https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/4995 2026-04-06T17:46:47Z 2026-04-06T17:46:47Z Charamba, Tyanai Musanga, Terrence https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6816 2025-10-03T13:51:58Z 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The depiction of chiramu register and the female voice and communicator in Tsitsi Dangarembga’s Nervous Conditions Authors: Charamba, Tyanai; Musanga, Terrence Abstract: This article examines Tsitsi Dangarembga’s depiction of the Chiramu register in Nervous Conditions. The article argues that, in Shona culture, the type of relationship one enjoys in the family determines the register that he/she employs in order to score success in communication. Therefore, as the article argues further, an appreciation of these relationships and registers is critical to our understanding of the politics and power dynamics in Nervous Conditions. In order to successfully argue the spelt viewpoint, this article demonstrates with examples that the character Lucia strategically manipulates the Chiramu register in her engagement, negotiation and bargaining with the character Babamukuru to further her interests and maximise her security. Such an exercise underscores the flexibility and fluidity of relationships in the text. In the final analysis the article concludes that Shona traditional society provided checks and balances on how power and authority was exercised.

2022-01-01T00:00:00Z Charamba, Tyanai Musanga, Terrence Muchemwa, Stella https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6815 2025-10-03T13:10:58Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Solusi University toponyms: an ideological and morpho-syntactic perspective Authors: Muchemwa, Stella Abstract: Names are very significant in people’s lives for they reveal historical, social and cultural ideologies of a people. Place names can be said to be an under-utilized resource in historical, social and cultural contexts which, when fully exploited, has much to tell on what people should value. When linguistically analyzing these names, morphological and syntactical aspects usually merge. This study explored the ideological, morphological and syntactic perspectives of the linguistic landscape of Solusi University, specifically focusing on places on the campus, roads, hostels and other important buildings like the library and halls of residents. A critical internal analysis of name- structures was done. The researcher used qualitative research methodology where documents were studied and semi-structured interviews were administered to local elderly people to receive data on names at the university. Findings show that Solusi University names can be classified under the syntagmatic morpho-syntactic category. Again, the naming at the university brought out what can be termed contribution ideology. Most of places were given names of people who significantly contributed to the establishment and development of Solusi (first as a college and later as a university). The structure of these names reveals morphological and syntactical patterns that are worth to be studied. The study recommends people awareness of place names in their locales so that they appreciate what name contributors have done to humanity. People should also study place names for their aesthetic value as well as for their reference to humanity’s social history.

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z Muchemwa, Stella Shumba, Sibiziwe Joseph Muyangata Jakata Francisca https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6814 2025-10-03T12:18:48Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Impact of COVID-19 on mental health: A Case of Indigenous Ndebele women within Gwanda District, Zimbabwe Authors: Shumba, Sibiziwe; Joseph Muyangata; Jakata Francisca Abstract: The worldwide pandemic of coronavirus (COVID-19) that shook the world in disturbing ways has impacted on women more than men in a multifaceted manner. The worst being an increase of mental health cases among women. At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments across the world had to put their respective countries under lockdown measures. People were urged to stay at home, regularly wash their hands, and maintain social distance when out in public spaces. In Zimbabwe, the COVID-19 pandemic affected everyone, but more disproportionately women. Such women constituted a larger percentage of people who lived with and were affected by mental health challenges and disorders. The COVID-19 pandemic led to mental health problems due to disease experience, physical distancing, stigma, discrimination and job losses. Health care workers, patients suffering from COVID-19 related illnesses and those suffering from other chronic conditions, children, youths and women experienced post-traumatic disorders, anxiety, depression and insomnia. Hence, the main purpose of the study was to explore the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of indigenous Ndebele women within the Gwanda district. The study employed a qualitative methodological approach and a descriptive case study design. It used purposive sampling to select fifty participants and in-depth interviews and focus group discussions as the research instruments. The findings revealed that indigenous Ndebele women within Gwanda district were dealing with great mental pressure, which caused an imbalance in their lives. It was also found out that the loss of control over the decisions and actions of women in African indigenous cultures due to patriarchal and cultural systems, impacted on their mental health. The conclusion was that COVID-19 heavily affected Ndebele women’s mental health in Gwanda district. Given this scenario, it is necessary that sustainable intervention mechanisms are put in place to deal with mental health cases in general and help women with mental health challenges in particular during and after pandemics. The recommendations were that various advocacy strategies be used by the government especially local governments, since it is essential to include African indigenous women in recovery initiatives and ensure that critical resources are availed. The article fits into the theme of Women, COVID -19 and Mental Health in Africa: An African Interventionist Perspective. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 on indigenous Ndebele women in Gwanda district mental health problems intensified. The types of mental health problems and strategies suggested assist various policy makers with ways of overcoming mental health problems.

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z Shumba, Sibiziwe Joseph Muyangata Jakata Francisca Shumba, Sibiziwe Muyangata, Joseph Nyangari, Estere https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6813 2025-10-03T11:12:52Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The COVID-19 pandemic and domestic violence: A case of African Christian women in Gwanda district, Zimbabwe Authors: Shumba, Sibiziwe; Muyangata, Joseph; Nyangari, Estere Abstract: Countries, including Zimbabwe, have been battling the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic by enacting measures such as national quarantines, border closures, online work and school closures to reduce the speed of transmission. These lockdown policies tend to increase the occurrence of domestic violence because of isolation, coupled with economic and psychological stress. Cultural and patriarchal systems have also fuelled violence against women. The present study sought to assess the nature of domestic violence caused by the COVID-19 pandemic among African Christian women in the Gwanda district. The study adopted a qualitative methodological approach, utilising a case study research design. The African Christian women participants were purposively selected. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were the research instruments used to collect data. The findings revealed intensified physical and sexual violence against African Christian women in Gwanda district since the outbreak of COVID-19. There was an increase in calls reporting domestic violence cases using helplines. Sexual harassment and other forms of violence against women continued to occur in homes, on streets, in public spaces and online. Survivors faced limited information and challenges in accessing support services. The study concluded that all types of violence against women intensified during COVID- 19 pandemic lockdowns. Policy changes and strategies are needed to reduce domestic violence among African Christian women during the turbulent times. Contribution: This article aligns with the theme of African women, pandemics and religion. Understanding the types of domestic violence can assist policy makers in addressing this issue in the society.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Shumba, Sibiziwe Muyangata, Joseph Nyangari, Estere