Abstract
After Zimbabwe's independence in 1980, Binga – the only district in the country where Tonga speakers comprised the overwhelming majority of the population – continued as the focus of Tonga identity politics and demands for cultural recognition. This defensive assertion was no more separatist in intent than the previous movements that had delivered the region to African nationalism; its leaders emphasized their difference with the aim of enhancing their inclusion in the new Zimbabwean nation, and reversing a long history of marginalization, discrimination and colonial developmental neglect. At all times, Zimbabwean Tonga politicians have claimed their rights within the Zimbabwean state – the brief flirtation with ‘belonging to Zambia’ before independence was short-lived and did not become grounds for mobilization in the post-colonial period, even as local discourse continued to take for granted the view that the border was wrongly placed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: 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.
