CUT Journals Online Chinhoyi University of Technology
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Indigenous Practices, Bereavement and Stress Management: A Critical Review of Nzveura as a Socio-psychological Support among the Karanga Ethnic people
Full text linkDeath among most indigenous Africans is a reality that has adverse effects on mental health. Notably, indigenous ethnic groups, like the Karanga of Nyajena, have their ways of coping with such calamities. The article examines the role of nzveura in offering socio-psychological support to the bereaved family among the Jena sub-ethnic group. It is a qualitative study, grounded in the ubuntu theory. Six (6) interviews were done with elders who were purposively sampled from the Karanga people in Nyajena on the value of nzveura in stress management. This was complemented by observations of five (5) funerals done on the Karanga community. The study made several observations, chief among them being that the Karanga people are aware of the mental health challenges posed by the loss of a family member. As a result, they conduct a practice known as nzveura to manage stress among mourners and the bereaved family. They use nzveura as a mechanism to cope with anxiety, stress, and depression, and the possible negative impact on mental health. The study concludes that it is essential to embrace African models of stress management, such as nzveura. It recommends that indigenous practices, such as nzveura, which are part of the intangible cultural heritage of the Karanga, be safeguarded from possible extinction as they are anchored on empathy and the “I am because we are” principle in managing stress during bereavement
Masculinity influences on Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) among students from selected State Universities in Zimbabwe
Full text linkThe purpose of this study was to determine the impact of masculinity on student participation and experiences in Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) among selected students at state universities in Zimbabwe, with a specific focus on League of Legends. Through a mixed-methods study of 750 students across three universities, the research demonstrates that hegemonic masculinity plays an influential role in male students' gaming preferences, player character choices, and social behaviours. The results suggest that online gaming spaces in Zimbabwe are characterised by hyper-masculinity and are hyper-male environments, which see masculine stereotypes and behaviours both reinforced by the structure of game design and social interactions within them. Typical social norms and hegemonic masculine profiles are reproduced in gameplay, where female players are more likely to choose a role of a gender neutral or fluid character who becomes subjected to marginalisation. Connell’s use of theory, constructed as hegemonic masculinity, reveals the extent to which gaming practices are structured by culture and how gender norms in media perpetuate inequities across digital spaces. The findings underscore the need for initiatives to counter hegemonic masculinity and the creation of gendered meanings in gaming by designing game interventions that promote inclusiveness and diversity, thereby fostering more equitable gaming communities. These contributions can further our understanding of virtual gender dynamics in Africa and shed light on potential measures to promote the development of inclusive e-gaming environments
Development versus Heritage: Evaluating the effectiveness of Archaeological Impact Assessments in Zimbabwe
Full text linkIn Zimbabwe, archaeological heritage is facing increasing threats from infrastructure development such as mining, agriculture, and climate change. Archaeological Impact Assessments play a crucial role in managing these threats by verifying that development projects take into account cultural heritage before they disturb the ground. Despite this, the impact of AIAs in Zimbabwe is still being studied, with a focus on their implementation, enforcement, and long-term sustainability. This research examines the success of AIA projects in Zimbabwe, exploring their potential to safeguard cultural heritage while also accommodating socio-economic development demands. The research takes a qualitative research approach utilising surveys and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders including archaeologists, heritage managers, Environmental Management Agency personnel and developers. Recent AIAs involving mining concessions, road expansion, dam construction, or other projects are case-studied to determine compliance levels and stakeholder engagement. Additionally, the success of mitigation is evaluated through these factors. The research reveals that while AIAs are legally obligated, the execution is not consistent as certain projects are fully in compliance with heritage protection regulations, while others proceed with little or no oversight and result in irreversible damage. The study also highlights the challenge of ensuring sustainable cultural heritage management in areas where sites are often overlooked. The research reveals that indigenous knowledge’s potential for site interpretation and preservation in Zimbabwe is hindered by limited community involvement in Archaeological Impact Assessments, underscoring the need for more inclusive approaches that leverage local expertise and promote community-driven initiatives. The study suggests that enhancing AIA frameworks can improve preservation of heritage without impeding development. Some suggestions include incorporating AIAs earlier in project planning, using digital documentation techniques and encouraging multi-stakeholder cooperation. By critically examining Zimbabwe’s AIA system, this research contributes to international debates on sustainable heritage governance and provides practical strategies for harmonizing cultural preservation with national development goals
Examining the Efficiency of Fuel Management on Service Delivery within Local Authorities in Zimbabwe
Full text linkThe study sought to examine the efficiency of fuel management on service delivery within local authorities in Zimbabwe. A quantitative methodology accompanied by a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was deployed to collect data from four local authorities within Harare Metropolitan Province. The stratified random sampling technique was utilized to define the sample of 347 participants, with the aid of RAOSOFT sample size calculator. SPSS (version 20) software was used for analysing data. The study findings indicate that, inefficient fuel management processes significantly contributed to poor service delivery. Also, the results showed a significant positive correlation between efficient fuel management practices and service delivery. It therefore follows that; enhanced service delivery tends to correlate positively with improved fuel management practices. The results suggest that prioritizing efficient fuel management processes optimizes resource allocation which in turn enhance service delivery performance within local authorities. Consequently, the study recommends the implementation of electronic fuel monitoring systems to streamline fuel management process thereby improving transparency and accountability
Rebranding Zimbabwe's Education System: Stakeholder Perspectives on the Implementation of the Heritage-Based Curriculum.
Full text linkThis study explores the implementation of the Heritage-Based Curriculum (HBC) as a rebranding strategy within Zimbabwe's Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, focusing on stakeholder perspectives. The HBC, introduced to align education with Zimbabwean cultural values, history, and indigenous knowledge systems, represents a significant shift from previous curricula. This research investigates how stakeholders including -educators, policymakers, parents, and students perceive this curriculum reform as a tool for rebranding the nation’s education system. Using a qualitative approach, data was collected through interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis to capture diverse viewpoints. Findings reveal that while many stakeholders view the HBC as a positive step toward reclaiming cultural identity and fostering national pride, challenges such as inadequate resources, teacher training gaps, and concerns about global competitiveness hinder its effective implementation. The study highlights the tension between preserving cultural heritage and meeting the demands of a globalised world. Stakeholders emphasised the need for a balanced approach that integrates heritage education with modern skills development. The research concludes that while the HBC has potential as a rebranding strategy, its success depends on addressing systemic challenges and fostering collaboration among all stakeholders. This study contributes to ongoing debates about curriculum reform in post-colonial contexts and offers insights for policymakers aiming to leverage education as a tool for cultural and national revitalisation
Perceived Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices affecting investor behaviour amongst publicly traded companies in Zimbabwe: individual investors’ perspectives
Full text linkESG considerations are increasingly becoming an important issue in investment decisions, influencing investor behaviour and long-term financial performance. This paper explores how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices affect investor intentions and behaviour among publicly traded companies in Zimbabwe. Using Stakeholder Theory, the study focused on individual investors on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange, employing an explanatory design and quantitative approach. A self-administered questionnaire yielded 309 valid responses. Results reveal that environmental practices (path estimate = 0.296) and social practices (path estimate = 0.304) significantly influence stock purchase intentions, while governance practices (path estimate = 0.095) do not show a significant impact. Additionally, stock purchase intentions strongly predict actual stock purchase behaviour (path estimate = 0.716). The study recommends that Zimbabwean companies should prioritise and communicate their environmental and social practices to attract investors, as these factors notably influence stock purchase intentions. While governance practices are important on their own, they are most effective when integrated into a comprehensive ESG framework that aligns environmental, social, and governance efforts towards sustainable organisational performance. It is recommended that companies use big data to strengthen ESG disclosures and drive investor action
An Examination of Production Challenges Faced by Clothing Manufacturing Companies in Zimbabwe Towards a Competitive Strategy
No full textThe Zimbabwe Clothing manufacturing sector is struggling to survive and produce competitive products due to the economic down turn. The study aimed at examining the challenges faced by the clothing manufacturing companies in Zimbabwe with the aim o suggesting strategies that could be implemented to improve competitiveness of clothing products for the market. Qualitative research approach and a descriptive case study research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised managers, supervisors and designers purposively selected from five clothing manufacturing companies in Harare, Zimbabwe. The sample was made up of twenty-one participants. Data was gathered using telephonic interviews. The study found out that the clothing manufacturing industries were facing challenges of low quality fashion products, simple designs, outdated machinery, poor infrastructure, high rates of imports and high inflation rate. It was suggested that the clothing manufacturing industry may implement strategies like product differentiation and new product development using advanced technologies to improve competitiveness of products on the market among other recommendation
Developing a cyber-security governance framework for Zimbabwe local authorities: Challenges and Solutions
Full text linkThe study investigated challenges faced by Zimbabwe local authorities when developing a cyber-security governance framework. This study employed exploratory research which induced a qualitative study guided by the interpretivist philosophy. The case study surveyed Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Masvingo and Mutare local authorities. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data, and forty respondents were chosen using purposive sampling. The study employed structural coding and thematic analysis as data analysis techniques and the software tool used for coding and data analysis was Maxqda. In addition, document review, social media and literature review were used to triangulate data from interviews to strengthen validity and reliability of the study. The results of the study showed that the presence of politics, economic hardships, lack of adaptability to technological changes, obsolete IT infrastructure, and lack of corporate governance practices are major factors which negatively impact the development of a cyber-security governance framework for Zimbabwe local authorities. As such, the study proposed a model with measures to counter these challenges. The proposed model enhances risk management processes, improve regulatory compliance, increase stakeholder confidence, and improve operation efficiency in Zimbabwe local authorities. However, the major limitation of the study was that, only views from the selected five urban local authorities were obtained out of ninety-two local authorities in Zimbabwe
Entrepreneurship Education as A Catalyst for Venture Creation: A Conceptual Model.
Full text linkThe study investigates the impact of Entrepreneurship Education (EE) on Venture Creation Intention (VCI) among undergraduate students in Zimbabwe, guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior. Utilizing a stratified random sampling method, the study surveyed a sample of 310 from a population of 1600 Chinhoyi University of Technology students. Data analysis employed regression analysis to determine the relationships between EE components and VCI, revealing that active teaching methods, EE content, and engagement in incubation acceleration services significantly influence VCI. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating experiential learning and industry-aligned curricula within EE frameworks to equip students with essential skills for venture creation. Recommendations advocate for a revised EE model that emphasizes mentorship, real-world applications, and supportive institutional ecosystems. The implications of these findings underscore the urgent need for systemic changes in EE to effectively cultivate entrepreneurial skills and reduce unemployment in Zimbabwe. Future research should adopt longitudinal designs and consider demographic variations to further validate these results. This study contributes to the growing literature on entrepreneurship education and its role in economic development, particularly in contexts facing significant youth unemployment challenges. By addressing the unique barriers within Zimbabwe’s educational landscape, this research lays the groundwork for developing effective entrepreneurial ecosystems that empower students to transition successfully from education to entrepreneurship
Informal Communication Signals Among Drivers: A Behavioural and Technological Assessment of Road Safety in Zimbabwe
Full text linkThis study explores the informal communication signals among drivers in Zimbabwe, focusing on their behavioural patterns and compatibility with emerging vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) technologies. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study surveyed 400 licensed drivers and conducted 30 indepth interviews with traffic police officers, road safety experts, and experienced drivers. Field observations were also analysed thematically. Quantitative data were processed using SPSS to test hypotheses on demographic differences, safety outcomes, and signalling patterns. Chi-square tests and logistic regression revealed significant relationships between informal signal use and nearmiss incidents, particularly among younger and peri-urban drivers. Qualitative findings confirmed that stress, cultural learning, and experiential factors drive signalling practices, which are largely incompatible with automated communication systems. Results highlight a disconnect between human behaviour and technological standardisation. The study recommends an integrated strategy combining culturally sensitive driver training and adaptive AI systems. These findings contribute to behavioural transport theory and offer practical insights for policy, driver education, and smart mobility design in low- and middle-income countries