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 2|16 pages

The search for justice and peace

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

chapter 4|12 pages

Acculturation and religious ingenuity key for African Independent Churches

The case of Guta Ra Jehova Church in Zimbabwe

chapter 7|14 pages

Indigenous African crusaders of environmental keeping

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

chapter 10|14 pages

Cultural alienation and violence in Zimbabwean politics

Some lessons from the ngozi phenomenon

chapter 11|14 pages

Handing down the poisoned chalice

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

chapter 13|16 pages

Indigenous religion and environmental challenges

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