Abstract

The article explores traditional perceptions of dispute resolution practices and strategies in resolving conflicts amongst the BaTonga communities in Binga which is in the north-western part of Zimbabwe. The paper follows a realization that the BaTonga community has an interesting dispute resolution mechanism which is predicated on the idea of African finding solutions to their problems in Africa’s wisdom. The study on Zimbabwe endogenous conflict resolution mechanisms has received scant attention. The nature of disputes within the BaTonga community emanate mainly from resources competition characterized by competition over grazing lands during summer season, water scarcity, community boundary conflicts on farm lands, conflicts over, migration, power disputes arising from succession disputes, gender violence cases, promiscuity, common crimes like murder, theft inter alia. The study observes that BaTonga people have unique mechanisms of solving conflicts predicated upon the values of community integration and oneness. Conflicts resolution in BaTonga community values the wisdom and long lived expertise of the respected elderly people. The study is qualitative in nature supported by key informant interviews such as traditional chiefs and elders and deploys in a broad sense of ubuntu philosophy as a theoretical framework. The methodological section of this paper was drawn from Lusulu area under Chief Sinamamgonde . The paper unpacks how BaTonga dispute resolution mechanisms protect women and help in strengthening family-community relations . It is observed that community is determined to use its endogenous methods of resolution despite the fact that this has been under threat and assault from globalization and modernization which to some extent has contributed to them losing faith in their dispute resolutions mechanism. Key words: dispute resolution, Resource scarcity, BaTonga, Ubuntu philosophy

Highlights

  • Part of the African Studies Commons, Critical and Cultural Studies Commons, Growth and Development Commons, Peace and Conflict Studies Commons, and the Political Theory Commons

  • This Article is brought to you for free and open access by DigitalCommons@Kennesaw State University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Young

  • Young African Leaders Journal of Development Vol 2, November, 2018

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Part of the African Studies Commons, Critical and Cultural Studies Commons, Growth and Development Commons, Peace and Conflict Studies Commons, and the Political Theory Commons. Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/yaljod

Results
Conclusion

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.