Ngenani: The Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti Journal of Community Engagement and Societal Transformations
Ngenani, is a double blind-peer reviewed, quarterly and multidisciplinary journal, dedicated to serve the society with high quality research work appropriate for problem solving through knowing and understanding the various communities of the globe. The objective of this journal is to promote innovative research in various disciplines from an ethnographic perspective. We would like to invite authors to contribute a research paper that uphold innovation for problem solving as a re-address to the current societal challenges.
Transitional Justice and Political Reforms in Zimbabwe
This paper analyses the enduring challenge of political violence and conflict in Zimbabwe, despite ongoing efforts toward national reconciliation, peacebuilding, and nation-building since 1980. The success of post-conflict reconstruction fundamentally relies on developing specific, localized capacities to manage future violence. The study examines the role of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) as the nation's primary institutional attempt to address past violent conflicts and build local capacity for a peaceful future. While acknowledging that conflicts manifest across various interconnected societal layers—from household disputes to broader land conflicts—the core argument posits that the majority of Zimbabwean conflicts remain deeply rooted in disputes over national power (politics) and pervasive socio-economic hardships. The paper argues that effective peacebuilding requires a holistic strategy that moves beyond superficial reconciliation to address these fundamental structural drivers of instability.
National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC)
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Ethical and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Social Work Education: A Desktop Literature Review Perspective
The rapid advancement and integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into various professional domains present a transformative, yet complex, challenge for social work. While AI holds immense potential to enhance efficiency, streamline administrative tasks, and provide data-driven insights for social services, its adoption also introduces profound ethical and practical dilemmas. This desktop literature review explores the landscape of AI in social work education, synthesizing existing research, professional guidelines, and scholarly discourse, to provide a comprehensive overview. The article argues that the ethical and responsible use of AI is not merely a technical concern but a core pedagogical imperative that must be woven into the fabric of social work curricula. It examines key themes, including the potential benefits of AI in education and practice, the critical ethical challenges, such as algorithmic bias, privacy, and the de-emphasis of the human-centred relationship, and the necessary competencies social work students must acquire. The review concludes with recommendations for social work educators, highlighting the need for a revised curriculum that fosters AI literacy, critical thinking, and a robust ethical framework to prepare future professionals for a technologically mediated world
Is Heritage-based Education Similar to Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Zimbabwe?
Post-colonial Zimbabwe has been hopping from one curriculum to the next in search of long-lasting solutions to the national socio-economic challenges. Zimbabwe has been trying to decolonise the education system to create economic growth and survive the sanctions imposed on the country. The study is premised on the argument that heritagebased education has similarities with indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) in Zimbabwe, with a few points of departure that separate the two approaches. The study uses the place-based education conceptual framework as guidance. The study employs a qualitative methodology with a case study research design while engaging secondary data from journals and newspaper articles.
Bridging Continents: Africa-China Relations in the 21st Century
The beginning of the 21st century ushered in a transformative era in Africa-China relations, characterised by increased mutual diplomatic endeavours, economic partnerships and socio-political dynamics between the two continents. These 21st century interactions are neither new nor incidental, rather, they are steeped in a shared history of solidarity and cooperation dating back to the 19th century when China hosted the 1955 Bandung Conference. The turn of the 21st century witnessed the launching of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2000, a policy aimed at institutionalising relations and enhancing economic, and socio-political ties. Over the next two decades, Africa-China relations grew into one of the most significant partnerships of the modern era, with China emerging as Africa`s foremost trade partner and development financier. China`s “Go Global” strategy in the 21st century resulted in increased Chinese investments in Africa, particularly in the mining, infrastructure and energy sectors. The study traces the history of African-Chinese relations in the 21st century, arguing that whilst Chinese noninterference policy presents her as an alternative to the Western development model, a narrative resonating with most African leaders, the relations are shrouded in controversy over labour dynamics, uneven nature of trade and the environmental toll of Chinese-led projects on the African continent. The study adopts both qualitative and quantitative research approaches, in addition to using online literature, interviews, reports, policy documents/briefs by ChineseAfrican governments, and international news findings reveal that 21st century Africa-China relations are not simply a tale of power imbalances or benevolent partnership. Rather, they reflect the complexities of global engagement, a dynamic interplay of agency, aspiration, and adaptation. offering both lessons and legacies for generations to come. The research concludes that Africa-Chinese relations in the 21st century are characterised by multifaceted partnerships characterised by opportunities and challenges, hence the need for a balanced engagement, grounded in mutual respect and sustainability as both continents chart the next phase of a shared future in a rapidly changing global order.
University in the Context of Entrepreneurship. Case Studies of Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University and Bindura University of Science Education
Across the globe, universities are undergoing massive transformation, moving beyond their traditional roles of teaching, research and community engagement to innovation and entrepreneurship as core of their mission. In Zimbabwe, this is critical, given the economic challenges the country is facing. This study examines the entrepreneurial capabilities of the Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University (ZEGU) and the Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) using the Higher Education (HE) Innovate framework which assesses the entrepreneurial and innovative capacity of higher education institutions. The study uses a qualitative approach. Purposive sampling was used to select participants from each university, including administrators, faculty members and students involved in entrepreneurship activities. Data was collected through semistructured interviews and document analysis of institutional strategic plans and entrepreneurship programmes. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis which allowed for identification of patterns and themes across the HE Innovate dimensions. However, there were gaps noted in measuring impact and organisational capacity, with no systems in place to track and evaluate outcomes of entrepreneurial activities. The study recommends that Zimbabwean universities strengthen their entrepreneurial ecosystems by supporting start-ups, refining leadership strategies and measuring entrepreneurial impacts. Recommendations include deeper collaboration with external stakeholders and organisational structures that are conducive to entrepreneurship. Future research could explore how these universityled initiatives impact on local economic development and the role of government policies in supporting entrepreneurship in higher education.
industry partnerships and entrepreneurial education
Re-Imagining Women‘s Livelihoods: Pathways to Equity, Sustainability and Resilience in Bindura, Mashonaland Central
This paper investigates the multifaceted ways women in Bindura, Mashonaland Central, Zimbabwe, are actively redefining and restructuring their livelihoods as a direct response to intensifying socio-economic, environmental, and political pressures. The study shifts focus from mere survival to exploring alternative pathways that lead toward greater equity, sustainability, and resilience within their community. Central to this inquiry is an analysis of how deeply ingrained structural constraints and persistent gendered norms critically intersect with emergent opportunities for entrepreneurial innovation and empowerment. To gain a holistic understanding of this complex dynamic, the research employed a Systems Theory approach, viewing women's economic activities not in isolation but as deeply embedded within broader institutional, political, and ecological systems. The methodology relied on rich, in-depth qualitative interviews with 15 women engaged in various informal economic activities in the region. The core findings highlight significant tensions between traditional, often subsistence-based, livelihood strategies and the necessity of adopting new, adaptive, and market-responsive practices. These tensions manifest in challenges such as securing land, accessing capital, and dealing with arbitrary regulatory enforcement. Ultimately, the paper argues that while women demonstrate remarkable ingenuity in carving out economic spaces, sustainable change requires more than individual effort. It concludes by offering specific, actionable recommendations aimed at developing inclusive policy frameworks, strengthening local resource distribution, and establishing robust community-based support systems that can effectively recognize and foster women's agency and resilience.
Empowering Women Through Education 5.0: Zimbabwe‘s Drive Towards Industry and Sustainable Development
As Zimbabwe advances towards innovation and industrialisation, the women’s role in development is central to achieving national progress. However, persistent barriers such as gender bias, limited access to education, and structural constraints continue to hinder their full participation in economic and industrial sectors. This study explores how Education 5.0, a heritage-based philosophy embraced by the Women’s University in Africa and the Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University (ZEGU), integrates gender equality and human rights into teaching, learning, and professional development. Using a mixedmethods qualitative case study approach, the study examines how Education 5.0 empowers women by enhancing their skills, leadership, and participation in industrialisation. The research analyses Kuziva neKugona/Ukwazi lokwenelisa, an indigenous knowledge framework that fosters problem-solving education, practical training, and community engagement. Case studies highlight women’s successes in technology and business, showcasing the tangible impact of genderinclusive education. Findings demonstrate that Education 5.0 align s with Zimbabwe’s industrialisation policies and global frameworks such as Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 5) (Gender Equality) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). The study underscores the need for stronger gender integration in education policy to enhance economic resilience and industrial competitiveness. Women’s empowerment through Education 5.0 is essential for sustainable development. The study calls for immediate action to scale gender-inclusive educational models across sectors, ensuring women’s contributions to national economic growth are fully realised.
Experiences of Humanitarian Social Workers in Rural Areas: Voices from Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy in Mashonaland, Zimbabwe
This study employs a qualitative research methodology to explore lived experiences of humanitarian social workers implementing the Food Deficit Mitigation Strategy (FDMS) in rural Mashonaland Zimbabwe. Utilising an interpretative phenomenological approach, the research captures the subjective narratives of social workers, focusing on their perceptions, challenges, and the socio-political context influencing their work. Data were collected through semistructured in-depth interviews with 14 social workers as primary participants and five (5) key informants, revealing significant themes related to the intersection of politics and humanitarian aid, the inadequacy of food distribution, and the burdensome beneficiary registration processes. Participants reported challenges in maintaining impartiality due to political interference, which undermined the integrity of aid distribution. Furthermore, the study highlights the struggle of social workers to meet the nutritional needs of beneficiaries with limited resources, leading to ethical dilemmas and professional compromises. The findings underscore the complexities of delivering humanitarian assistance in a politically charged environment and provides critical insights into the operational realities faced by social workers in Zimbabwe. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play in humanitarian work and emphasizes the need for improved frameworks that prioritise humanitarian principles over political agendas
The Influence of Ubuntu-Inspired Guidance on the Psychosocial Well-Being and Climate Resilience Preparedness of Adolescent Girls in Rural Zimbabwean Communities
The influence of Ubuntu-inspired guidance on the psychosocial wellbeing and climate resilience preparedness of adolescent girls in rural Zimbabwean communities is increasingly significant amid intersecting social, environmental, and technological pressures. This study focuses on adolescent girls in Manganzo Village under Manhenga Rural District Council, Bindura, Zimbabwe, where traditional Ubuntu values continue to shape communal life in the face of climate vulnerability. Ubuntu, a philosophy grounded in interconnectedness, mutual respect, and solidarity, provides a cultural framework that nurtures psychosocial well-being and collective resilience. The research aims to explore how Ubuntu-guided practices support adolescent girls’ psychosocial strength and climate preparedness, while critically examining tensions arising from globalisation and technological change. Employing a qualitative case study design, data were collected through three focus group discussions with six household members each, and interviews with three community leaders. Findings reveal that Ubuntu-inspired guidance fosters emotional security, reinforces shared identity through totems, idioms, and environmental ethics, and enables collective action in response to climate hazards. The study contributes to contemporary debates on the sustainability of Ubuntu’s communitarian values amid globalised individualism and technological disruption, offering culturally grounded insights to inform policy and practice focused on adolescent girls’ well-being and climate resilience
Towards a Human Rights Approach in Disaster Response: A Critical Literature Review of the El Niño-Induced Drought in Zimbabwe
The drought in Zimbabwe, caused by El Niño in 2015-2016, exposed glaring vulnerabilities within the disaster response machinery of the state, establishing a burning requirement for fast-tracking a human rights-based approach to disaster relief and recovery. This literature review examines how far human rights principles of nondiscrimination, participation, and accountability were employed for humanitarian action related to this drought, which directly or indirectly affected over four million Zimbabweans, with vulnerable groups like smallholder farmers, women, and children suffering the most. It stresses that natural calamities magnify existing socioeconomic inequalities, making it paramount for a rights-based approach to ensure the enjoyment of fundamental rights to food, water, health, and housing in times of crisis, elevating the state’s duty to protect, respect, and fulfil those rights irrespective of social standing. The study adopts a desk review complemented by surveys of disaster-affected communities and humanitarian workers to investigate the policy framework, institutional practices, and accountability mechanisms, revealing pervasive problems of lack of transparency in aid distribution, poor and unsafe complaint systems, limited independent monitoring, and political interferences fuelling corruption and inequitable access to relief resources. These systemic gaps erode the trust of affected populations, aggravating food insecurity and entrenching further impunity and therefore affect disaster management and violate the rights of affected populations. By cross-analyzing regional and global best cases from countries such as Zambia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Botswana, this literature encourages the use of digital complaint platforms, independent oversight bodies for capacity-building in climate-smart agriculture, and stringent anti-corruption frameworks in enhancing transparency, participation, and equity in the promotion of humanitarian aid. This overview strongly advocates an action plan that takes into consideration transparent beneficiary targeting criteria, culturally appropriate and confidential grievance mechanisms, strengthened independent monitoring with civil society engagement, as well as sustained capacity building of local actors in embedding human rights into disaster response systems. The conversation makes reference to limitations in the literature and the dynamic characteristics of disaster contexts but firmly suggests that the political will and institutional reform inspires the overcoming of these deep-seated challenges. Ultimately, this review recommends adopting a comprehensive human rights approach to redeem Zimbabwe’s disaster relief from its current exclusionary, inequitable, and non-accountable ways by implementing policy and practice ideas that favour transparency, accountability, and empowerment to shield human rights against the backdrop of rising climate-induced disasters.
Negotiating Livelihoods from the Margins During the Covid19 Pandemic: A Case of Informal Cross-Border Traders in Harare Zimbabwe
The COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe was characterised by periods of stringent lockdowns that were sometimes relaxed to ameliorate the effects on vulnerable members of the society’s livelihoods. These hard and soft lockdowns conditions, however, negatively impacted informal cross- border traders whose operations depended on continued movement across the borders. This study examines the coping mechanisms and livelihood responses employed by Informal Cross-Border Traders (ICBTs) in Zimbabwe during the COVID-19 pandemic era. This qualitative-oriented study was conducted in Harare with both women and men involved in informal cross- border trade during the COVID-19 crisis. The study employs the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework and the Theory of Habitus, Capital and Field as propounded by Pierre Bourdieu (1984) as theoretical optics in explaining and understanding coping mechanisms employed by the ICBTs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research established that pandemic-induced crises can bring a host of challenges to ICBTs as livelihoods are destroyed, income levels decrease and vulnerability to poverty deepens. This is particularly the case with small businesses that are less socially, economically and financially established or networked to withstand a crisis. The COVID-19 crisis resulted in some ICBTs winding up their operations, failing to recover and falling back into the poverty trap. Thus, the study recommends inclusive social protection in national budgets and development plans, strengthening the systems of curbing sexual harassment, corruption and bribery, infrastructure modernisation, financial inclusion, strengthening legislative and policy frameworks and establishment of emergence response systems and protocols.
Hidden Harms: The Prevalence of Sexual Abuse Among Young Girls (13-17 Years) in Small-Scale Mining Communities
This study investigates the prevalence of sexual abuse among young girls in small-scale mining communities. The research utilises the Intersectionality Theory proposed by Kimberle Crenshaw (1989), which provides the theoretical basis of the study. The following objectives guide the study: to investigate the forms of sexual abuse among young girls in small-scale mining communities; to explore the contributing factors of sexual abuse among young girls in small-scale mining communities; and to develop community-based strategies that can be utilised to address sexual abuse among young girls in smallscale mining communities . A purposive sample of nine (9) young girls was selected. Semi-structured interviews and Focus Group Interviews were used to generate data in this research. Braun and Clarke’s (2006) Thematic Analysis approach was also used to analyse data. It emerged from the study that the support for sexual abuse survivors includes crisis centres, counselling, medical care, legal aid, and community outreach programmes. The study concludes that young girls in small-scale mining communities face various problems in as far as sexual abuse is concerned. These problems affect them psychologically, socially and physically. Whilst child protection systems have been put in place to address these problems, the research uncovers loopholes which have proved young girls in small-scale mining communities to be a highly vulnerable population in these settings. It is, therefore, recommended that mining laws be incorporated in child protection frameworks and introduce strict licencing to monitor small-scale mining in order to protect young girls from sexual abuse. Multi sectoral collaboration is also encouraged to effectively address the problem of sexual abuse to counter resource problems which may hinder child protection in these communities. Non-state actors should establish strong partnerships and referral mechanisms with other community-based organisations to facilitate seamless access to a wider range of resources.
Unpacking Education 5.0 in Zimbabwe: A Social Work Perspective
Zimbabwean universities are now being guided by Education 5.0. The study seeks to explore the space of the Social Work profession in the context of Education 5.0 and to establish the linkage between Education 5.0 and the Social Work profession. The study makes use of a qualitative research approach using a desk review and key informant interviews as a data collection method. The research found out that Education 5.0 can be used to address social problems being faced in Zimbabwe which is the core mandate of the Social Work profession. The study further found out that there is need to constantly update research technologies in the Social Work curriculum. This will produce a skilled innovative Social Worker who is culturally sensitive and technology friendly to address social problems. The study concludes that Education 5.0 can be used as an innovative solution for a Social Work model that is culture-specific. The research finally recommends the need for Social Work training to constantly update and incorporate online research techniques that will produce models to solve social problems.
“We are Because of AI?”: An Interpretive Study of Adolescents‘ Identity Formation in Relation to Artificial Intelligence Guidance and Ubuntu
Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are reshaping education globally, sparking intense debate within Zimbabwean higher learning institutions where the Ubuntu philosophy — rooted in ethics, community, and integrity — remains central. Zimbabwe’s higher education system, guided by the five pillars of Education 5.0 (teaching, research, community engagement, innovation, and industrialisation), encourages technological progress. However, many universities strictly prohibit AI use in assignments and dissertations, often equating it to plagiarism and relying on tools such as Turnitin to detect AI-generated content. Meanwhile, adolescents increasingly embrace AI as a legitimate tool to simplify academic work and engage with the digital age. Some innovate by using AI humanisers to evade detection, thereby challenging traditional academic practices that privilege books and libraries over digital tools. This qualitative interpretive case study investigates how AI guidance influences adolescents’ identity formation in relation to Ubuntu values, drawing on interviews with three lecturers and three student focus groups. Thematic analysis reveals tensions between institutional resistance to AI and students’ drive for technological integration. Adolescents’ identities emerge through efforts to balance communal ethics with digital autonomy, as they advocate for modernised educational approaches. The study contributes to the body of knowledge by proposing the Ubuntu-AI Harmonization Model (UAHM), a framework designed to guide the ethical integration of AI in education while upholding indigenous value systems. The findings offer practical insights for educators, policymakers, and AI developers on fostering culturally grounded, technology-enabled learning environments.
Housing Challenge Among People with Physical Disabilities in Urban Zimbabwe: Implications for Social Work Practice
Zimbabwe’s protracted socio-economic depression has negatively affected social services provision. This is particularly in relation to housing provision for people with disabilities. Using a qualitative research approach through a case study design, the study argues that housing is a human right but the society continues to disable the vulnerable to access housing. The study unpacks the nature of experiences and vulnerabilities of the urban population by gazing at those in Bindura Urban. The research is premised on the social model of disability focused on persons with physical disabilities and professionals working for the welfare of people with disabilities. Availability sampling and purposive sampling were used to select primary participants and key informants, respectively from the targeted population. The study establishes that inaccessibility, affordability, discriminatory eviction and squatting and jeopardised amenities were challenges associated with adequacy of housing for people with disabilities in urban Bindura. From a human rights perspective, the study argues that urban dwellers with disabilities experience a vicious cycle of vulnerability as they try to access adequate housing. It implores social workers to adopt a holistic approach in addressing the housing circumstances of people with disabilities and lobby private and public housing providers to be disability sensitive and institute low-income earners housing schemes considerate of those disadvantaged populace.
The Importance of Social Protection Programmes in the Aftermath of Cyclone Idai and Covid-19: A Case of Chimanimani Ward 15, From 2019 to 2022
Zimbabwe has faced a number of shocks recently, some caused by the climate, such as Cyclone Idai and ongoing droughts, and others by economic crises that were made worse by events that occurred throughout the world. The COVID-19 epidemic significantly strained the economy and the capacity of economically disadvantaged households to make ends meet. This study assesses how natural and man-made disasters have impacted negatively on people across the world. In 2019, Zimbabwe was negatively affected by Cyclone Idai and COVID-19 in 2020. The two disasters negatively affected the socio-economic fabric of communities and the nation at large. Livelihoods and infrastructure were destroyed because of the two disasters lockdowns enforced. The available literature has left a research gap on the importance of social protection programmes in the aftermath of disasters. Thus, there was a genuine motivation by the study to move from a general to specific sphere by investigating the importance of social protection programmes in the aftermath of Cyclone Idai and COVID-19. The research is guided by the need to investigate the importance of social protection in the aftermath of these phenomena in Chimanimani, to identify various social protection services/programmes rendered to the Chimanimani community by both government and development partners,, to identify challenges faced by the government and development partners in providing social protection programmes in Chimanimani and to recommend solutions on how to improve the efficiency of social protection programmes offered by the government of Zimbabwe and its development partners. The study is guided by the mixed methodology. The study avers that social protection programmes played a pivotal role in helping the Chimanimani Ward 15 residents to be “resilient”, that is, social protection programmes helped them to bounce back from the two negative shocks, Cyclone Idai and COVID19. The study also found that the Department of Social Development provided social workers for counselling and social support during and after Cyclone Idai to the families that had lost their loved ones. The research notes that social protection programmes are of paramount importance because they help vulnerable families/communities to bounce back through food donations. Information gathered from the study recommends that, for efficiency of the social protection programmes in the aftermath of natural disasters, the Government of Zimbabwe should formulate a sound policy in line with social protection programmes and avail funds to cater for victims during and after natural and man-made disasters. The government should secure and budget adequate resource to respond to shocks posed by natural disasters.
Masculinity and Utilisation of Sexual Reproductive Health Services Among Male Youths Aged 18-24 in Harare, Zimbabwe
This study explores the relationship between masculinity and the utilisation of sexual reproductive health (SRH) services among male youths aged 18-24 in Harare, Zimbabwe. Grounded in Courtenay's Relational Theory of Gender and Men's Health, the research aims to ascertain the masculinity norms that impede access to SRH services and elucidate their impact on the acceptability and accessibility of these services. Using a qualitative case study approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with 12 male youth participants from four districts in Harare. The findings reveal that dominant masculine identities, shaped by socially constructed norms, encourage risky health behaviours such as heavy drinking, multiple sexual partners, and the underutilisation of SRH services. Additionally, the preference for alternative health-seeking methods, like traditional medicine, further contributes to the underutilisation of SRH services. The study highlights the need for explicit and targeted educational campaigns, policy advocacy, and user-friendly healthcare facilities to address the masculinity-related barriers to SRH service utilisation among male youths. Improving men's SRH knowledge and creating a supportive environment is crucial for enhancing their engagement with SRH services and ultimately improving their overall health outcomes.
Determinants of Women‘s Age at First Marriage in Zimbabwe: A Survival Analysis Approach
The study aims to examine the effect of select socio-demographic factors on women’s age at first marriage. The study employs survival analysis, specifically the Cox proportional hazard regression model and analysis of deviance using the Zimbabwe’s 2022 anonymised population and housing census data. The median women’s age at marriage in Zimbabwe is 21 years. Log rank tests show that there are statistically significant differences on median age at first marriage on all factor levels of the seven independent variables. Cox regression indicates that all the seven independent variables significantly influence women’s age at marriage. The most contributing factors to the age at first marriage are whether women had given live birth, province and level of education. The findings of this study suggest that policies that delay entry into first marriage must be province (region) based. Findings also suggest that improvement in educational attainment for women will play a significant role in delaying entry into first marriage.
Social Cognitive Theory and Digital Skills Acquisition: A Case of Young Women at a Teacher‘s College in Harare
This study investigates the relevance of the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) (developed by Albert Bandura, 1986) in digital skills acquisition among young women at a teachers' college in Harare, Zimbabwe. The digital divide disproportionately affect young women in developing countries, including Zimbabwe, who face significant barriers to accessing digital technologies and acquiring digital literacy. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research explore how observational learning, reinforcement, and self-efficacy influence digital skills acquisition, while also identifying the challenges encountered by these student teachers. A survey was administered to 200 young female student teachers, supplemented by semi-structured interviews with 20 of the selected participants. The findings indicate that observational learning, reinforcement, and self-efficacy play crucial roles in the acquisition of digital skills. Observational learning, where students acquire skills by observing peers and instructors, was reported by 80% of the participants. Positive reinforcement from instructors and peers significantly motivated 75% of the participants, while 90% believed in their ability to acquire digital skills, highlighting the importance of self-efficacy. Challenges identified included limited prior experience with digital technologies, time constraints, lack of instructor support, self-doubt, and insufficient home support. The study concludes that a comprehensive approach, incorporating SCT principles and addressing these challenges, is essential to enhance digital literacy among future female educators in Zimbabwe.
Exploring the Participation of Women with Disabilities in the Masvingo City Informal Sector
People with Disabilities (PWDs), for example, Women with Disabilities (WWDs), are at a high risk of poverty in every country, whether determined by traditional economic measures such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or, more broadly, in non-monetary aspects of living standards such as education, health, and living conditions. The participation of WWDs in the informal sector is important but overlooked in the aspect of economic inclusion in the City of Masvingo, Zimbabwe. The aim and purpose of this study are to examine the living experiences of WWDs who sell wares, the challenges they face, and strategies of support systems they need as they participate in the informal sector in Masvingo City. This study's objectives are to identify the products sold by WWDs in Masvingo, explore the challenges and experiences they face in the informal sector, and identify strategies and support systems that can enhance their economic participation. Thus, the major research question is: “What are the living experiences of women with disabilities regarding products they sell, challenges they face, and support systems during their participation in the Masvingo informal sector?” The study employs the Social Model of Disability by Finkelstein (1988). The study uses the critical realism paradigm to explore observable patterns and the underlying causal mechanisms which are in line with the mixed method research methodology. The qualitative research method provided data, validating each technique. The study used purposive sampling and employs interviews and document analysis. Ten (10) WWDs were selected for the study. Ethical considerations were respected to protect and respect the participants. The research notes out that WWDs have barriers such as exploitation and limited opportunities for economic growth. The double discrimination based on both gender and disability, worsens the challenges they face. Most WWDs in the informal sector engage in small-scale entrepreneurial activities such as vending. Also, the research found out that the council of Masvingo does not have by-laws addressing gender and WWDs in the informal sector. It was revealed that though overall, the government has many ministries for supporting youths and women, but the structures do not promote WWDs. The research conclude that WWDs have barriers such as exploitation and limited opportunities for economic growth. It also concludes that most of the WWDs have entered the informal economy not by choice, but due to lack of opportunities for employment in the formal economy. The study recommends empowerment through advocacy, financial inclusion, and supportive policies to improve their situation.
The Viability of DAPP Hope Humana Development Initiatives to Promote Sustainable Rural Development: A Community Perception
This research investigates the viability of DAPP (Development Aid from People to People) Hope Humana development initiatives for encouraging sustainable rural development. The research aims to ascertain from a community perception the viability of these initiatives so as to lay recommendations to address the underlying factors which hinder non-governmental organisations (NOGs) from fulfilling their development objective of achieving sustainable rural development. This would pave the way for the achievement of global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The research adopts a descriptive qualitative tradition supported by the voice extraction method and a case study, all deeply rooted in qualitative research. A total of 20 community members participated in the research. Research instruments used were face-to-face in-depth interviews with both open-ended and closed-ended questions, focus group discussions, document analysis and the research’s observations. The study finds that most of the initiatives by DAPP Hope Humana were viable enough to encourage sustainable rural development as perceived by the community beneficiaries. The research also established that the community pointed out some of the initiatives as being not viable to encourage rural development. Therefore, to address the factors affecting the success of DAPP Hope Humana interventions in achieving sustainable rural development in Bindura District and Zimbabwe at large, this research recommends that the government, as the regulating authority, should create a conducive and enabling environment for NGOs to successfully implement development initiatives, and also empower locals not to just wait for NGO assistance but also strive to make ends meet on their own. NGOs need to conduct solid baseline surveys, embrace agricultural research and technology, and monitor and evaluate their projects. Finally, the research also recommends NGOs to use the participatory approach as well as promote endogenous initiatives at the expense of exogenous in order to achieve sustainable rural development.
Balancing Teacher Authority and Child Rights: Re-Imagining the Teacher‘s Role in Grooming Secondary School Teenagers
In this empirical presentation, complexities of striking a balance between teacher authority and child rights in the grooming of secondary school teenagers are explored. This article navigates the teacher role in the counselling and up-bringing of teenagers in Zimbabwe which, of late, has been hugely affected by legislation which seems to gravitate towards the uplifting of children’s rights over modelling of good citizenship. This research is couched in the lenses of inclusivity which emphasises the need to create environments where everyone feels valued, respected and able to participate fully. Through qualitative methods, interviews were conducted with 10 purposively sampled participants who responded to three questions: What are the challenges faced by teachers in grooming teenagers at secondary school? How do teachers balance their authority with respect for child rights? And, What strategies can be employed by teachers in grooming teenagers at a secondary school in Gwanda North District, Zimbabwe. One of the major findings of the research is that teachers should be allowed to continue playing the communal role of grooming teenagers using all the tools required, including corporal punishment although the practice should be modified. In light of the findings, the study argues that the teachers who should continue their role of counselling teenagers are currently vulnerable and, hence, should be empowered through legislation, parent involvement, and government involvement through proper remuneration and training support in order to foster human rights-based approaches.
Access to Sexual Reproductive Health Services by Women in the Informal Sector in Zimbabwe: Reflections Based on the Experiences of the Covid-19 Pandemic Era
In 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic ravished the world. COVID-19 is linked to the same family of viruses as severe acute respiratory syndrome. Its symptoms included fever, cough, shortness of breath and, in severe cases, pneumonia and breathing difficulties. Like other pandemics, the spread of COVID-19 was rapid and quick. Many efforts, including lockdowns, were made to curb the spread of the virus. Normal essential service delivery came to a halt. However, the effects of the pandemic in African nations were expected to be more severe and draining than any in other continent because of their weak health systems. Africa is characterised largely by a weak health system and high prevalence of malnutrition, HIV&AIDS and malaria (WEFORUM, 2020). The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the escalation of child marriages, teenage and unwanted pregnancies, high rates of sexual and gender-based violence (GBV), failure to access contraception, ARV treatment, sexually transmitted infections, unsafe abortions, and maternal and neonatal deaths. This study focuses on the effects of COVID-19 on the access to reproductive health services for women in the informal sector of Chipadze high density suburb of Bindura, Zimbabwe. The research adopts a mixed approach which encompasses both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The research adopts exploratory designs in answering the research questions. The sampling methods are also highlighted. Questionnaires and interviews were the research instruments. Ethics that guided the research are also highlighted.
Professionals’ Perspectives on the Roles of Spirituality on the Aetiology and Healing of Mental Health Problems at Victoria Chitepo Psychiatric Unit, Mutare, Zimbabwe
This study aims at exploring mental health professionals' perspectives on spirituality's role in the aetiology and healing of mental health problems at the Victoria Chitepo Psychiatric Unit in Mutare, Zimbabwe. It utilises a qualitative case study approach, with semi structured interviews as research instruments. Findings from the study reveal that there are significant challenges that are hindering the integration of spirituality into mental health care. Results inform policy makers and professionals in the medical field on how to improve their approach in treating mental health problems. The findings also contribute to understanding spirituality's role in mental health within a post-colonial African context and offer practical guidance for improving culturally responsive care.
The Raising Children on the Streets: Tales from Street Vending Mothers in the Harare Central Business District
This study presents day-to-day experiences of street-vending mothers in the Harare Central Business District (HCBD) who go to work with their children as young as under the age of five. The study adopts a qualitative approach where 30 street vending mothers were identified and interviewed from five vending sites in the HCBD. The interviews were triangulated with observations since they were conducted at the women’s vending sites where their daily routines were observed. The study indicates that vending street mothers experience a myriad of challenges, ranging from physical to mental and economic, in their quest to earn a living as street vendors. The major challenge identified by vending mothers in the study is their concern about their children’s welfare, which they believe is compromised by spending most of their time on the streets where they are exposed to foul language; disease outbreaks and other physical accidents they are prone to due to the environment they spend the day in. Moreover, the women bemoan the harassment they experienced at the hands of local authorities given that they are operating as illegal vendors. The vending mothers also reported that they hardly make enough to cater for their economic needs. Their situation was exacerbated by the advent of COVID-19 when lockdown measures to combat the spread of the virus negatively affected informal sector activities. Regardless of the challenges reported by these participants, the numbers of people, especially NGENGANI VOL. 4(1), 2025 47 women who engage in street vending, continues to rise due to the country’s unrelenting economic woes. From the study findings it is therefore recommended that measures should be taken to make street vending sustainable for those who engage it as a means of livelihood and to protect children of street vending mothers so that they can also have a normal childhood.
Gender Dynamics in Zimbabwe's Sculpture Art Sector: An Analysis of Women Sculptor Entrepreneurs' Status and Technology-Based Challenges
This study investigates the status of women sculptor entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe's creative industry (CI), examining institutional marginalisation and barriers to entrepreneurial development. Employing a qualitative methodology incorporating focus group discussions, individual interviews, and observational data, the research reveals significant gender disparities in recognition, resource allocation, and institutional support. Findings indicate systemic marginalisation of women sculptors in key institutions, including art centres and national recognition platforms like National Arts and Music Awards (NAMAs). It is evident that the entrepreneurs face many challenges, including -non-recognition of the effort and years of commitment made to the industry, lack of financial support, exclusion in marketing and exhibition strategies locally and abroad, and fear to embrace digital literacy, lack of knowledge, cybersecurity threats and training on business. The study proposes a Gender- NGENGANI VOL. 4(1), 2025 25 Entrepreneurial Development (GRED) model with important antecedents for entrepreneurship development. The model can be used to address identified disparities and enhance women's participation in the sculptural arts sector.
Truth-Telling and Reconciliation Process: Lessons from National Peace and Reconciliation Commission Under the New Republic in Zimbabwe (2018-2024)
Resolving historical conflicts and violent incidents is the constitutional and legal task of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC), founded in 2013. Concerning covering government’s past impunity on the one side, and attempting to promote peace, healing, and reconciliation on the other, the NPRC in Zimbabwe seems to be a patchwork endeavour. From a surface-level perspective, the aim of the NPRC appears to be about bringing out the desired results of healing and reconciliation without confronting the underlying causes that led to the violence and disagreements in the past by revealing the truth. The first phase in the reconciliation process, truth-telling is the cornerstone of all truth commissions. It provides a wide path for parties in disagreement to reconcile and engage in negotiations. Thus, the main objective of this study is to establish if the NPRC has been managing to fulfil its mandate of truth-telling and healing. Qualitative research methods were employed as they allowed the research to delve deep into issues surrounding the reconciliation process. Determining whether the NPRC has been able to carry out its mandate of healing and revealing the truth is, thus, the primary goal of the study. The use of qualitative research methods allows for a deeper exploration of the problems related to the reconciliation process.
Women For Livelihoods! Challenges faced by Women in Agriculture in Rafingora, Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe
Women play crucial roles in agriculture for the welfare of their households and overall development in agro-based economies. They are a critical component as they provide most of the agricultural labour force, care for farming households and work as farm owners independently and jointly with family members. States across the globe have also instituted programmes and initiatives to support women in agriculture. However, women continue to face several challenges in agriculture, usually power-laden. Using a qualitative research approach, through a case study design, this article highlights the challenges women face in agriculture under small-scale farming in Rafingora, Mashonaland West Province. Zimbabwe. In-depth interviews with women and key informants in agriculture were used to obtain data to understand the challenges faced by women in farming. Thematically analysed data indicated family land conflicts, role conflict and the burden of motherhood, illiteracy and lack of information/education, harsh climate change, lack of agricultural equipment, and high transportation costs associated with long distances to depots/suppliers of farming inputs as main challenges affecting women in agriculture. The research concludes that being a female household head in a rural farming area is a challenge on its own, and a human rights issue since it is associated with a multiplicity of challenges.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ngenani: The Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti Journal of Community Engagement and Societal Transformations
The Interplay among the ‘Small House', African Heritage And Gender Rights for Societal Development
The family is central to development in all societies. However, changes in the family structures, including the emergence of the ‘small house’ (SH), have brought uncertainties on this role. This qualitative case study, embedded in Liberal Feminism and Ubuntu Theories thus sought the views of four of each of marriage officers, probation officers, educators, opinion leaders and members in ‘SH’ relationships about its impact on gender rights and socio-economic development in Zimbabwe through interviews. Participants were selected equitably as argued by gender. Focus Group Discussions were held with 12 university students. Thematic analysis indicates that the SH in its current form is impacting the socio-economic development of Zimbabwe negatively since it is gender blind, does not foster the Ubuntu concept of reverence for the first wife, disregards the rights of females, negatively encroaches into education of children, exposes siblings to possible incest, reduces family unity, promotes jealous among siblings and wives, exposes partners to health problems, leads to estate sharing wrangles and emotional trauma among the partners. The study recommends the classical vision of polygamy to restore trust among partners and for the concerned families to work towards agreed goals. Also, the SH should be discussed openly to encourage society to accept it.
Academic Performance among Girls in Rural Chiredzi District, Zimbabwe: Reasons and Interventions in Addressing Poor Results
Global trends on academic performance show that overall, girls outperform boys at primary and secondary school levels. Some have attributed this to affirmative action policies and practices. Even the Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) reports show similar trends for over 10 years up to 2023. Surprisingly, the trend was different in Chiredzi rural primary schools, thus compelling the study ingrained in the feminist lens, to establish the reasons for the discrepancy with the view for corrective interventions. Drawing from the documented school-based and public Grade Seven academic results from 2020 to 2023 and the girls’ academic records, a qualitative case study constituting two school heads and four of teachers, girls and schools parent board members equitably selected from two primary schools was instituted for face-to-face interviews. The thematic content analysis shows ethnicity, gendered teacher deployment, negative effects of the donor community involvement in girl child socialisation and maternal parent emigration as the major reasons for the poor academic performance among the girls in Chiredzi. School community based donor activities regulatory framework, community resocialisation on migration and gender rights, streamlining of gender in teacher deployment and site-based evaluation of gender policies and practices, are recommended.