ZEGU Journals Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University
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How Dare You Take Us Out of the Land of Our Ancestry Perspectives on Human Rights and Novel Land Invasions and Evictions in Zimbabwe
No full textThis article examines the laws relating to access to communal land and their effectiveness in protecting the villagers from arbitrary evictions for development purposes. These laws are further discussed in the context of specific examples where evictions that resulted in the displacement of people from their ancestral lands took place. ARDA Transau where local inhabitants were displaced to make way for diamond mining in Chiadzwa, and Mutoko where two wards were abandoned as a result of blasting during extraction of black granite are used as good examples. A discussion of these examples shows that the villagers did not only lose their land but also their ancestral connections and historically formed family ties. The compensation and the required notices were insignificant and were not in line with relevant international and domestic laws that govern evictions and displacements in Zimbabwe. These include the Constitution of Zimbabwe that requires that in evictions of that nature, the acquiring authority must give adequate notices and compensation. Instead of benefiting from the resources that naturally accrues to them, the villagers slipped into extreme poverty. In addition, rural district councils did not benefit meaningfully from the extraction of such minerals. On the other hand, the mining companies became beneficiaries and were substantially enriched
Strengthening Zimbabwe’s Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF) System under Turbulent Business Times
No full textThe article sought to assess the mechanisms that can be adopted to address the challenges facing the social dialogue forum in a turbulent business environment in Zimbabwe‘s public sector organisations. The Tripartite Negotiation Forum (TNF) in Zimbabwe has been affected by the dynamic and volatile changes in the business context that can be understood as Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA). Consequently, the social dialogue platform seems not fair to all the players as it weighs heavily against organised labour and organised employers. The study\u27s main research question was: What can be done to strengthen the TNF in Zimbabwe under the turbulent business context? The article used a critical documentary review to develop contextually attuned mechanisms that can be put in place to ensure the sustainability of the TNF under turbulent business contexts through policy prescriptions. A desktop review of the reports from the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), the Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD), the Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA), the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MoLSW), International Labour Organisation (ILO), Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI) Report, and the interview of the TNF social partners was done to collect data. The study found that the socio-economic and political environment has been harsh on the country‘s TNF. This has affected the effectiveness of the social partners in arriving at a mutually acceptable position that helps the social partners to cope in these turbulent business times. Further, the government seems to be the main factor in determining the outcomes of the social dialogue platforms. However, this seriously works against public service workers. Inflation has also negatively undermined the effectiveness of the TNF despite the presence of legal and institutional mechanisms to protect social dialogue. The study, therefore, recommends the creation of an independent commission to facilitate and moderate social dialogue. There is need for political will and tolerance by the political leaders to allow other actors like trade unions and employers‘ representatives to participate effectively in the TNF and the need for the increment of the budget for the TNF, in line with the realities of inflation in the economy
Farmer Protection and Sustainability of Small-scale Tobacco Production in Zimbabwe
No full textThe fast-track land reform (FTLR) programme resulted in an influx of small-scale African tobacco farmers. This was a plus for the country. This was followed by an increase in auction floors and the emergency of tobacco contract farming. Since 2000, small-scale tobacco farmers have been accounting for a significant proportion of tobacco produced and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Zimbabwe. Despite the significant contribution by tobacco farmers to the economy, the issue of farmer protection in contractual arrangements is often overlooked when it comes to small-scale tobacco farming. Contract farming encourages sustainable crop production and shift towards crop specialisation, resulting in quality tobacco produced and helping in poverty alleviation among small-scale farmers. Several organisations have been formed to support farmers like, e.g. the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) and the Zimbabwe Tobacco Association (ZTA), with a spirit to fight to protect farmers. However, small-scale farmers cried out for protection against unscrupulous business players in contract farming from the risk of low prices, fraud and general economic squalour. Several studies have been done on how to increase tobacco production and profitability of farmers, but long-standing issues of famer protection are often left out. It is easily overlooked that tobacco production is a business and that small-scale farmers as players in the business, are driven by motivation (income, returns and protection) just as employees do. Thus, this study focused on the impact of farm protection on small-scale tobacco production in Zimbabwe
The Herbicidal Activity of Spider Plant, Cleome Gynandra L., Plant Tissue on Weeds in Sweet Pepper (Capsicum Annuum) and Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum)
No full textThe indiscriminate use of synthetic fumigants is hazardous to farmers, consumers and the environment at large. This provided an interest in, and research on, biofumigation using different spider plant, Cleome gynandra, plant tissue on weeds in the laboratory and field trials. Two different biofumigant crops (green and purple spider plant) and four weed species (Rottetboelia cocchinensis, Setaria verticillata, Amaranthus hybridus and Bidens pilosa) were studied as model organisms in the laboratory. The other set of experiments was done in the field and inoculated with various weed species. In the laboratory study, the herbicidal activity of C. gynandra plant tissue was studied using three different levels on weight to volume basis, using a completely randomised design. The results showed that Setaria verticillata, Amaranthus hybridus and Bidens pilosa were significantly reduced in their early growth and biomass by the different C. gynandra plant tissues. In the field, the use of C. gynandra plant tissue as treatment increased field yields of the crop plants infected with different weed species. The weed species in the field were significantly reduced on the weed evenness on plots which had C. gynandra plant tissue as compared to the untreated controls. This study provides important information for choosing a green manure crop with the purpose of managing weeds
Implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility and Productivity of Platinum Mines in Hurungwe, Zimbabwe
No full textThis article is based on research whose purpose was to evaluate how corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in platinum mines in the Hurungwe District of Karoi affected their output. Ten mines in the district were chosen for this qualitative research. To collect this information, an interview guide was used. The interviews were administered to 10 ownermanagers in Hurungwe. However, nine interviews were successfully administered, constituting 90%of the response rate. Results were processed and presented thematically. The study found that CSR was associated with increased output at district gold mines. As argued by the study\u27s findings, gold miners can boost their relationships with customers, the community and the environment by adopting a CSR strategy. The research found that gold miners in the Hurungwe District regard CSR as primarily charitable, rather than a strategic direction that benefits both communities and enterprises. CSR\u27s impact on mining sustainability in Mashonaland West Province requires longitudinal research. This research recommends that the government, through the Mines and Minerals Act (Chapter 21:05) of 1961 number 38)] or the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act (Chapter 14:3) of 2008 number 14, should include a provision requiring any mining firm operating in Zimbabwe to support local communities through CSR
A Comparative Analysis of Reproductive Health Knowledge among HIV-positive and HIV-negative Youths in Zimbabwe
No full textThe study contributes to the understanding of how youths in Zimbabwe continue to face numerous barriers that hinder their ability to take protective actions against HIV. Previous research has shown that while comprehensive knowledge is improving among both HIV-positive and HIV negative youths in Zimbabwe, the proportions are low. A cross-sectional mixed-method research design was employed in the study. This study used a simple random sampling approach to select respondents. The general youth population was sampled from the general population, while Youths Living with HIV (YLHIV) were sampled from clinic records. This study was conducted in three provinces of Matabeleland South, Harare and Manicaland in Zimbabwe. The study demonstrated low levels of comprehensive knowledge of HIV (14%), with YLHIV more likely to have comprehensive knowledge of HIV (19%), compared to HIV-negative youths (4%). The study findings show low levels of comprehensive knowledge of contraception (19%) among the youth, with YLHIV more likely to have comprehensive knowledge of contraception (22%), compared to HIV negative youths (15%). A logistic regression shows that marital status was a significant factor in comprehensive knowledge of HIV. Divorced youths were 10 times more likely to have comprehensive knowledge of HIV as compared to those who were never married (OR=9.8; 95% CI [(1.93- 49.63)]). Logistic regression analysis by geographic location demonstrated that YLHIV from urban areas were six times more likely to have comprehensive knowledge of HIV compared to youths from rural areas (OR=6.43; 95% CI [(2.71-15.28)]. The study recommends that information and services should be made available to youths to help them understand their sexuality
Laws and Policies Governing Airlines in Zimbabwe Options for Sustainability
No full textBefore the advent of colonialism that brought the so-called ―modern world‖, air transport was alien to the African continent. While studies have been conducted to assess the procedure and requirements of boarding flights, there has been little understanding on the laws and policies governing the same airlines. The article reviews the laws and policies that have existed in Zimbabwe since independence in relation to air transport and the challenges faced in the last four decades. This is a unique study in that it seeks to strike a balance between aviation and tourism. These terms can be used interchangeably in the contextual framing of this article, though strictly, they do not yield the same meaning. The aim of the study is to provide a systematic investigation on the current state of policies governing airlines. It seeks to answer the question; Who owns airlines? Further to the question, it is an inquiry on what ought to be done to improve the state of aviation. The results of the article suggest that there is need to implement new policies, amend the available laws so that the tourism sector can be the powerhouse in economy development. In addition, the results point to options for sustainability and implementations to improve aviation laws. Here, the laws and policies governing airlines are discussed. What is worthy of mention is that a growth in the tourism sector benefits the field of aviation, and the growth in aviation corresponds to the growth of tourism
The Housing Markets in Zimbabwe: Considering What Policy Measures to Implement
No full textThe study explores housing markets in Zimbabwe. There is need for cheap housing in urban areas because of Sub-Saharan Africa\u27s (SSA) increasing urban population. There is also need to create futures that are more inclusive cities in which everyone has a right to live in a nice place. Descriptive analysis, content analysis and case study method were the three methods used in this study. Results from this research argue that most of the urban poor are the most affected people in housing markets in Zimbabwe as evidenced by the sprouting of a huge number of informal housing in peri-urban areas of most cities in Zimbabwe. Although measures, including the introduction of the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, after independence, slum upgrading, decentralisation and various policies, the demand for housing has increased and the government has failed to reduce it due to different socio-economic factors that include rapid urbanisation, population growth and ruralurban migration, to mention a few. Various key factors affect housing markets in Zimbabwe, and it might be challenging to renovate slums and poorly designed regions and create infrastructure at a rate quicker than the expansion of the urban population. There is need for a holistic approach by different stakeholders such as investors, housing and population gurus, and government and private sector organisations to bring new innovative and African context ideas to the housing crisis in Zimbabwe
Exploring the Motivations and Critical Factors of Successful Enterprise Resource Planning Implementation in Organisations in Zimbabwe
No full textEnterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have become increasingly popular among organisations worldwide, aiming at streamlining business processes and enhance overall efficiency. This article investigates the essence of ERP adoption in Zimbabwe, focusing on the motivations and critical factors contributing to successful implementation within organisations. A qualitative methodology was employed, involving 12 participants from four companies who have implemented ERP systems. Interviews and document analysis were used as methods for collecting data. The findings reveal that the main motivations for ERP adoption in Zimbabwe are centred around modernising the information technology (IT) environment, replacing aging systems, improving operational efficiency and enhancing customer satisfaction. Moreover, the research identifies critical success factors that significantly influence the implementation of ERP systems. Executive management support emerges as a crucial factor, indicating the importance of top-level commitment and leadership in driving successful implementation. Additionally, company-wide support, a positive organisational culture that embraces change and meaningful user involvement, are highlighted as vital factors in ensuring the successful adoption and utilisation of ERP systems. The findings provide valuable insights for organisations considering, or in the process of, implementing ERP systems in Zimbabwe, and for researchers and practitioners in the field of information systems and technology management. By understanding the motivations and critical success factors, organisations can make informed decisions and develop effective strategies for successful ERP implementation in Zimbabwe
Locating Tripartite Negotiations within Labour Law in Zimbabwe
No full textOver the past decades, lawmakers have been overhauling the welfare programme of employment security that has become a central node of attention within labour law discourse in Zimbabwe. Against this background, the purpose of this article is to bring to the fore the understanding that the respect to the rights of the workers is an integral justificatory ideal for labour law that can only become possible through tripartism. The only existing tripartite United Nations agency, the International Labour Organisation has helped to bring together governments, employers, and workers of all 187-member states to set down international accepted labour standards. Since its formation, the organisation has done a lot in achieving the goal of a decent working environment in a globalised world economy. The article demonstrates that, tripartism is not about one group or body overriding the other, it is not about superiority or who demonstrates more power than the other through the social dialogue process. It is all about open negotiations that help to advance the creation of a decent working environment that provide people a stake in lasting peace, prosperity and progress. The article highlights the importance of the interplay between the role of government and the workers and the rate to which the parties have successfully addressed the problems and solutions necessary to curb a common gap in labour law. The primary issue addressed throughout the article points to a comparative analysis on whether tripartite negotiations have yielded positive results in labour law. The article then argues that social dialogue is an instrument in promoting democracy and good governance. Therefore, tripartism becomes the most powerful tool of dealing with common labour security issues that other bodies and partners might have failed to resolve