Taboo Systems As A Conflict Restraint In The Political Feud In Zimbabwe. An Exploration Of Mazowe And Shamva Districts, Post Independence

Following a realisation that during each plebiscite in Zimbabwe, scores of people are injured, killed and displaced due to the intensity of political violence, this research was carried out to focus on the possible role of traditional taboos in restraining the behaviours of the conflict perpetrators. This is against the fact that traditionally, taboos were used as a policing mechanism in respective communities. However, due to the advent of globalisation, modernity and other influences, some of these taboos seem to have been washed to the periphery and lost relevance. The study carried out in Mazowe and Shamva districts, was primarily exploratory being applied within the qualitative paradigm. The study, employing formal interviews, focus group discussions and archival material drew a total sample of 135 participants from across the divide through snowball and emergent sampling. The analysis and interpretation of data was achieved through the use of NVIVO software and Content Analysis method, which provided for the analysis of written and audio material. To ensure near objectivity and total acceptability of the results, the research instituted some measures like; depth in research, objective interpretation of the world by all concerned stakeholders, appropriate sampling mode, method triangulation, data triangulation, timing and duration of the study.The study found out that while the taboo concept was an old-fashioned mechanism of restraining conflicts in society, it still had its place for as long as there were deliberate efforts towards sustaining its importance. It was also established that indeed, there were some volatile situations that were addressed by the fear of the effects of the taboos. Some conflicts were also averted by the fears created by some taboos that have since been swallowed by other „cultures‟ and religions. To ensure that the preventative role is sustained, the study has also recommended that there be some deliberate inculcation of the belief system in the young ones in society over a period through all the socialisation systems like schools, churches and the family. The retention of the practice is purely to regulate childrens behaviours.