Faculty of Management Sciences

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Promoting political tolerance among youth in Masvingo, Zimbabwe
(2023) Phillimon, Rumutsa; Harris, Geoffrey Thomas
This study aimed at promoting political tolerance via a dialogue initiative in Masvingo, Zimbabwe, where political broadmindedness, tolerance and trust are problematic. This research was underpinned by conflict transformation theory, complemented by intergroup contact theory. It was carried out with 16 participants from Mucheke, who participated in interviews and focus group discussions. The overall aim of this study was to promote political tolerance among youth in Mucheke in Masvingo, Zimbabwe, with the specific objectives being to explore the nature, extent, causes and consequences of youth involvement in political violence; to identify previous and current attempts in Mucheke to reduce this involvement and their effectiveness; to plan and implement interventions to reduce this involvement; and to evaluate the short-term outcomes of the intervention. The study established that political competition is the main cause of political violence in Masvingo. and that a dialogue initiative could be an effective strategy that can build relationships between political rivals. The study concluded that attitudes cannot change in a short period of time, a finding that calls for ongoing intervention to promote positive peace.
Frozen in time : accelerating trauma healing in protection of civilian (POC) sites in South Sudan
(2023-04) Ngwenya, Tandiwe; Kaye, Sylvia; Harris, Geoffrey Thomas
Protracted conflict has devastated the lives of people in South Sudan, leading to widespread exposure to traumatic events.Trauma healing, however, has not recieved the prominence it deserves. Humanitarian actors continue to work hard to assist people in need and alleviate suffering, with trauma mostly unaddressed, including in Internally Displaced People’s (IDP) settlements and in the Protection of Civilian (PoC) sites. Subsequently, mental health interventions remain overlooked in attempts to address the legacies of violence. Despite the plethora of anecdotal evidence that trauma healing is essential to peacebuilding, there are no substantive studies yet conducted on how to appraise the effectiveness of community-based trauma healing and how to harness its full potential and break the cycle of generational trauma. Drawing predominantly from Lederach’s peacebuilding pyramid theory which focuses on the ‘bottom-up’ approach to trauma, and Lederach’s contemporary framework of moral imagination and the spider web, this study strengthens the understanding of the correlation between trauma and violence and the need to support the community’s ability to leverage skill sets needed for resilience and trauma healing. To this end, the study employed participatory action research through an intervention project formulated to increase the resilience of trauma-affected internally displaced persons in the Protection of Civilian site 3 (PoC 3) in Juba. Purposive sampling was employed to recruit participants from the ten zones that constitute PoC 3. In doing so, this study makes a unique contribution by establishing the nature and underlying causes of trauma for IDPs in PoC sites and how it has destroyed the social fabric in PoCs, an area with scarcity in research. The findings indicate that the IDPs have exhibitions of psychosomatic stress associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); such as nightmares, aggression, avoidance, forgetfulness and hopelessness. The symptoms are ascribed to people’s exposure to and witnessing of sexual violence, detention, killing, displacement and hardships. The findings also demonstrate that despite their experiences the PoC residents have resilience. The findings also indicate that this resilience is associated with community support, connections and relationships. These results were triangulated with qualitative findings, showing that trauma transformation is necessary for peacebuilding. Internally displaced men and women from PoC 3 led the intervention project, named Maal. The action team comprised eight peer supporters (four women and four men) who were trained and provided with trauma-informed peer support to build resilience and reduce the effects of trauma in the community. The action group reported positive gains credited to the group and the one-on-one sessions. In addition to enhanced self healing there was consistent feedback from the action group that the sessions took them through a journey of introspection as individuals.
Improving active citizenship amongst the youth in Gweru using action research
(2023-04) Tafirei, Takaedza; Mutero, Tinashe; Kaye, Sylvia
A lack of citizenship virtues among youth facilitates their participation in violent civic and political processes, as well as low participation in key democratic processes. Patriotism, respect, dialogue, unity, and tolerance are integral values of citizenship that facilitate citizens’ progressive participation in a democratic society. Some young people in Zimbabwe do not exhibit these virtues, as evidenced by their participation in electoral violence, and violent social service and human rights violations protests. The status quo shows little evidence of deliberate efforts made to inculcate peace-anchored citizenship virtues. This study adopted a qualitative research approach undergirded by a participatory action research design with the aim of improving citizenship virtues among selected youth in Gweru, Zimbabwe. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Results reveal that that young people are not self-motivated to participate in violence, but there are contributing factors such as economic vulnerability and clientelism, frustrations from abuse of human rights, exclusion from decision-making processes, poor social service delivery, and coercion. It has also been flagged that there is low appreciation of peace-anchored citizenship virtues among the youth. It was therefore concluded that there is a need to blend inculcating citizenship virtues among the youth with promoting their economic empowerment. Hence, this research has designed a model on how to promote citizenship virtues among the youth through social entrepreneurship as action research.
Utilising action research to build peace at Njobokazi village, Kwazulu-Natal
(2023-04) Shozi, Dizline Mfanozelwe; Harris, Geoffrey Thomas
The rural community of Njobokazi at the remote border of the EThekwini Metro has been the scene of violent conflict for decades. Many people have been killed and many houses and community assets destroyed. Much of the violence was driven by a conquest mentality, informed by ubunsizwa, an aggressive form of masculinity where the winning faction is not satisfied with defeating their opponents but instead would drive them out of the village altogether. Violence has seeped into every aspect of life and was the only way people knew to deal with any dispute or difference. Using an action research approach with strong participation from community members, my aim was to try to build peace in the community. The intervention involved training in conflict resolution skills and psychological support to handle trauma from past violence. People who used to fight before came together in groups; as a result, many relationships were repaired. A full evaluation conducted roughly a year later showed that the group training had a powerful effect in reducing violence in the community. A key factor in this was the contribution of women, who are a major resource for bringing peace.
Advancing peace building programs to counter violent extremism messaging in Sidi Moumen District, Morocco
(2023) Khebbaz, Soufiane; Kaye, Sylvia Blanche; Harris, Geoffrey Thomas
Digital platforms and communication tools have transformed the way we seek information and interact with others. Extremist groups are effectively using media to spread their ideas, propagate hate, and mobilize youth. This research examines the role of new media in countering violent extremism, preventing youth radicalization and fashioning political and religious discourse throughout the implementation of the “Youth Leaders for Peace” project. Youth from marginalized urban areas of Casablanca in Morocco were engaged in a participatory action research utilizing the power of new media and technology to build peace, deliver impactful messages, and influence positive change in both online and offline spaces. They worked with civil society organizations to identify, engage, and explore issues critical to the effective use of new media to enhance youth participation in political and civic life in their community. Activities were designed and implemented to encourage marginalized urban youth to participate constructively in countering violent extremism using dialogues about the principles and mechanisms of democracy, civic engagement, political participation, peaceful coexistence, and constructive conflict resolution.
Addressing sexual harassment among students at a Durban university
(2023) Jagath, Sahara; Hamlall, Vijay
Sexual harassment and gender-based violence have become pervasive and normal within South African society and is a matter of grave concern at colleges and universities. This study seeks to address sexual harassment among students at a Durban university. The study explores the understanding and perceptions that students attach to sexual harassment. The nature, cause and consequences of sexual harassment, and student suggestions on ways to reduce it, were examined. Ultimately a participatory action plan was implemented to tackle sexual harassment at the university. Drawing on Lorber’s (2000) social construction of gender theory approach, this study explored the lived experiences of students at the university. The theory is based on the premise that gender is constantly created and recreated during social interaction (Lorber, 2000). This allowed for the understanding of students’ experiences within a social context. The literature reviewed showed that gender relations and patriarchy contributed enormously to sexual harassment. The study adopted the Interpretivist paradigm and qualitative methods to answer the research questions. These approaches enabled data generation based on the participants’ interpretation and lived experiences. The non-purposive sampling method was employed to select twenty undergraduate students: twelve females; five males; one queer; and two bisexual participants. Data was generated using individual interviews and focus group discussions. The interpretive thematic analysis process of recognising, examining and identifying similarities and differences and thereby finding themes within the data was used. Three broad themes emerged, including who mainly perpetrated the sexual harassment; the nature of sexual harassment; causes of sexual harassment (embedded in subscription to violent forms of masculinity and socio-economic factors, confronting patriarchal discourses and resisting victimhood). The study argued that it was within the broader context of violent forms of masculinity and patriarchal power context that challenged and effectively silenced victims. Data generated revealed that the participants held a diverse range of understanding of sexual harassment and GBV. It was evident that sexual harassment was prevalent on campus. Female students are exposed and the main victims of such, with the male students, the main perpetrators. Students who are LGBTQIA⁺ were found to be vulnerable to sexual harassment mainly due to their sexual orientation. The study revealed the need to create better awareness on what constitutes sexual harassment and gender-based violence and participants suggested that victims, perpetrators and university staff have to work collaboratively to tackle the scourge. Participants all concurred that there is a need for focussed and ongoing education and awareness campaigns on campus.
Victims as perpetrators of gender-based violence in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
(2023) Matumbu, Nozipho; Kaye, Sylvia Blanche
This study sought to address the research question: How victims of violence become perpetrators of the same violence they suffered in Bulawayo? With the advent of the Covid-19 virus, gender-based violence cases drastically increased during the lockdowns making it a pandemic within the pandemic (John et al 2020:65). Studies on gender-based violence have largely focused on violence against women and the prevalence of this kind of abuse; few studies have focused on men as victims of this violence. This study focused on men in Bulawayo who have suffered, witnessed or perpetrated domestic violence and sought an understanding of the causes of violence by women as well as the types of violence they commit. Through an examination of existing literature and the conducting of participatory action research (PAR) with participants from Bulawayo, this study also investigated methods for addressing genderbased violence with a view of breaking cycles of violence and reducing the occurrence of such violence. Over the years, great strides and efforts have been made to correct the inequalities caused by patriarchal societal structures. However, the empowerment and emancipation of women and the provision of positive discrimination opportunities which were originally designed to reduce the gaps between the two genders appear to have created further imbalances as women now have become over-protected and are taking advantage of this situation. The study has led whether or not women are as much victim of gender-based violence as they are “perceived victims” given the fact that men are suffering in silence at their hands. After selection the methods through interviews, discussions and a review of literature, an action plan for creating a safe space for dialogue was hatched. The team had already laid the initial groundwork on the intervention which was broader than gender-based violence against men and aimed to deal with numerous issues affecting men. The team required assistance in the formalisation the organisation and that was how they met the writer and discussed on which methods to utilise for a concerted peacebuilding project. They used their expertise and competencies to undertake a project through podcasts and broadcasts which is still on going. The project was well received and through its service to the community, difficult conversations have been held which was not obtaining before and this is one of its meaningful contributions to the Bulawayo community
The role of South Sudanese refugee and Ugandan women in peace and conflict transformation, Uganda
(2022) Dawa, Irene; Kaye, Sylvia Blanche
This study was guided by two research questions: (1) what explains the current participation or lack thereof of refugee and host community women in conflict transformation and peacebuilding in their communities? and (2) how can women and men be empowered to work together and what are the opportunities and limitations to their participation? The study adopted a mixed methodology approach. An exploratory and constructivism worldview orientation was employed to facilitate participation and understanding the meanings narrated by participants. Data pertaining to the study were collected from respondents comprising refugee and host community women and men through observations, individual interviews, focus group discussions, semi-structured questionnaires, and document analyses. The study revealed that women of Bidibidi refugee settlement played a major role in conflict prevention/transformation and peacebuilding through information sharing, motherhood and childcare, intermarriages between communities, social support psycho-social and spiritual healing to resolve and transform violent conflict. The study identified several findings: that the inclusion of men into women programs is beneficial as it facilitates relationship-building for sustainable peace; the positive impact of women participation in conflict transformation. The study further revealed that peacebuilding was being undermined by multiple factors including: a lack of resources for women including access to education, gender-insensitive infrastructure in the settlements, a lack of knowledge and skills, cultural barriers that restrict women’s participation in public lives, a general lack of focus on peacebuilding and conflict transformation, and an inadequate level of education/training for women. The study concluded that achievements by women in conflict transformation and peacebuilding at grassroots level received little to no attention as they continue to be side-lined by all actors including the humanitarian actors in peace processes in the settlement. The study therefore makes a deliberate call to stakeholders, especially the Government of Uganda and humanitarian actors, to utilise the untapped expertise of women and address these challenges for sustainable peace in the settlement and the country at large. Being a pioneer study in a refugee settlement in Uganda, further studies will need to be carried out to identify appropriate strategies through which these challenges can be addressed in order to achieve meaningful participation of women in peacebuilding and conflict transformation.
Intervention strategies to reduce school violence in Bhekulwandle rural community
(2022) Mlambo, Primrose Sibusisiwe; Harries, Geoffrey; Kaye, Sylvia
Given the extent of violence in South Africa, it is not surprising that its schools are also venues where various forms of violence are common. Since 1994, in the pursuit of ending violence in schools, attention has been given to ending corporal punishment and reducing other forms of violence; most of these efforts have emphasized retributive discipline methods. This research adopted a restorative approach to violence in one high school, with a focus on grade nine learners in 2019 who could be entering grade 10 in 2020. An action research approach and a mixed methods research design were employed. Quantitative data from learners was collected via questionnaires, and this was supplemented by focus group discussions and interviews with learners, teacher, and other stakeholders. The main finding was that restorative interventions, such as peacemaking circles, together with transformative learning - covering both the curriculum and pedagogy- contributed to building a culture of peace in this high school.
Monitoring and evaluation of peacebuilding programmes among civil society organisations in Kenya
(2021-08) Nyagah, Thomas Kimathi; Harris, Geoffrey Thomas; Kaye, Sylvia Blanche

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