ZEGU Journals Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University
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Surface Water Quality Changes Induced by Underground Mining in Gwanda District of Matebeleland South Zimbabwe
No full textThe study, from which this article sprang from, sought to assess the impacts of underground mining activities on surface water quality in Mtshabezi River in Gwanda District of Matebeleland South of Zimbabwe. The research adopts a mixed method approach that utilised both qualitative and quantitative approaches for in depth fact finding. The qualitative approach used depends on open ended questions, structured interviews, direct field observations while quantitative approach utilised depended on closed-ended questions, laboratory testing of water samples and use of statistical tools such as SPSS version 22.0 for data analysis. A survey of 82 respondents and interviews was conducted in the mining communities who depend on water from Mtshabezi River, in Gwanda to identify the main pollutants affecting water quality in Mtshabezi River. Water samples were collected to test for physiochemical parameters (temperature, pH, cyanide and concentration of Zn, Ni, Fe and Cu). Results from the tests conducted show that nitrates ranged from 3.5 and 8.4 that is within the range of WHO guideline of 10mg/l. From the data that was collected only 20% was within the WHO standards, High level of iron in Site 2 and 3 was as a result of direct deposition from the mine. The level of zinc concentration in Mtshabezi River was ranging from 0.4 to 3.8mg/l of zinc concentration that is above the limits of WHO guideline. The study recommends regular monitoring of surface water sources undertaken by EMA and sub-catchment councils to ensure the quality of water is not compromised
The Psychology in Art and Design for Artefactual Development in Africa: Reflections on Indigenous Technical Knowledge
No full textIndigenous African societies’ lives revolve around arts and the creation of artefacts. The design of art and artefacts employs abilities defined by the communities as important, according to their belief systems, hence the reference to implicit theories of intelligence. Implicit theories of intelligence were found to be related to indigenous technical knowledge (ITK) that was employed in designing artefacts and arts. These designs and the eventual use of the artefacts and arts have an impact on the development of social norms that shaped the indigenous ways of life. The authors employed a narrative review aimed at finding and summarising existing literature while seeking to identify novel areas of study. The review included papers that informed on architecture and art, tools and implements designs in Africa. Thematic analysis was used to identify recurrent themes that pointed to the existence of implicit theories of intelligence and the creation of social norms through the design and use of art and artefacts. The themes identified included optimal use of strengths and minimisation of weaknesses as a sign of intelligence, design of artefacts for functionality purposes, design as a process of adaption, design as a sign of social status and design as a process to ensure equitable role distributio
Urban Expansion and its Impact on Wastewater Management in Masvingo Town,Zimbabwe: Designing for Resilience
No full textRapid urban expansion has had a negative bearing on wastewater management and sanitation in developing countries, hence there is need for robust and efficient on-site sanitation facilities. The study sought to evaluate the urban expansion and its impact on wastewater management in a developing country case of Masvingo Town, Zimbabwe. The study objectives included investigating the impact of rapid urbanisation on the design capacity of the centralised wastewater treatment plant, characterisation of on-site sanitation technologies in newly built areas against the sanitation standards and to identify the impact of on-site sanitation technologies on the environment. Key informant interviews, questionnaires and secondary laboratory data on biological oxygen demand (BOD5) were used to collect the data. The population equivalence was used to determine the impact of rapid urbanisation on wastewater efficiency. Results indicate that a population equivalence of 282.86 BOD shows a decline in the efficiency of the wastewater facility that is affecting aquatic species along the Shagashe River. From a sample of 96 respondents, results indicate that onsite sanitation facilities are dominant in newly built residential areas, with limited sewerage networks and erratic supplies of water. The city is building resilience around on-site sanitation facilities within the realm of Water and Sanitation
The Urban Planning Development Control Tracking Model for Mvurwi Town, Zimbabwe: Case in E-Planning Via Geoinformatics
No full textThe urban planning system in Zimbabwe, long modelled along the British system and its spatial planning concepts, principles, processes and legislation, influences in shaping the spatial mapping of towns and cities and the overall built-in environment in the country. The study focuses on critically assessing the feasibility of utilising e-development control processes in tracking urban plans with a view to developing an e- development control model. The study assumes the following objectives: identifying underlying frameworks for development plans in Mvurwi; evaluating current development control practices in Mvurwi; assessing current methodologies used for development control processes in Mvurwi; and developing an e-development control model for Mvurwi. This study uses a transformative research paradigm and mixed methodological approach, with a sample size of 302 respondents from five classes of Mvurwi property owners. An inductive approach to research is employed using documentary analysis, questionnaire administration and key informant interviews as the research techniques. The research established that the Constitution of Zimbabwe 2013 Amendment (No 20) (Constitution) recognises devolution and decentralisation of state power and provides Mvurwi Town Council (MTC) constitutional protection. The Urban Councils Act regulates local authorities and urban settlements, and it addresses concerns relating to estate development and housing provision and construction. The study also found out that the current development control frameworks and planning services delivery positively correlate with each other (r =0.541, p of 0.000 significant at the 0.05 level). The research concludes on development of an e-development model which discovered the relationship between geoinformatics in e-planning and enhancement of the accurate information essential to development planning, monitoring and execution are part of the development control methods in Mvurwi. The study recommends that Zimbabwe local authorities should embrace the application of technology in all planning service for them to achieve efficiency and effectiveness in development contro
Psycho-social factors influencing effective collaboration of stakeholders in community-based projects lessons from scope Zimbabwe
No full textCommunity-based projects are instrumental in achieving desirable economic changes in communities. To ensure effectiveness of communitybased projects, a trans-disciplinary (TD) approach is preferred since it promotes active engagement that produces collaborative knowledge generation and engenders multiple lens of interpretation and analysis. One area where community-based projects are plausible is in projects for sustainable use of the environment. Considering the consequences of global warming and climate change, Scope-Zimbabwe, a local NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO) in Zimbabwe, embarked on a project called Seeding Local Cultures (SLC). The project was aimed at generating knowledge on how to effectively implement community involvement and inclusive participation in the implementation of permaculture through their local schools and colleges. This study focuses on a writer’s workshop that was held to design a facilitator’s manual and student handbook to be used to implement SLC. The motivation of this study was identifying the psycho-social dynamics that were at play in the workshop that affected collaboration of the various stakeholders. A case study approach was utilised in this study since it affords an in-depth insight of a phenomena of interest. A TD approach informed the type of collaboration expected where engagements needed to transcend disciplinary boundaries in the creation of knowledge. Observations and focus group discussions were used for data collection. Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis framework was utilised for data analysis. Themes identified included; community engagement impact processes and methods to be used; attitudes, knowledge, beliefs and motivation; attitudes, motivation and resource mobilisation and use; and skills needs for effective community project management The study concluded that a systems analysis of the processes involved with permaculture projects to ensure deep understanding of various stakeholders’ needs, values and roles and knowledge and awareness of technical guidelines to be used for permaculture and indigenous knowledge systems Community engagement was found to be crucial in effective management of the SLC project. Effective resource mobilisation to eliminate the donor syndrome that threatens the longevity of community projects was also identified. Effective communication among the various stakeholders was found to be key in effective resolution of conflicts
Philosophical Reflections On The Environment And The Impact Of African Indigenous Religion On Food Security Among The Ndau People Of Southeast Zimbabwe
No full textThis article focuses on the role of the African indigenous religion(s) (AIRs) in compacting environmental degradation and affirming the stability of food security among the Ndau people of Chipinge,south-east Zimbabwe. The study interrogates religious taboos, considering the divine punishment embedded in the essence of the AIR in the protection and preservation of the environment. Drawing examples from Chief Mapungwana‟s and Chief Musikavanhu‟s structural organisation in public rituals and mushandirapamwe (working together projects) and doro remakoto (rain-making ceremony) in the Ndau society, the study shows that the religion fosters mutuality, reciprocity, togetherness and positive attitudes towards the environment. Premising the entire argument on the foregoing insights, the study envisages that the tripartite cosmology of the Africans immensely contributes to the conservation of the ecosystem. The study focuses on the perpetual divine food provision through reliable rains, good harvests and ubiquitous existence of both domestic and wild fruits in the vicinity and thereby ensuring food security to the Ndau people. In cognisance of the food abundance, the AIR, through some divine restrictions, ensures equal sharing and shuns the notion of mbau (greed). The study recommends that the recent interface between AIRs and Christianity should not disturb the Ndau people‟s cosmological stability
Abortion Among Pregnant Teenage Girls A Case Study Of Cherima, Marondera, Zimbabwe
No full textThe notion of why pregnant teenage girls abort is a very controversial topic in the sense that it is rooted in the discourse of pro-life and prochoice. At the same time, abortion is forbidden in a patriarchal society as they view women’s role as giving birth. Thus, this research study sought to explore the reasons pregnant teenage girls abort. Qualitative research methods were used to gather relevant data. The methods utilised include semi-structured personal interviews and key informant interviews that pinpointed why pregnant teenage girls abort and the consequences faced after abortion. The experiential research study made use of the symbolic interactionism theory to relate to how society views the discourse of abortion. Thematic analysis of the data revealed that the reasons for abortion by pregnant teenage are a result of societal norms and values. The study findings agreed that pregnant teenage girls aborted because of different experiences they are facing in their communit
Industrialisation In Zimbabwe Shaping The Debate And Practice Through Social Sciences
No full textSustainable development anchors on meeting societal needs through service provision and economic development. Social sciences unleash the important aspects of meeting society’s needs through broad literature and scholarship. However, there is a scarcity in the literature that conjoins industrial development and the social sciences. A myriad of ephemeral scholarship exists on how Zimbabwe fares in service provision and industrialisation. To avoid a demise in socially sustainable development, the article seeks to coalesce the aspects of social sciences, industrialisation and service provision in the context of the Zimbabwean experience. The article explores efforts and challenges to service provision for the country from the colonial era to the present day to capture various perspectives that build up on the country’s present situation. It compares the efficiency of the private sector to the public sector in service provision and posits recommendable insights that provide a way forward for the betterment of service provision in the country. It describes the efforts, challenges and opportunities for local organisations towards fulfilling their mandate to efficiently provide services to the public
Planning And Delivery Of Projects Under The Impact Of Covid-19 Some Reflections On Zimbabwe
No full textThis article is a desktop study that seeks to discuss ethical considerations in the planning and delivery of projects under the impact of COVID-19, engaging evidence from Zimbabwe. The global impact of COVID-19 on project delivery has affected plans, costs and project timelines. In Zimbabwe, project planning has been affected by unsettled national and local politics. The COVID-19 pandemic might be another factor that has affected the delivery of projects and effective planning in the country. Several projects that started before the pandemic failed to be completed on the planned times lines and even in post-COVID-19 era, they are still in progress. The key cause of delays which will be discussed herein, includes re-allocation of financial resources to fight during and after the pandemic in monitoring construction projects in Zimbabwe
Workforce Diversity And Employee Engagement At The National Railways Of Zimbabwe
No full textThis study focused on assessing the impact of workforce diversity on employee engagement at the National Railways of Zimbabwe. The consistent world changes raised by factors, such as globalisation, new technology development and the increase in migration movements, have generated an increasingly diversified workforce. A diversified workforce is an important organisational resource, regardless of whether the goal is to be an employer of choice, to provide excellent customer service or to maintain a competitive edge. The data used in this research was acquired from a sample of 30 respondents who represented various departments and, from the data that was collected using Likert scale questionnaires, the researcher discovered that there is a statistically significant positive relationship in elements such as gender and age diversity on the engagement of employees. Workforce diversity is an element that should not be overlooked in the functions of an organisation because it is a crucial aspect that can affect the engagement of employees. Organisations are not operating in a vacuum, hence an organisation operating in the 21st century must acknowledge that the business world is changing and the calibre of employees that are being hired in organisations