WUASpace Repository
The WUASpace is an open access digital archive which collects, preserves, and disseminates scholarly content produced by the WUA community. WUASpace contains journal articles, book chapters, postgraduate thesis/dissertations, conference papers, pre-prints, working papers, technical reports, progress reports, project reports, among others.
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Disability and health promotion for survivors of road accidents in Zimbabwe: The voices of persons with disabilities induced by road accidents at St Giles Rehabilitation Centre, Harare
(AfriFuture Research and Development Trust, 2023-02-03) Kudzai Mwapaura
When a person has been involved in a serious accident, he or she understands that the consequences can be physical, emotional, and financially overwhelming. This paper sought to explore the strategies that can be adopted to ensure the wellbeing of persons with disabilities brought by road traffic accidents in Zimbabwe. This research was informed by data collected through the qualitativeresearch. Data which informed this research was collected from persons with disabilities induced by road accidents, key informants and qualitative documentary analysis. In-depth interviews and focus group discussion were the main data gathering instruments. The research findings revealed that the wellbeing of persons with disabilities induced by road accidents can be ensured by increasing, improving rehabilitation, increasing disability awareness, accepting self, and allowing the family to play a role. Utilising the social model conceptual framework, the article argues that practices and policies should be put in place to identify and remove barriers against persons with disabilities induced by road accidents to ensure their wellbeing and for them to live inclusive lives free of discrimination and prejudice.
The adversities in the lives of street children with disabilities during the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID- 19) pandemic: The case of Masvingo, Zimbabwe
(Journal of Social Issues in Non-Communicable Conditions & Disability, 2022-07-01) Kudzai Mwapaura; Tafadzwanaishe Magavude; Shumirai Munyanyi; Austina Rufurwokuda; Telson Chisosa
Street children with disabilities are some of the most vulnerable children on the planet. This study explores the challenges that these children have been facing in the wake of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Masvingo. The pandemic has already had a devastating impact on people’s wellbeing and children with disabilities seem to have been plunged into more misery. As such we adopted the Ubuntu theory in an attempt to analyze the realities of street children with disabilities in this difficult time. We then respectfully selected and had dialogue with 13 participants. The research findings from the participants revealed that, street children with disabilities lack shelter, social networks or social capital, health care, prone to drug addiction, low self-esteem, limited access to basic education, vulnerable to abuse and violence. Using the Ubuntu theory, the researchers are of the view that there is need for a world where street children with disabilities live with dignity, in safety and security. Given this, the researchers offer suggestions for the government’s Department of Social Development and other key stakeholders to deal with the current adversities in the lives of street children with disabilities during COVID-19 pandemic.
Resilience of Persons with Road Accident Disabilities in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Budiriro High- Density Residential Suburb, Harare, Zimbabwe
(Journal of Urban Systems and Innovations for Resilience in Zimbabwe, 2022-08-02) Kudzai Mwapaura; Witness Chikoko
The article interrogates the resilience of persons with road accident disabilities in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic in Budiriro, a high-density suburb, in Zimbabwe. The resilience theory was adopted to analyse and understand the realities of these people. Through purposive sampling, eight participants and two government administrators were interviewed to generate data for this study. The research findings suggest that persons with disabilities induced by
road traffic accidents are resilient in the face of several adversities, some induced partly by the COVID-19 pandemic. Factors that contributed towards their resilience are multiple and varied. These include support from their churches and communities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the Government of Zimbabwe, relatives, neighbours and well-wishers, among others. The article concludes by lobbying and advocating for the provision of social protection programmes for persons with road accident induced disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ritual Killings: Desire for Prosperity, Cultural Falsity and Implications on Creeping Human Rights Laws in Southern Africa- in a book Human Rights in Southern Africa
(Domuni Press, 2024-01-30) Taruvinga Muzingili; Muzondo Edward; Kudzai Mwapaura; Noel Garikai Muridzo
This chapter explores the phenomenon of ritual killings in Southern Africa, examining its historical roots, cultural underpinnings, and contemporary drivers such as greed, political ambition, and economic desperation. While ritual killings are often justified through traditional beliefs and occult practices, they represent a profound violation of human rights and moral values, undermining human dignity and social solidarity. The paper situates ritual killings within global and regional human rights frameworks, highlighting the inadequacy of current legal instruments in addressing this menace. It argues that ritual killings persist due to systemic poverty, materialism, and weak enforcement of laws, compounded by cultural falsities that legitimize violence. The discussion integrates historical perspectives, including biblical and anthropological accounts, and analyzes the psychosocial and legal implications of these acts. Recommendations include legal reforms, community empowerment, and intensified human rights advocacy to curb this practice. Ultimately, the article calls for a collective effort to eradicate ritual killings, emphasizing that cultural traditions cannot justify acts that degrade humanity.
Resilience of unaccompanied refugee children in foster care at Tongogara Refugee Camp Zimbabwe
(Discover Global Society, 2024-11-21) Johanne Mhlanga; Kudzai Mwapaura; Johanne Mhlanga
his article explores and discusses the resilience of refugee children under foster care in Zimbabwe. It advances the argument that there are resilience factors associated with unaccompanied refugee children under the foster care programme at the Tongogara Refugee Camp. Data were gathered using an exploratory qualitative research design using document analyses, 10 refugee children under foster care and 10 key informant interviews, which were conducted to gain a deeper understanding of the lives of refugee children under foster care at the Tongogara Refugee Camp. Evidence from the sources shows that there are several factors enhancing resilience among unaccompanied minors in foster care, such as religious, personal and macro support from foster parents, agencies involved in childcare, and educational support. It is recommended that the National Orphan Care Policy of 1999 be reviewed and the provisions of social protection programmes for unaccompanied refugee children under foster care be strengthened.