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NATIONL STUDIES  

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LEARNING OUTCOME 5

Zimbabwe's Heritage:

Zimbabwe's heritage is deeply intertwined with its history, particularly the Second Chimurenga (liberation war). This war serves as a defining moment, shaping national identity and aspirations. It embodies political, cultural, and economic principles that continue to resonate. Undermining this heritage is seen as an attack on the nation itself. A heritage, in this context, is a legacy—a pivotal event, achievement, tradition, or ideal—that unites a nation, evokes strong emotional ties, and is considered worth defending, even through armed conflict.

Social and Cultural Heritage: A Blend of Influences

Zimbabwean culture is a reflection of its diverse ethnic and tribal groups. Shona people comprise the majority (approximately 84%), followed by Ndebele (around 7%), and other groups, including Tonga, Venda, Kalanga, Chewa, and others (also around 7%). The white population is now less than 0.1%. While the Ndebele are a smaller group, their cultural influence is significant, extending to neighboring Shona communities and smaller groups. Culture in Zimbabwe is dynamic, and while variations exist, a shared "African culture" within Zimbabwe is a valid generalization.

Key elements of this Zimbabwean African culture include:

However, modern media has significantly impacted these traditions. Television, radio, and print media have introduced foreign influences on diet, dress, family structures, marriage, sexuality, and the extended family. This has contributed to rising divorce rates, increased prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (including AIDS), and a growing consumerist culture, which can clash with traditional values and economic realities. These changes are often attributed to the influence of "white culture," leading to feelings of inadequacy and a decline in self-respect among some urbanized Africans.

Traditional African diets, rich in small grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and nuts, are seen as naturally preventing diseases like obesity and related health issues. Traditional medicine and herbal remedies are also considered important for health and well-being. Marriage and family are viewed as the bedrock of society, and premarital sex, divorce, prostitution, and LGBTQ+ identities are seen as undermining these foundations.

Religion is a complex area. While opinions vary, traditional African values are seen as aligning with many core principles of Christianity, such as respect for elders, moral conduct, and caring for others. The primary difference is often seen as the methods of worship. Some traditional African practices are viewed as superstitious, just as some contemporary Christian churches are seen as having pagan influences. Maintaining traditional morals while potentially adapting Christian methods of worship is advocated.

The debate around African culture often involves contrasting it with "white culture," which is sometimes perceived as incomplete in its Christianity and even as "devilish" due to perceived immorality. However, this comparison is often criticized for using "white" values as a benchmark, rather than grounding discussions in traditional African practices and comparing them with biblical principles. African values are seen as promoting morality, hard work, and respect for family and authority, with a strong belief in God.

The Second Chimurenga also shapes economic and political values. Economically, it established the principle that Zimbabwe's natural resources belong to all Zimbabweans, regardless of race. The land question remains central, with calls for equitable distribution. It is argued that economic activity should primarily benefit Zimbabweans, leveraging the country's skilled labor, climate, and natural resources. Politically, the Second Chimurenga affirms national sovereignty and the right to self-determination through democratic processes. However, it's argued that true political emancipation must lead to economic emancipation, a struggle that continues against neocolonial influences and the perceived psychological warfare waged through global media and local collaborators. This struggle includes combating corrupted democratic processes where voters' perceptions are manipulated to favor vested interests.

Zimbabwe: Resources, Identity, Challenges, and Solutions

Zimbabwe possesses significant natural resources, contributing to its strategic importance:

National Symbols:

Civic Responsibilities:

Citizens have responsibilities in managing disasters (pandemics, floods, droughts, industrial accidents), disease (through healthy lifestyles and reporting infections), and environmental protection. Drought management requires a shift towards drought-resistant small grains and away from maize. Patriotism is crucial, encompassing physical defense, positive publicity, tax payment, environmental consciousness, and respect for diversity.

Economic and Social Problems Since 1980:

Zimbabwe has faced numerous economic and social challenges:

Government Efforts to Address Problems:

The government has implemented various strategies to address these challenges:

Questions and Answers:

3. Social and Economic Achievements (1980-1990):

4. Post-Independence Developments (1980-1990):

5. Meaning and Purpose of National Symbols:

6. Causes and Objectives of the Third Chimurenga:

7. Civic Responsibilities:

8. Impact of NGOs in Zimbabwe:

9. Role of the Media:

10. Justification of the 1998 Land Acquisition Process:

11. BSAC Economic Activities (1890-1923):

12. Steps in the Colonization of Zimbabwe (1880-1889):

Legal and Parliamentary Studies:

This section explores the fundamental concepts of law, its purpose, nature, and various sources. Understanding these principles is crucial for comprehending how legal systems function.

What is Law?

Law can be defined as a set of rules of behavior enforced by a society or a body of established norms for good governance. These rules are typically interpreted and applied by courts to ensure justice, consistency, and uniformity. While ideally law aims to serve the common good, realistically, it also reflects and protects the interests of those who create it.

Purposes of Law:

The Nature of Law:

Human beings are social creatures. The concept of "society" implies shared behavior patterns and norms. These norms, when repeated over time, become social customs.

Sources of Law:

  1. Customs:
      Early Stages: ("Natural Law"): Initially, customs were simply habits of life developed for survival. Social Customs: Widely observed practices, but not legally binding. They are persuasive, not compulsory. Legal Customs: Binding and authoritative rules enforced by the society or state through legislation.
  2. Judicial Precedent:
      Stare Decisis: The doctrine of "standing by decisions." Previous court rulings in similar cases serve as a guide for future decisions. This ensures consistency and predictability. Hierarchy of Authority: Higher courts' decisions bind lower courts. For example, a Supreme Court decision binds all lower courts, but not itself.
  3. Legislature/Statute:
      Statutes: are laws made by a legislative body (e.g., Parliament). Principles of Modern Law:
        Just Application: Rules should be honorable and fair. Equality: Law should apply equally to all, regardless of class, wealth, race, etc. Uniformity: Consistent application of the law. Authority: Law must derive from a legitimate authority (e.g., Parliament). Certainty: Laws must be clear, unambiguous, and publicly known before application.
      Retrospective Legislation: Laws that apply retroactively are generally condemned. Ignorance of the Law: "Ignoratia juris non excusat" – ignorance of the law is no excuse. Law-Making Process: Parliament creates laws (Acts or Statutes), which can be amended or repealed. Subsidiary Legislation: Detailed rules and regulations (e.g., proclamations, by-laws) that implement the principles of Acts.
  4. Roman-Dutch Law/Jurists:
      Jurists: Legal scholars whose opinions are considered authoritative. Roman-Dutch Law: A blend of Roman law and Dutch customary law. It spread with the Roman Empire and later to the Cape with Dutch colonization. Influence in Zimbabwe: Roman-Dutch law, with some influence from English law (especially commercial law), was adopted in Zimbabwe during British South Africa Company rule.

National Law vs. International Law:

The Constitution and Law-Making:

This section delves into the structure of government, the role of the Constitution, and the legislative process in Zimbabwe.

National vs. International Law:

The Constitution:

The State and its Organs:

The state is comprised of three distinct but coordinated branches:

  1. Legislature (Parliament): Makes laws.
  2. Executive (Cabinet/Government): Implements public policy (laws and programs).
  3. Judiciary (Courts): Interprets laws and adjudicates legal cases.

Composition and Functions of Parliament (Bi-cameral):

Zimbabwe's Parliament is bi-cameral, consisting of two houses:

  1. Lower House (House of Assembly):
      Composition: 150 members (120 elected, 10 provincial governors appointed by the President, 8 chiefs appointed by the Chiefs' Council, 12 non-constituent members appointed by the President). Functions:
        Legislation: (law-making). Debating: national and international issues. Controlling: government finances. Monitoring: government administration. Representing: the electorate.
  2. Upper House (Senate):
      Composition: 66 members (50 elected from 10 provinces, President and Deputy President of the Council of Chiefs, 8 chiefs elected by the College of Chiefs, 6 appointed by the President). Qualifications for Senator: Registered voter, at least 40 years old, must have been a member of the Senate or House of Assembly (but not a cabinet member, deputy minister, or governor). Functions:
        Ensures: laws are in the national interest. Safeguards: national values and principles. Represents: interests not fully represented in the Lower House. Provides: checks and balances on legislation. Prevents: hasty or ill-conceived laws.

The Law-Making Process in Zimbabwe:

There are two types of Bills:

The stages of a Public Bill's journey through Parliament are:

  1. Preliminary Stage: Minister proposes the bill to the Cabinet. If approved, the Minister instructs officials to prepare the Bill. The Draftsman creates a draft, which is presented to the Cabinet Committee on Legislation.
  2. First Reading: The Minister notifies the House of the Bill. The short title is read, and the Bill is printed for members to review. No debate occurs at this stage.
  3. Second Reading: The Minister explains the principles and policy behind the Bill. A general debate on the Bill's principles follows. No detailed amendments are allowed at this stage.
  4. Committee Stage: The House goes into a committee to examine the Bill clause by clause. Amendments can be made.
  5. Report Stage: The committee reports back to the House. Amendments are considered and adopted or rejected. Further amendments can be made.
  6. Third Reading: Debate is limited, focusing on principles. Only minor, verbal amendments are allowed. If passed, the Bill goes to the Senate.
  7. Senate Review: The Senate reviews the Bill, potentially amending it. If amendments are made, the Bill is sent back to the House of Assembly for concurrence.
  8. Presidential Assent and Enrolment: The President signs the Act within 21 days. If assent is withheld, the Bill is returned to Parliament. After assent, the Act is enrolled in the High Court and published in the Government Gazette, at which point it becomes law.

Parliamentary Procedures, Rights, and the Executive

This section covers key aspects of parliamentary operations, the Declaration of Rights, and the role of the Executive branch in Zimbabwe.

Importance of Elections:

Parliamentary Terms and Procedures:

The Declaration of Rights (Chapter 3 of the Constitution):

This section outlines fundamental rights and freedoms, inspired by the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These rights are not absolute and can be subject to limitations.

Public Order:

Public order allows individuals to exercise their rights without infringing on others' rights or compromising national security. It emphasizes responsible exercise of freedoms, especially expression, speech, assembly, and association.

The Executive:

The President, as Head of State, Head of Government, and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, leads the Executive branch. The President takes precedence over all other persons in Zimbabwe.

The Executive and Judiciary

This section explores the qualifications, functions, and responsibilities of the Executive (President) and the Judiciary in Zimbabwe.

The Executive: The President

The Judiciary:

International Relations: Conflict, Competition, Cooperation, and Diplomacy

This section explores the fundamental dynamics of international relations, including the "three Cs," global power balance, diplomacy, and Zimbabwe's foreign policy.

The Three Cs of International Relations:

  1. Conflict:
    • Disagreements: and hostilities between nations, potentially leading to war.
    • Causes: Competition for resources, trade disputes, political differences.
    • Consequences: War, strained relations, hindered development.
    • Resolution: Negotiations, compromise, external intervention, International Court of Justice (ICJ), United Nations intervention.
  2. Competition:
    • Rivalry: and struggle for supremacy and resources.
    • Areas: Trade, sports, technology, space exploration, agriculture.
    • Outcomes: Alliances, regional blocs, trade route development.
    • Potential: Can drive development but may escalate into conflict if mismanaged.
  3. Cooperation:
    • Collective: efforts by nations for mutual development.
    • Principle: Interdependence of nations.
    • Goals: Development, peace, and security.
    • Applications: Addressing transnational problems (e.g., pandemics).
    • Results: Formation of regional and international organizations (e.g., UN, AU, SADC, NATO), promotes peace and stability.

The Global Power Balance:

Diplomacy:

Zimbabwe's Foreign Policy:

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