study. Quantitative data from 256 representatives of project implementing agencies was examined using descriptive statistics and factor analysis; while thematic analysis was employed in the analysis of qualitative data gleaned from 15 beneficiary representatives. Quantitative analysis yielded that many organisations were in conformity with common sustainability practices. For example, the mean statistics for all considered measures of project sustainability were all above the theoretical mean. Factor analysis too produced results where all the rankings were above half, which could suggest mere operational efficiency. However, a closer look into the qualitative findings indicated that the compliance left many sustainability gaps. Qualitative findings showed that some agencies were using a one-size-fits-all approach to project identification, formulation, assessment, and implementation thereby involving the communities only as a formality while the projects are predesigned. The chief recommendation to drive sustainability in CBPs is for the implementing agencies to directly involve the grassroots communities for inclusivity and cost-effectiveness. Moreover, this study recommends gradually substituting local financing systems for foreign aid as well as propagating essential skills among the project end-users rather than non-locals who will soon leave the communit
Role of Spiritual Accompaniment in Promoting the Holistic Development of Students in Higher Education in Zimbabwe: A Qualitative Analysis
Full text linkThis study is about the holistic development of students in the face of complex behavioural challenges that are emerging in higher education contexts. While acknowledging the feasibility of other approaches, this study analyses the role of spiritual accompaniment (SA) in promoting the holistic development of students. Whereas the study used the lens of the student development theory, multidisciplinary concepts encompassing psychology and religion, were imbued to discern how spiritual accompaniment can be employed as a supportive and transformative practice to influence students' personal growth, well-being, and academic success. The study collected qualitative data from 30 students who were enrolled in 5 universities in 3 Provinces of Zimbabwe. Their captivating experiences in higher education illumined the challenges they faced and the utility of spiritual accompaniment in mitigating some of the problems and promoting the students’ holistic development. The findings shed light on the intricate and subjective role of spiritual accompaniment in fostering the holistic development of students in the context of higher education in Zimbabwe. The study contributes to the existing literature on student development and provides insights for educators, counsellors, and policymakers among other stakeholder
Ethical Implications of AI-Driven Education Systems on Digital Rights: A Comparative Analysis
Full text linkThe application of artificial intelligence (AI) in university education systems is accelerating globally, raising urgent ethical concerns about infringements on students’ digital rights. This paper analyses AI adoption in universities across the United States, China, the European Union, Africa, and Zimbabwe. It examines implications for student privacy, autonomy, and equality. Through a literature review, it identifies key AI applications like adaptive learning platforms, automated essay grading, and student monitoring systems. It finds that the extensive data collection and algorithmic decisionmaking enabled by these technologies could undermine student rights to privacy, freedom of thought, and due process. However, regulatory approaches to AI ethics in higher education diverge worldwide. While the EU has privacy and transparency laws, the US lacks comprehensive protections. Zimbabwe and many developing nations have minimal AI oversight, enabling unrestrained experimentation on campuses. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to balance educational innovation with ethical considerations around transparency, accountability, and student empowerment. This global comparative analysis aims to highlight strategies for integrating AI into university systems in ways that elevate student rights and welfare
What Might the Bible Have to Say about Covid-19?
No full textAn outbreak of a new form of coronavirus initially called SARS-CoV-2, but later renamed ‘coronavirus disease 2019’ (Covid1 19for short) was identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, and, on January 30th, 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak to be a public health emergency of international concern. By March 11th, the WHO had formally recognized Covid 19 as a pandemic. By May 2nd, 2020, more than 3.38 million cases had been reported in 187 countries and territories, more than 239,000 people had died as a consequence and more than 1.06 million had recovered. By January 8th, 2021, a little over eight months later, by which time a number of effective vaccines had been developed and mass vaccinations had been begun, these figures had seen a dramatic rise, with more than 88.2 million cases reported in 218 countries and territories, more than 1.9 million people have died as a consequence and more than 49.2 million having recovered
Covid-19 and the Mark of the Beast in the Book of Revelation
No full textIs the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine the mark of the beast? This is one of the frequently asked questions that this writer has met many times. The reason for this question is that there are claims on social media platforms that indeed the COVID-19 vaccine does fulfill the prophecy of John in the Book of Revelation concerning the ‘mark of the beast’ introduced in Rev 13:16-18. However, such interpretations tend to flow from conspiracy theories rather than from biblical text or tradition. Therefore, this article seeks to provide a meaningful exegetical interpretation of the ‘mark of the beast’ relating to the time of the first century A.D. itself whenthe Book of Revelation was written. The intention is to help the Christian reader to have a better grasp of what John intended to communicate to his primary audience so as to set aside some out-of-context speculations of the 21st-century readers of the book
A focus on Augustine’s Understanding of the Most Holy Trinity Concentrating on the Unity and the Distinction of Three Persons of the Trinity and its Implications on Families in Zimbabwe
No full textThis article focuses on the doctrine of the Holy Trinity according to St Augustine and its implications on family life in Zimbabwe.What is of interest in this article is how Augustine explains the unity and the distinction of the three Persons of the Triune God and lessons that can be drawn from family life in Zimbabwe. The article identifies some of the challenges of family life in Zimbabwe and goes on to reflect on the idea that Augustine’s doctrine of the most Holy Trinity on the unity and distinctions of the three Persons of the Triune God is a perfect model for family life in Zimbabwe
From Anthropocentrism to New Ecology, against Climate Disaster: An Appraisal based on Francis’ Laudato Si`
No full textThe history of the Church profusely records overwhelming evidence which points to the prophetic nature of the Church. Various Church documents also attest to the prophetic nature of the Church because they anticipated many of the socio-economic, political and religious phenomena happening in contemporary society. The Church’s leaders and members are thus prophetic to the extent that the Popes down the centuries promulgate encyclicals that are deeply rooted in and stem from the rich tradition of the Catholic Church and yet they are informed by the contemporary challenges arising from a varied spectrum of socio-economic and political spheres. Technological advancements and capitalist greed exacerbate the reductionistic view of God’s creation. Creation,specifically, the environment is attributed to an instrumental value, which means that its value is dependent on its usefulness to human beings. This anthropocentric view of the environment dominated the Church and even the world at large for a long time. However, Pope Francis promulgated a prophetic encyclical entitled Laudato Si, which advocates for ecocentrism instead of parochial one-dimensional eco-spiritualities which limit our worldview and diminish humanity’s respect for the environment hence the escalating problem of climate change (global warming) and associated incessant natural disasters like cyclones
Migration and Climate Change in the Horn of Africa: Mainly in Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan and South Sudan
No full textThe influx of migrants within the Horn of Africa or crossing international boundaries in search of stability and asylum-seeking is largely propelled by climate change. Climate change is responsible for the migration of people, conflict and a palpable lack of economic stability. As a result, 17 million people are threatened by a severe shortage of food in the Horn of Africa. The Horn is therefore one of the regions that is highly affected by climate change. Environmental crisis and eco-imbalance in the Horn of Africa is epitomized by perennial droughts, unpredictable rains, desertification, flash floods, and land degradation. As such, climate change andhuman life are coterminous
Critical Issues in the book of Judges
No full textJudges is one of the historical books of the Bible. It narrates Israel’s journey and the difficulties faced during the occupation of the land after the death of Joshua and before the rulership of kings. The nation went through ups and downs as shall be indicated in this article. There were a lot of challenges as they were trying to cope with a new world of different types of religions, cultures and political situations. This article is discussing these issues focusing on how Israel reacted to them and how these affected their relationship with Yahweh. The article is also looking at critical issues that include authorship, sources, dating, the role of women and the targeted audience