Gender and the Energy Poverty Conundrum in Peri- Urban Space Satellite Spaces of Zimbabwe
This study project examines the gender, energy, poverty nexus in peri urban settings based on the case of Epworth, a satellite settlement of Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe. Low-income households and mostly women are at the receiving ends of energy poverty and the gender dimension to this crisis. Thus, the study takes a course that primarily focuses on people‘s social constructions of energy and poverty and the impact it has on their socio –economic and political status. The study mainly examines gender equality as a key variable in the success or failure of energy interventions. It assesses on how improved access to energy is a key variable in women‘s/gender empowerment, who makes the decisions about energy within the household, and who benefits, how do women cope with their energy problems and how gender mainstreaming influences policy-making to ensure participation of women in the production and distribution of energy. The study is mainly based on a qualitative research approach in that the case and narrative study the core research design approaches. Specific data collection tools included extensive documentary analysis (reports, policy and legislative documents); household survey (involving 5 conveniently selected households, from Epworth, in that a semi-structured questionnaire has been used). It also used a focus group discussion of 10 participants from the Epworth Community and two key informant interviews with purposefully selected officials (from Epworth Local Board and the Ministry of Environment). It is noted that the community has suffered from the socio-economic and environmental pressures surrounding them. These pressures are perpetuated by aspects including history of the place, income levels among the peri-urban dwellers, lack of defined and clear-cut policies and commitment by institutions towards the creation of sustainable livelihoods. The study recommends inclusion and participation of community members in development projects and local and national policy formulation and implementation.
The Nexus between Culture and SADC Protocol on Gender on Women in Southern: Reflections from the Premium University in Zimbabwe
This study examined the nexus between culture and SADC Protocol on Gender on Women in Southern Africa, with reference to the University of Zimbabwe (2015-2019). There were four objectives in the research which examined the cultural implications on SADC’s Protocol on Gender, the provisions of SADC’s Protocol on Gender for ensuring increased participation of women at the University of Zimbabwe, the cultural barriers that obstruct the participation of women at the University of Zimbabwe and to proffer options for ensuring more women representation in senior positions. The study was both qualitative and quantitative and data was collected from the University of Zimbabwe men and women in senior positions. The researcher used questionnaires and interviews as research instruments. The SADC Protocol on Gender has 23 targets and the main target is to ensure that women have 50% of decision-making positions in the private and public sectors. The findings from the study revealed that there were few women who occupied senior positions at the University of Zimbabwe than men. The study also showed that African society is still dominated by patriarchy and there are several religious and cultural beliefs that hinder or derail participation of women in leadership positions among them gender differences, female stereotyping and perception that women are inferior and incompetent. Considering the research findings, recommendations were made. The first key recommendation was that there is need for the Heads of States and Government to actively participate in the implementation of the SADC Protocol on Gender. Secondly, there is need for cultural change and revolution and a change of both men and women mind-sets. Another recommendation was that the expansion of the quota system so that there is a significant increase in the number of women in senior positions.
The Anatomy of Informal Urbanism in Zimbabwe: Evidence from Bulawayo City
Urban informality is facing widespread exclusion in many cities of the Global South. Most of the policies adopted by these cities are elitist and, therefore, exclude the livelihoods of the poor. This study critically examines urban development and management in an informal economy based on case studies in Kelvin North (industrial incubators),the City Centre and Makokoba (Mkambo) in Bulawayo. This will be achieved through investigating the socio-economic attributes of the respondents, the nature of informal sector activities, land use and land use management. The study sought to establish the extent to which urban informality has been incorporated into the existing land use planning system to create opportunities for informal sector operators. Using urban development and management theories the study also utilized concepts such as the right to the city and the inclusive city. Pragmatism is adopted as a research paradigm informing this study, while the research design proceeds from a survey where a mixed-methods approach was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Qualitative data collection tools include extensive documentary analysis, interviews and field observations. Quantitative data were collected using surveys where a questionnaire was administered to 408randomly selected informal sector traders in the three study areas. Qualitative data were generated through in-depth interviews with 11key informants who have a stake in the informal sector and field observations. Historical data were collected from the archives library at the City of Bulawayo. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, while qualitative data were analysed per each thematic concern.
The Political Economy of State television Broadcasting of Critical Development Programmes in Zimbabwe
This book examines the interplay between politics and economic policies, analysing the coverage of Vision 2030‟s Transitional Stabilization Program (TSP) on Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation Television (ZBCTV) News from October 2018 to March 2019. It investigates the dialectical rapport between political power and economic policies. It explores the dynamics between media ownership patterns and the production of media discourses by illuminating how media discourses are tied to political interests and their role in legitimising, replicating and naturalising political dominance. The book explicates the politicisation of economic policies by ruling regimes and unveils how state-controlled media institutions are manipulated to consolidate regime power, smoother opposition and legitimise the ruling party’s ideologies by defining political and economic reality on its own terms, behind the shield of developmental journalism. The study utilised the theory of hegemony in explaining the media’s role in assisting ruling regimes in manufacturing consent thereby uplifting them to the realm of the uncontested. The study is qualitative and utilised online archival collection for data gathering. Data was analysed through critical discourse analysis. The study found out that media ownership has recognisable results on the production of media discourses. It also found out that the formulation of economic policies in Zimbabwe from independence to contemporary times has always been premised on the search and formation of an economic system that would ingrain the ruling party in power and subsequently play as a protagonist in power preservation.
The Right of Private Sector Employees to Freedom of Association in Zimbabwe: A Comparative Diagnostic-Prognostic Perspective
The right to freedom of association is very crucial in labour law since all the other employees‟ rights are anchored on it. This book is within the purview on labour law which focusses, primarily, on the right of private sector employees to freedom of association in Zimbabwe. It further undertakes a critical comparative analysis of South African labour law and Zimbabwean labour law, respectively, with a view to identifying the weaknesses and gaps in the Zimbabwean law with a view to proffering recommendations for the improvement of the right to freedom of association for private sector employees in Zimbabwe. The book traces the development of the right to freedom of association, by way of establishing a context and situating itself in the stream of time, as it were, from the pre-colonial to the post-colonial period. It highlights the fact that politics and socio-economic conditions of any given period have shaped labour law together with the right of employees to freedom of association. The promulgation of the Zimbabwean Constitution in 2013 brought significant changes to the employees‟ right to freedom of association as it elevated the rights to organise, to bargain collectively and to strike into the Declaration of Rights under section 65 thereof. The impact of constitutionalisation of these components of the right to freedom of association is evaluated in the book. It also assesses the impact of international human rights law and labour law on the development of the right of private sector employees to freedom of association in Zimbabwe. The provisions of the Labour Act on the right of employees to freedom of association in Zimbabwe are also discussed herein. The book takes a comparative analysis with the provisions of the Labour Relations Act in South Africa. It then concludes by making recommendations on vi how the gaps and weaknesses in the Zimbabwean law on the right of private sector employees to freedom of association can be addressed. The book reflects the law as at 10 January 2022.
Housing Policy, Philosophy and Ideology in the Global South: Aspects and the Realpolitik of Homeownership, Post-Coloniality and the Low-Income in Harare, Zimbabwe
Homeownership, as a form of housing tenure, is associated with social, political and economic benefits. These benefits are the reasons why most governments prefer it. The promotion of homeownership among low-income groups has sparked debate among scholars with some supporting it while others being against the idea. This study provides evidence about the benefits and risks of low-income homeownership in Zimbabwe as a developing country located in the Global South. It investigates whether and to what extent, the benefits and risks of homeownership are experienced by low-income households. Using purposive sampling, the study focused on five selected low-income suburbs in Harare which are: Glen-Norah, Highfield, Mufakose, Mabvuku and Tafara. The study utilised both quantitative (questionnaire survey) and qualitative (key informant interviews, indepth interviews, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and observations) tools to gather data from the field. Textual analysis and Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) were used to analyse the data. Findings reveal that most organisations or institutions in the housing sector in Zimbabwe are in support of low-income homeownership policy as they believe that the benefits associated with ownership can also be realised by low-income homeowners. Though some households are facing financial challenges in coping with the demands of ownership, low-income homeowners in the study areas seem to be satisfied with homeownership as they are deriving some benefits from owning houses. Freedom to make decisions about their houses and personal satisfaction were some of the benefits cited by the homeowners. Having tenants have been found to be the prime source of financial benefits being realised by low-income homeowners. With the majority of the homeowners being unemployed, a house is an invaluable asset for urban low-income households as it is used as a means of earning a living and an insignia of upward social and economic mobility. However, from these findings it can be concluded that the freedoms that low-income homeowners have has resulted in viii the increase of informal activities in low-income residential areas and in some cases depriving the responsible authorities of revenue and taxes. Despite the houses being designed for single families, having tenants is an indication that some low-income homeowners are finding it difficult to sustain homeownership and is also a sign that a ready market for rental housing does exist, hence the need to review the housing policy so that public low-income rental housing be promoted in urban areas. The study also recommends further investigation into tenancy practices in urban areas as this will augment understanding of the housing challenges faced in Harare.
Strategies for Inclusive Education in Zimbabwe’s Teachers’ Colleges
This book articulates perceptions, practices and experiences guiding the implementation of Inclusive Education in the teachers' colleges in Zimbabwe. The major aim of the book is to enhance educational equity and equality through suggesting more plausible strategies that draw from empirical evidence; hence, the book is based on a study done in Zimbabwe. Four research questions guided the study. The interpretivist paradigm, qualitative methodology and multiple case studies guided this study. Homogenous purposeful sampling and snowballing techniques were adopted to draw up a sample of eight (8) key informants and seventeen (17) participants. Data were generated using the researcher as a primary instrument, face-to-face interviews, direct observation and document analysis. The major findings were that inclusive education is being implemented in teachers' colleges in Zimbabwe but is being affected by many gaps. These were the shortage of resources, lack of skilled lecturing staff, negative attitudes by the lecturer‟'s inaccessible physical environment, and inflexible teacher education curriculum. The study concluded that the absence of a guiding inclusive education policy has led to differences in the implementation process in the colleges. This is because there is no specific Inclusive Education Policy except for the Education Act and other circulars. The book recommended the need for the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation Science and Technology Development (MHTEISTD) and the University of Zimbabwe, Department of Teacher Education (DTE) to design a specific National Inclusive Education Policy to guide and direct inclusive education practices in teachers' colleges and a flexible curriculum that accommodates all students with their diverse needs. The book came up with an Inclusive Teachers' College Framework for implementing inclusive education that could be adopted by teachers' colleges in Zimbabwe.
Rural Women Empowerment Outcomes and the Growth Point Policy Thrust of Zimbabwe Since 1980
Globally, issues of rural women empowerment and women’s agency, been directly and indirectly addressed through various development and gender policies that include the growth point strategy. However, most countries abandoned the growth point strategy to pursue other approaches that appeared to be better citing its ineffectiveness. In Africa, it was largely adopted by several countries in trying to redress the rural-urban divide created by the colonial government’s residual legacy of unequal development along racial lines. Zimbabwe adopted and implemented the policy in 1980, however, the growth points face stagnation hence the impact has been adverse for women in the rural economy. This study critically explored rural women's socio-economic empowerment outcomes through the growth point policy in Zimbabwe, at Tsholotsho Growth Point. The study adopted the qualitative research paradigm and data were generated using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The target population comprised of women living in the central growth point and from the hinterlands (villages) while key informants represented government departments and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) located in the district and an independent analyst of the growth point policy in Zimbabwe. A sample of 30 made up of 20women and 10 key informants was purposively identified. Data were analysed thematically, and the study found out that empowerment outcomes through the growth point policy had been witnessed and experienced since it was implemented. The study also found that the outcomes were based on the interventions by the Growthpoint policy that included improved service delivery that benefits women.
Deterrents to Access to Pre-Trial Diversion Services by Juvenile Offenders in Zimbabwe: A Case Study of Chitungwiza
The study aimed at critically examining the antecedent factors affecting access to Pre-Trial Diversion services by juvenile offenders from high-density suburbs in Zimbabwe. To this end, Chitungwiza District was selected as the study‘s location but targeting participants who were under the Justice for Children organisation. The study‘s key objectives were: to profile the Pre-Trial Diversion programme as a tool to access restorative justice, assess the factors or barriers behind juvenile offenders‘ failure to access diversion services and finally, to suggest possible intervention measures to improve access to the aforementioned services. Thus, the restorative justice theory grounds the study as it advocates and sets parameters for the establishment of a child-friendly justice system. Again, the study adopted the qualitative research approach and more so, case study design informed the study. To this end, data were collected from participants using a combined set of data collection methods including documentary review, in-depth and key informant interviews coupled with Focus Group Discussions. Submissions from participants revealed that there are many diversion options provided for juvenile offenders and that most of these juvenile however, lacked the impetus to access diversion services due to a myriad of barriers. These factors generally include limited diversion options, resource constraints, shortage of skilled labour, knowledge, poor involvement of significant others, poor infrastructure, beliefs and perceptions about the causes of juvenile offending, lack of political will and the absence of the Child Justice Act. Cognisant of these barriers to this end, it was recommended that there is need to expedite the enactment of the Child-related Bills into law, increase awareness raising on children‘s rights, enhance capacity building among key stakeholders, coupled with decentralising the programme while increasing participation of parents or guardians in diversion processes
Fundamentals in Research Proposal and Thesis Writing - A Practical Approach
Proposal and thesis writing are areas of research that have provided challenges to many students and scholars. However, the ability to identify, define and research an issue or problem impacting on education, business or society is a necessity for students undertaking undergraduate or postgraduate studies. Students are required to prepare scholarly research papers that examine in detail issues or problems and provide recommendations or solutions. This book has therefore been written to address these challenges and provide guidelines for the preparation of scholarly research documents. It will aid in teaching and learning of business research methodologies in higher institutions of learning and research institutions. The book attempts to use various examples to illustrate basic issues in research methodology. The illustrations are drawn from studies done in the Zimbabwean context using qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, though they are inclined to Tourism and Hospitality.
Determinants of HIV&AIDS Infection among Farm Workers in Goromonzi, Zimbabwe: The Pre-2015 Picture
HIV&AIDS remains one of the most pressing global health challenges, significantly affecting the lives of millions worldwide. The epidemic's complex interplay with socio-economic factors, such as poverty, education, and access to healthcare, continues to shape its trajectory. The note reflects on the progress made, the ongoing challenges, and the future directions in the fight against HIV/AIDS, particularly among marginalised communities such as farm workers in Zimbabwe . Globally, 2023 marked a critical year in the epidemiology of HIV&AIDS. Anestimated 39.9 million people were living with HIV, a figure that underscores the persistent burden of the disease. In the same year, 1.3 million individuals became newly infected, highlighting the ongoing need for robust prevention strategies. The death toll from AIDS-related illnesses reached 630,000, a stark reminder of the fatal consequences of the disease when untreated. However, there were significant advancements in treatment, with 30.7 million people accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART), a lifesaving intervention that has transformed HIV from a fatal diagnosis to a manageable chronic condition. Since the beginning of the epidemic, an estimated 88.4 million people have been infected with HIV, and 42.3 million have died from AIDS-related illnesses. These statistics reflect the scale and impact of the epidemic over the past four decades. In 2023, women and girls accounted for 44% of all new HIV infections globally, with this figure rising to 62% in sub-Saharan Africa. This region remains the hardest hit, with over 68% of the global HIV burden. Every week, 4,000adolescent girls and young women aged 15-24 years were newly infected with HIV globally, with 3,100 of these infections occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. These figures highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions addressing the specific vulnerabilities of women and girls in this region
Community Development through Corporate Social Responsibility by Mining Companies in Zimbabwe: Limitations and Options
The study sought to assess the factors limiting the full realisation of community development through CSR interventions by mining companies. Renco Mine in Nyajena, Masvingo South was used as a case study. The company has been undertaking various CSR development interventions since its inception in 1982, ona socio-economic and environmental level; however there is persistent underdevelopment in the host community. The community feels that the company has not done enough in realising full community development in the Nyajena Area. It was therefore the purpose of this study to empirically describe and interrogate the factors limiting the full realisation of community development through CSR interventions by mining companies. The study was largely qualitative in nature with interviews, focus group discussions and observations being the major data collection tools used. Data was analysed thematically. As stated in the Stakeholder theory, companies have an obligation to society and the communities they operate in. The study found out that factors limiting the full realisation of community development through CSR by Renco Mine were largely because of philanthropy, lack of legal frameworks, lack of community engagement, restrictive funding and imposed projects and programmes by the company. For CSR to realise full development, the company needs to engage the community more in terms of project identification and implementation and to implement sustainable projects that may sustain the community long after the mine closure. The government should also make the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment (IEEA) applicable to all mining entities to enhance Community Share Ownership Trusts (CSOTs) for community development.
An Ubuntu/Hunhu Appraisal of the Ethics of Whistleblowing
The study appraises the highly contested concept of whistleblowing in the field of business ethics through the philosophy of ubuntu/hunhu. To unpack some of the controversies around whistleblowing, the following questions are raised: What is whistleblowing? Is it different from backbiting or mere reporting or wrongdoing? What are the positive and negative implications of whistleblowing? Is it an alien concept among the Shona? In the process of grappling with these questions, the book unravels the nature of whistleblowing and ubuntu/hunhu. All this is done through desk interrogation of both Occidental and African ethicists like DeGeorge, Larmer, James, Buchholz and Rosenthal, Mkhize, Gade and Mangena, just to mention a few. Developing from the Shona concept of kurova bembera, this work shows that whistleblowing is not an alien concept among the Shona. In fact, the study brings to the fore the benefits of whistleblowing in safeguarding African collectivism, and dynamism in ubuntu/hunhu acculturation as it appraises the hybridised practice of whistleblowing. It also shows the fact that the ubuntu/hunhu ethics hinges on the ancestry worldview, with the departed forefathers of the Shona being the authors, implementation policing agents, and guardians of the ethical values, norms, and traditions. Although this book the merits and moral compatibility of whistleblowing and ubuntu/hunhu among the Shona, it also acknowledges the moral dilemmas faced by whistle blowers. To this end, an evaluation of the whole book and recommendations are proffered at the end of this work, chief among the recommendations being the constitutionality of whistleblowing and globalisation
The Human Security and Developmental Challenge in Zimbabwe: A Diagnosis of Nonviolent Resistance Approach by the Opposition Movement for Democratic Change Party, Since 1999
This study critically explores the dimensions of human security and developmental challenges in Zimbabwe using the concept of nonviolent resistance as an analytical framework and entry point for understanding post-colonial violence in this country. It examines the use of nonviolent resistance as a political strategy by the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in the democratisation process in Zimbabwe, after its formation in 1999. Factors that promote violence in Zimbabwe‘s polity are identified and recommendations for moving Zimbabwe towards violence-free politics are preferred. It is argued that the practice and discourse of non-violent resistance is neither new nor unique to Zimbabwe. The thesis briefly traces the culture of violence and nonviolent resistance in Zimbabwe since 1980, and the non-violent strategies employed up to 1999. It examines post independent political and peace-building processes as missed opportunities in ending the culture of violence in Zimbabwe. This is a qualitative research study that draws data from document analysis, interviews and focus group discussions. The central thesis advanced by this study is that violence has been a major affront to human security which adversely affect development. Nonviolence, as a political strategy, has achieved considerable success in the democratisation process. It has helped to amplify the Zimbabwean struggle for democracy on the international scene. The study deploys the nonviolence theoretical framework to unmask political violence and democratisation processes. It leans towards the pursuit of nonviolent resistance as the panacea to human security and development, and as an approach to conflict resolution and peace building. This can help Zimbabwe to achieve its human development goals. The thesis recommends that governments and political parties must strive to achieve peace, human security and development.
Sustainable Green Tourism and Hospitality Development
Green tourism is gaining more attention from different stakeholders because of the environmental benefits that it offers. The area of green tourism and its influence on the environment has not been fully researched in developing countries. This chapter investigates the development of green tourism, specifically looking at key debates and their promotability in developing countries. Primary and secondary research methods were used to investigate the promotability and key debates in developing countries. A case study design, focusing on four selected countries, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, was adopted. Within the case study design, the chapter employed qualitative methods based predominantly on desk review. The chapter draws on literature from books, journal articles, and other publications that were made on tourism in developing countries across the world. A secondary literature review of previous studies done on tourism in developing countries in Africa was also conducted. The literature reviewed indicates that attitudinal, financial, and operational factors were major factors affecting green tourism. The study recommends further research into the challenges faced by the tourism industries in fully ensuring that green tourism is adopted in the developing world.
Transformational Leadership as a Catalyst for Employee Retention in the Manufacturing Industry of Zimbabwe
This study seeks to develop a structured framework aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of Transformational Leadership as a mechanism for improving employee retention within Zimbabwe’s manufacturing industry, with particular emphasis on the bakery sector in the Harare Metropolitan Area. Adopting a quantitative research design, data were gathered through surveys administered to a representative cohort of bakery-sector employees, yielding a notably high response rate of 85 per cent. The analysis employed statistical techniques such as correlation, regression, and independent samples tests to interrogate the association between Transformational Leadership and workforce retention. The findings demonstrate a robust positive correlation between Transformational Leadership practices and the retention of employees, thereby highlighting the critical role of cultivating transformational competencies among managerial and supervisory staff in the bakery industry. The evidence indicates that such leadership significantly bolsters retention by fostering an inspiring and motivating workplace, engendering trust and respect, and articulating a compelling organisational vision. Building upon these insights, the study advances a comprehensive framework to strengthen the application of Transformational Leadership in promoting employee retention. This framework encompasses leadership development initiatives, systematic assessment and feedback mechanisms, programmes for cultural transformation, structured coaching and mentoring, recognition and reward strategies, enhanced organisational communication, succession planning and talent management processes, ongoing monitoring and evaluation, as well as collaborative engagement with industry associations and academic institutions. In addition, the research identifies opportunities for further scholarly inquiry, including longitudinal investigations to assess the sustained effects of transformational leadership interventions on employee retention, and iii explorations of complementary determinants such as organisational culture and external market conditionsThis study seeks to develop a structured framework aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of Transformational Leadership as a mechanism for improving employee retention within Zimbabwe’s manufacturing industry, with particular emphasis on the bakery sector in the Harare Metropolitan Area. Adopting a quantitative research design, data were gathered through surveys administered to a representative cohort of bakery-sector employees, yielding a notably high response rate of 85 per cent. The analysis employed statistical techniques such as correlation, regression, and independent samples tests to interrogate the association between Transformational Leadership and workforce retention. The findings demonstrate a robust positive correlation between Transformational Leadership practices and the retention of employees, thereby highlighting the critical role of cultivating transformational competencies among managerial and supervisory staff in the bakery industry. The evidence indicates that such leadership significantly bolsters retention by fostering an inspiring and motivating workplace, engendering trust and respect, and articulating a compelling organisational vision. Building upon these insights, the study advances a comprehensive framework to strengthen the application of Transformational Leadership in promoting employee retention. This framework encompasses leadership development initiatives, systematic assessment and feedback mechanisms, programmes for cultural transformation, structured coaching and mentoring, recognition and reward strategies, enhanced organisational communication, succession planning and talent management processes, ongoing monitoring and evaluation, as well as collaborative engagement with industry associations and academic institutions. In addition, the research identifies opportunities for further scholarly inquiry, including longitudinal investigations to assess the sustained effects of transformational leadership interventions on employee retention, and iii explorations of complementary determinants such as organisational culture and external market conditions
A Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Litigation Guide for Zimbabwe
I was compelled to write this SRHR (Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights) litigation guide after being unexpectedly immersed in a project necessitating strategic litigation within this domain. As I navigated the intersecting legal, social, and practical complexities, it became apparent that there existed a conspicuous dearth of accessible, contextually grounded resources—particularly within Zimbabwe and the broader Southern African region. Despite the increasing recognition of SRHR as a critical axis intersecting human rights, public health, and social justice, there remains a significant void in practical guidance tailored to legal practitioners, activists, and civil society actors engaged in litigation. Much of the extant literature is either excessively generalised, embedded in foreign legal frameworks, or predominantly concerned with policy advocacy rather than the nuanced realities of litigation strategy. This lacuna rendered an already intricate undertaking even more formidable. The decision to write this guide was thus both a pragmatic and principled response—an effort to demystify SRHR litigation, to distil and share insights borne of practice, and to equip others who may find themselves required to act swiftly and strategically within a legally complex and resource constrained environment.
Human Settlement Science: Perspectives, Issues and Cases
The chapter seeks to explore and discuss various aspects of human settlements by revealing some of the elements that help shape them when faced with changing cultural needs in trying to solve some of the urban challenges caused by increased urbanisation such as the sprawling of cities, increased traffic congestion and increased pollution in the urban sphere. The background of the argument emanates from the observation that human settlements have continuously evolved, hence the need for effective planning to promote sustainable development of present and future cities. The study engaged a desktop review of literature and results indicate that planners and various interested stakeholders can use city designing studio and the studying or urban and regional morphometrics to positively influence city growth to reduce crime. It is concluded that disasters have become an unavoidable part of most human settlements. It is recommended that planners be able to utilise city designing skills to influence the rate of crime in cities and the rate of climatic changes and disaster occurrences in cities. The study also recommends a well-defined disaster risk management framework that can be used as a yardstick. Local solutions can be crafted to avoid and reduce the impacts of disasters on the environment and human lives
Forest Management and the Carbon Trading Business in Zimbabwe
Forest Management and the Carbon Trading Business in the present study critically examined the intricate relationship between forest management and the carbon trading business in Zimbabwe, focusing on how sustainable forestry practices influence the viability and scalability of carbon markets within the national context. Rooted in an empirical framework that utilised a mixed methods approach, the research drew insights from 101 respondents comprising Carbon Green Africa (CGA) staff, community members from Mashonaland West, and personnel from the Ministry of Environment. The selection of participants was random, enhancing the objectivity and representativeness of the findings. The central argument advanced through this study is that sustainable forest management constitutes the linchpin of Zimbabwe‘s carbon trading business, yet its potential is severely constrained by legislative gaps, weak institutional support, and a lack of enforced corporate accountability. The study revealed that in Africa, and Zimbabwe in particular, carbon trading initiatives are largely forest-based, relying on vast tracts of woodland to generate carbon credits. However, this dependency is undermined by fragmented or poorly executed forest governance structures. The absence of a coherent, enforceable framework for forest management presents significant obstacles to the sustainability of carbon projects. A striking revelation from the findings was the lack of any existing legislation mandating local firms to purchase carbon credits. This regulatory vacuum has contributed to a carbon trading sector that is underdeveloped and heavily reliant on international buyers and voluntary participation. Such an arrangement fails to cultivate a domestic market robust enough to support long-term environmental and economic objectives. The absence of compulsion allows local corporations to circumvent climate responsibility, thereby weakening the incentives necessary to drive systemic participation and investment in carbon offsetting. Furthermore, the study uncovered broad community support for the expansion of CGA‘s carbon trading project. This enthusiasm stems from a recognition of the tangible socio-economic vi benefits such initiatives provide, especially within rural communities where livelihoods remain vulnerable and opportunities limited. The willingness of local populations to support project expansion signifies a critical but underutilised constituency in national climate strategies. Nonetheless, without a deliberate policy framework that both protects and integrates community interests, such goodwill risks being tokenistic and short-lived. From these findings, it was concluded that forest management must be understood not merely as an environmental necessity, but as a strategic economic instrument, central to the effective implementation of carbon trading in Zimbabwe. The study‘s recommendations call for a recalibration of national priorities through the establishment of robust, enforceable legal mechanisms that will embed carbon trading into national development plans. There is also a pressing need for extensive stakeholder education to foster greater awareness of the socio-economic benefits associated with carbon trading. Furthermore, the introduction of mandatory compliance measures for local companies is essential to transition carbon trading from a donor-supported endeavour to a fully institutionalised economic sector. In sum, the research underscores the latent potential of forest-based carbon trading in Zimbabwe, while critically exposing the structural and regulatory deficiencies that impede its growth. A strategic policy overhaul, rooted in legal reform, institutional commitment, and community engagement, is imperative if Zimbabwe is to harness forest management as a catalyst for both climate resilience and economic development.
The Impact of Strategic Planning on the Performance of Selected Small-to Medium Enterprises in Zimbabwe
Strategic management and its related processes of strategic planning have proved, over the years, to be very helpful and SME owners/managers can actually harness these tools to propel their entities into the paths growth and profitability. SMEs in Countries like Zimbabwe face many challenges related to lack of strategic planning and, in so doing, fail to realise their full potential as businesses. The study‘s main objective was to investigate the nexus between strategic planning and organisational performance of SMEs through the analysis of various factors of strategic planning which included; organisational objectives, firm‘s structure, resource allocation, implementation and review of plans, environmental scanning and employee participation based on evidence provided by many such SMEs from various sectors of the economy in Zimbabwe. The research adopted a quantitative design and took the form of a survey in which 372 respondents participated from a population of 10000 SMEs in Harare Province through an administered structured questionnaire and the data were analysed using the SPSS analytical tool. Sampling was conducted in a two-stage process in which the first stage involved cluster sampling to take care of the various economic sectors in which the SMEs operate. The second stage involved the use of convenience sampling which helped to identify the individual respondents within each cluster as highlighted above. From the seven stated objectives of the study, data were collected and analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics techniques in the SPSS tool system which included Correlation, regression, factor analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests. Results obtained from the study indicate that while strategic planning was not prevalent among most SMEs, its relationship with organisational performance was strong and positive. Correlation analysis outcome indicated a strong link between strategic planning and organisational performance. All the factors of strategic planning (organisational objectives, firm‘s structure, resource allocation, implementation and review of plans, environmental scanning and employee participation) were found to be positively related to organisational performance of SMEs. The results further reveal that, while most SMEs were aware of the importance of strategic planning, most of them did not or were reluctant to practice strategic planning and this can be a subject for a further study including the role of leadership ability in the SMEs business and the impact of laid down policies and procedures on the performance of SMEs as well.
Assessing the Readiness of Small to Medium Enterprises in Hospitality Industry to Adopt Digital Media Technology
The present study has critically explored on the hospitality industry mainly focusing on SME‟S technology readiness to adopt digital media for consumer engagement. The main objective of the study was to assess employee personality traits that influence the adoption of digital media by SME‟s in the hospitality sector. In addition, it sought to determine the relationship between employees‟ innovativeness towards social media and consumer brand identification. It also sought to determine the relationship between employee optimism towards social media and brand absorption by consumers. Last but not least, it sought to determine the nexus between employee innovativeness towards social media and consumer interaction with a brand. The study adopted a deductive approach and quantitative methods were utilised through the use of questionnaires. Concerning the first research objective, the study found a positive relationship between employees‟ innovativeness towards social media and consumer brand identification. As far as the second objective was concerned, the study has revealed that employee optimism towards social media and brand absorption by consumers was not significant. Lastly, with regards to the third objective, the study found out there was a positive relationship between innovativeness towards social media and consumer interaction with a brand. Thus, it was concluded from these findings that digital media play an important role in information dissemination to consumers. Based on the findings and study conclusions, the researcher recommended that there is need for SME‟s to recruit brand and digital managers and government should establish technological hubs to train these SME‟s in the tourism industry. The study recommends that the SME‟s should harness data mining and build on databases, take advantage of daily and direct communication and employees have to put their energy in driving positive word of mouth among social media users. Employees should be trained on effective social media utilisation. SME‟s should promote energetic torch bearers to encourage more positive purchase behaviour. The government needs to closely work with stakeholders in the tourism and the telecommunication industry on areas like network coverage and connectivity and also influence the telecoms industry so that they can charge affordable roaming fees and design business strategy packages for travellers with suitable fees and promotions.
Anchors to Planning and Real Estate Accuracy in Location, Instrumentation and Measurement
The aim of this monograph is to furnish a detailed and comprehensive explanation of the concept of location in a simplified and accessible fashion as well as basic description of surveying techniques and equipment through illustrations based on practical examples and photographs relevant to the planning and real estate fields. This work is designed for use by planning and real estate students for teaching/learning purposes. Location is one of the most used terms in built environment and its importance cannot be over emphasised, as it is used by land use planners, estate agents, property valuers, property managers and property developers - almost on daily basis. There is a common saying in real estate which runs as follows; the three most important things that determine property value and or property investment decisions are location, location and location (Kiel & Zabel, 2008). But what is this most important thing conceptualised as location? In other words, why does location matter? Or to put it in a way which reflects some levity, why the fuss with location? In as much as there exist vast literature explaining the concept of location in real estate and planning, existing texts do not explain in detail how relative and absolute location is applied in these two fields. These two terms are well explained in several geography textbooks but without relating them to the fields of real estate and planning. Geography literature explains the concept of location without going further to discuss different methods used to capture data that is used in different components of relative and absolute location. These methods are explained in detail in land surveying literature that uses technical jargons. For a real estate or planning student to fully comprehend the concept of location, he/she is supposed to read several books from different fields that include real estate, planning, geography and land surveying. This work comes quite handy as it explains the concept of location using simple and accessible language, practical examples, as well as illustrations with the intention of simplifying the concept of location as it is applied in real estate, planning education and training. This monograph is divided into 8 units as follows: Firstly, Unit 1 focuses on the definition of location, Unit 2 critically discusses distance measurement in the field and Unit 3 focuses on distance measurement on maps. The fourth unit (Unit 4) discusses direction, whilst Unit 5 focuses on coordinates. Unit 6 discusses elevation and Unit 7 elaborates on Location as an aspect of public and business planning and management. The last Unit, Unit 8 focuses on revisiting xi location as a philosophy. This monogram has been prepared to explain the concept of location using simple language, practical examples, as well as illustrations in an effort to simplify the concept of location as it is applied in real estate, planning education and training. By reading this monogram students in the built environment are expected to comprehend the concept of location as it is applied in the real world. It is recommended that this monogram should not be used in isolation from prescribed reference materials in land surveying and geomatics by students who are undertaking studies in these disciplines or would like to further their studies in these fields.
Africanisation of Christianity at the crossroads: A reflection of white garment church spirituality in Zimbabwe
The study which has culminated into this monograph, is broadly situated in the domain of Church History under a sub theme „Africanisation of Christianity‟. Though Africanisation of Christianity is not a modern-day topic in Church History, the study posits that the theme should continue enjoying intellectual traction. The reason to this proposal is that it seems there is again a problem today, on how African Indigenous Churches (AICs) interface with local traditional spiritualities in communities they are planted. Thus, this current study deals with the blurred interface and religious boundaries between African spiritual elements of faith and traditional Christian spiritual elements of faith as depicted in the Johane Masowe weChishanu yeNyenyedzi (JMCN) Church in Zimbabwe. The assumption of the study is that the traditional African spiritual elements of faith are domineering the JMCN Church spirituality at the expense of traditional Christian spiritual elements of faith. It is this unconscious and inadvertent adapting and adopting of „incompatible‟ African spiritual elements of faith by the JMCN Church that has whet the appetite to examine whether JMCN Church spirituality can be described as a genuinely Christian In an endeavour to understand genuineness of JMCN Church spirituality the study grouped AICs into two categorises those that are said to be „undisputed‟ and those that are said to be „disputed‟. While both groups have inculturated African Spiritual elements of faith, the study argues that the undisputed AICs conscious selected compatible African Spiritual elements of faith against the disputed AICs who unconscious selected incompatible African spiritual elements of faith: A case study of the Johane Masowe weChishanu yeNyenyedzi Church spirituality in Zimbabwe. This research critically explores the sacred places, objects of faith beliefs systems and practices of the Johane Masowe weChishanu yeNyenyedzi Church (hereinafter, the Church) in relation to the sacred places and objects of faith of the predominantly Karanga people of Chirumhanzu in Zimbabwe. Thus, the spirituality of the Church is identified by its appropriation of African/Karanga spiritual elements of faith like praying in traditional sacred caves and baptising church members in traditional sacred pools and dams. Critical to JMCN spirituality, is the removal of faith in Jesus Christ‟s death, resurrection and faith in the Bible as the word of God for Human salvation replaced by belief in the power of water spirits and tsanangudzo dzeMweya, the sayings of the spirit respectively. The primary methodology grounding this study is the phenomenological method of inquiry. This phenomenological method was utilised because it has two essential strands; the descriptive and the hermeneutical strands. The descriptive aspect helps the researcher to describe the spirituality of the Church accurately, and the hermeneutical phenomenological approach gives the researcher the ability to interpret the spirituality of the Church in light of other Christian Church spiritualities.
Christianisation of African Religion(s) Spirituality
Constitutional Law, Identity, and Interpretation under Zimbabwe’s Rights Constitutionalism
The Constitution of Zimbabwe which came into operation in May 2013 ushered in new dimensions in constitutional discourse. There can be no better way of unpacking these dimensions than through academic inquiry and interrogation of the diverse facets of the constitution from different perspectives. Constitutional Law, Identity, and Interpretation Under Zimbabwe‟s Rights Constitutionalism has thus come at an opportune moment in the constitutional history of Zimbabwe. It will greatly assist the judicial officers in Zimbabwe who have hitherto been vexed by attempting to transpose to the local context meanings ascribed to constitutional provisions in other jurisdictions. Evidently, the text prioritises the judiciary as a special constituency in its thrust. This is clear from the numerous aspects of the work that are dedicated to judicial interpretation of and interface with the Constitution in particular, and constitutional law in general. This renders the text a necessary tool for every judge to have. That approach espoused in the text is not without justification when one considers the strategic position of the judiciary in a constitutional democracy such as one that Zimbabwe clearly aims to attain. The wise words of Rose E. Bird, American Jurist and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of California, in Los Angeles Times, November 16, 1977, are apposite: ―The courts hold a unique position among our democratic institutions. In a sense, they represent one of our last bastions of participatory democracy, in which disputants go directly before a judge or jury to resolve an issue. In no other governmental context does an individual could take a problem to a decision-maker who represents the full force and power of that particular branch of government. This direct interchange between the individual and the state is at the heart of the democratic process . . . We must protect this unique heritage and strive to preserve the values it represents.‖ The work traverses a diversity of topics such as the interface between justice, politics and human rights and challenges and deconstructs traditional models of constitutional interpretation. Elsewhere, I hinted that the current Constitution of Zimbabwe demands a new thinking, a new mindset, and cannot be entrusted to those whose minds are sunken in the past way of reading a constitution. Like Paul at Damascus, the current constitution calls for a true conversion to a new way of ―constitutional thinking one that xiii eschews the austerity of tabulated legalism‖ as was urged by LORD WILBERFORCE in the celebrated case of Minister of Home Affairs (Bermuda) v Fisher (1980) AC 319(PC); [1979] 3 All ER21(PC). Without a judiciary with a changed mindset, the constitution becomes like a luxury bus entrusted in the hands of a driver of an illegal pirate taxi commonly known in Zimbabwe as ―Mushikashika‖. In this respect, the title of Chapter 9 of the text is very piercing: ―Time to delink constitutional from ordinary statutory interpretation‖. Alternative approaches to constitutional interpretation are postulated in the text. The delicate subjects of fundamental rights and essential features of the constitution are unpacked with amazing profundity and clarity for the reader to readily understand them. The message is clear from the text, that protection of these fundamentals is by no means fodder for a faint-hearted judiciary or one that is predisposed to placating its political appointers. Yet the text also cautions against judicial overreach by unpacking the mechanisms inbuilt in the architecture of the Constitution to enable the judiciary to appreciate the parameters of its authority. In summary, the text is a ground-breaking work in the constitutional history of the country. Academics, students, judicial officers, lawyers in private practice and in government, legislators and other stakeholders will find it useful in understanding the constitutional issues that affect the day to day lives of every person, natural or juristic.
Municipal Service Delivery Challenges of Sub-National Governments in Zimbabwe: An Exploration of Gweru City
The study critically presented in this intellectual output, explores the service delivery system in Zimbabwe‟s sub-national levels using Gweru City Council (GCC) as a case study. It is guided by the following four specific objectives: (i) to examine the service delivery challenges of sub-national governments; (ii) to explore the political and administrative systems and mechanisms required to broaden the scope of sub-national governments for improved service delivery; (iii) to explore the indicators of efficient service delivery at sub-national level and; (iv) to identify and discuss options for addressing service delivery challenges at sub-national level. Guided by this set of objectives, the study engages a case study methodological approach. The study makes use of descriptive, interpretive and explorative research methods. Data were collected from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The focus group discussions were particularly focused on gleaning the perceptions of the communities on the quality of council services such as provision of water and refuse collection. For secondary data, the researcher collected council minutes, budgets and other policy instruments for over four years which were useful in understanding the operations of the GCC. The researcher utilised secondary information for service delivery: newspaper reports and journal articles that were considered important sources of information for the study. The study has brought to the fore the fact that while the structure of sub-national governments could be different, the majority of sub-national governments are designed in a way that advances the interests of the central government or respective political parties with the majority in the local government elections. Service delivery challenges range from institutional, policy-related, environmental and financial challenges. The study establishes that the following measures can be taken to address service delivery challenges; special service districts, inter-municipal cooperation, privatisation and the reform of legislation and improving service delivery governance. Issues such as corruption, mismanagement of funds, political interference and compressed fiscal capacities have been seen to be stifling service delivery in the GCC. From the responses, it is highlighted that the reasons behind failure of the public to pay service charges to the local authority was largely linked to the public‟s perception of the state of service delivery in the Gweru City Council. Furthermore, the public professed that the local authority was reneging on their responsibilities in terms of service delivery and implementing unilateral decisions without consulting the residents on issues that affects their constituency. The study has found that the residents view service delivery as the responsibility of the local authority with the residents and the government assuming the watchdog positions. The study recommends that there is need for public participation and participatory budgeting. Furthermore, local authorities should be capacitated in all aspects while politicians could also be given the powers to monitor the operations of the local authorities without interfering with their processes through such acts as overriding decisions.
Development Policy, Rural Space and Gender: An Impact Study Gazing at Women in Gokwe through the First Decade of Independent Zimbabwe‘s Early Equity Policies
This monograph is the culmination of an analysis of the effects of the Growth Point Policy and the Growth-with-Equity Policy on the livelihoods of women in remote rural areas like Gokwe North and Gokwe South Districts found in the region of Gokwe in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe. The objectives of the study were: to explore the extent of awareness of the Growth Point Policy and the Growth-with-Equity Policy among the women; to explore the factors which influence the effective implementation of development policies in Gokwe; to critically examine the effects of the two development policies on the livelihoods of rural women; to assess the challenges Gokwe women face in accessing the benefits from development policies and to examine the benefits rural women accrue from effective policy implementation. While women face more or less the same social, economic, political, and cultural challenges worldwide, it is worth noting that women in developing countries like Zimbabwe, more so in remote rural areas like the Gokwe region, face double and intersectional exclusion by being away from the mainstream economic activities and due to poor infrastructure. The study adopted a descriptive research design, and employed a mixed research methods approach, where both quantitative and qualitative methods in data collection were used. The mixed methods approach was used for the sake of triangulation, so that the strength of one or two qualitative methods can be enhanced through the use of one or two quantitative methods. Triangulation increases validity and reliability of data, a more rigorous exploration of facts and figures, to give more valid findings. The research targeted women aged 18 years and above. Using stratified sampling, a sample of 399 women was selected for data collection and the same number of questionnaires were distributed in the study area. The study also made use of focus group discussions comprising 10 participants each to validate the responses from the questionnaires. The quantitative data were analysed using Principal Component Analysis PCA) while the qualitative data were analysed using Thematic Analysis.
Writers tend to concentrate more on the disease and the soul or spirit, and in so doing, often ignoring the body; yet, it is an important site for further analysis in cases of the HIV&AIDS scourge. The body is the primary signifier of a person‘s identity and in its struggle with the virus it is tormented, ravaged and always under constant attack. It is the body that an individual tries to salvage in order to save his identity and sanity in the face of the scourge. The research aims at taking a closer look at the nexus between the virus, identity and the body in the two texts The Haunted Trail by Phillip Chidavaenzi and Unlucky in love by Tendai Westerhoff.
Epidemiological Geography of City Regions: An Exploratory Text on Harare Metropolitan Area, Zimbabwe
Effective health services are key in addressing the challenges of rapid urbanisation. Key strategies include integrating health into urban planning by embracing future population growth and addressing existing disparities. Zoning regulations that consider health impacts and support the establishment of healthcare facilities in high-density areas can help mitigate the negative impacts of urbanisation on health. This includes green spaces, improved public transportation, and infrastructure that supports healthy lifestyles. as well, strengthening governance structures and ensuring effective policy implementation are critical. Actions include improving transparency and accountability in health governance can help address issues such as corruption and mismanagement. Policymakers should be supported in developing and implementing evidence-based policies that address health challenges. This includes providing training, resources, and technical support to ensure that policies are effective and responsive to local needs. This monograph suggests several recommendations some of which are highlighted in this section. Specifically, policymakers should focus on developing comprehensive urban health policies that address the specific needs of Harare Metropolitan Region. These policies should prioritise investments in healthcare infrastructure, including the expansion and upgrading of facilities. investments in health infrastructure, including the construction of new healthcare facilities in underserved areas to meet the growing demand for services is primal. The upgrading and modernisation of existing healthcare facilities to improve service delivery and patient care and ensure that healthcare facilities are equipped with the necessary resources and staff to provide quality care. This was reduction of epidemiological challenges with the intent to complete eradication are noblest aims.
Model Entrepreneurial University in the Global South: The Exemplar of the Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University
The study critically explores the concept of the entrepreneurial university within the context of the Global South epistemological and knowledgedriven socio-economic situatedness, focusing particularly on the Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University (ZEGU). The conception of the study sprang from the growing perception of universities as centres of innovation, particularly in regions grappling with economic challenges. Employing document review for data collection and thematic content analysis to derive insights, the study concludes that ZEGU plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship aptitudes and competencies, even amidst financial crises, unemployment, poverty, and inequality rife in Zimbabwe. The article further recommends strategies for addressing the unique challenges faced by ZEGU, such as financial constraints and limited resources, while also highlighting the university ‗s successes in enhancing regional competitiveness and economic growth. By showcasing and bringing to the fore ZEGU's initiatives to increase students' entrepreneurial intentions and support business startups, this article contributes to the broader discourse and research canon on the role of entrepreneurial universities in the Global South, offering valuable lessons for similar institutions to scaffold from. The study employed a qualitative research design to explore the right to the city and its implications for urban residents, particularly marginalised groups. Data collection was conducted through a comprehensive desk review, sourcing existing literature from reputable academic databases and platforms. The primary sources included Google Scholar that provided access to a vast array of scholarly articles and theses, and key books on urban studies, sociology, and related fields for historical and theoretical perspectives. Additionally, peer-reviewed journal articles focusing on urban planning, social justice, and public policy were reviewed to obtain current research findings and debates. For data analysis, the study engaged in textual analysis to systematically examine the collected data. This method involved interpreting and analysing texts to understand their meaning, context, and significance. The process began with familiarising with the data through initial reading and re-reading of the texts. This was followed by coding, where key themes, concepts, and patterns related to the right to the city were identified and categorised. Thematic analysis was then conducted to organise the coded data into coherent themes, synthesising significant insights and trends. Finally, the themes were analysed in the context of existing literature and theoretical frameworks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the right to the city.
Entrepreneurship as an Anchor of the Operations of Disability Organizations
The study from which this monograph sprang from, critically examined the contribution of entrepreneurship in sustaining operations of disability organisation. The objectives of the study were: to investigate the significance of entrepreneurs, to assess the extent to which disability organisations have entrepreneurial culture, to assess sourcing used by disability organisations in funding their operations and to examine the effectiveness of those sources of funding in sustaining the operation of disability organisations. Qualitative research methodological approach was utilised in the study. In-depth interviews and key-informant interviews were used to collect data from fourteen participants who were selected using purposive sampling technique. The collected data was analysed using thematic data analysis. The study reveals that entrepreneurship is very important as it sustains operations of disability organisations. Entrepreneurship complements income of disability organisations. The study also brings to the fore the fact that disability organisations do not have entrepreneurship culture. Some of the sources of funding that were revealed in the study include donor aid, school fees and government support. The study has found that sources of funding disability organisations depend on are both ineffective and unreliable. This is due to donor fatigue and change in funding preferences. Disability organisations are facing several challenges; chief among them, poverty and lack of support from the government and failure of persons with disabilities to pay school fees. The study recommends that there is need for all disability organisations to be entrepreneurial. There is also need for donors to use empowerment model and desist from charity model that creates dependence. There is also need for government to support disability organisations