ABSTRACT

In recent years, the Zimbabwe crisis rendered the country and its citizens to be a typical case of ‘failed states’, the world over. Zimbabwean society was and is still confronted with different challenges which include political, economic and social problems. Attempts to overcome these challenges have thrown light on the power that rests within individuals and or groups to change and even revolutionize their localities, communities, states and ultimately the world at large. Through experience, individuals and groups have promoted ideas that have aided in changing mentalities, attitudes and behaviors in societies at different levels.

This book brings together contributors from various academic disciplines to reflect on and theorize the contours of power, including the intrinsic and or extrinsic models of power, which pertain to individuals, communities, and or groups in order to transform society. Reflections are on various groups such as political movements, environmental movements, religious groups, advocacy groups, gender groups, to mention but a few, as they struggle against marginalization, discrimination, exploitation, and other forms of oppression showing their agency or compliance.

chapter 1|14 pages

Grappling with power in contemporary Zimbabwe

The introduction
ByErasmus Masitera, Fortune Sibanda

chapter 2|16 pages

The search for justice and peace

Reflections on the Jambanja discourse as an articulation of justice foreshadowing peace
ByEdmore Dube

chapter 3|13 pages

Reconciling the indigenisation narrative and the Eurocentric education curriculum in Zimbabwe

A critical dialogue
ByDennis Masaka

chapter 4|12 pages

Acculturation and religious ingenuity key for African Independent Churches

The case of Guta Ra Jehova Church in Zimbabwe
ByShoorai Konyana, Elias G. Konyana

chapter 5|15 pages

Epistemic injustice and Shona indigenous conceptions of political power

ByEphraim Taurai Gwaravanda

chapter 6|14 pages

‘Backward is forward!’ Power and Israelite founding values

Lessons for Zimbabwe
ByArchieford Kurauone Mtetwa

chapter 7|14 pages

Indigenous African crusaders of environmental keeping

A phenomenological reflection on the power of AICs’ practices in Zimbabwe
ByBernard Pindukai Humbe

chapter 10|14 pages

Cultural alienation and violence in Zimbabwean politics

Some lessons from the ngozi phenomenon
ByProsper Muzambi

chapter 11|14 pages

Handing down the poisoned chalice

Institutionalization of partisanship, coercion and solipsism in Mlalazi’s They Are Coming (2014)
ByThamsanqa Moyo

chapter 12|17 pages

Unlocking the media power and politics of televangelism in Zimbabwe

A contemporary discourse
ByFortune Sibanda, Elizabeth Farisai Hove

chapter 13|16 pages

Indigenous religion and environmental challenges

Phenomenological reflections on the role of the Environmental Management Agency in Zimbabwe
ByTenson Muyambo