Chipo Hungwe

Evaluating Older Persons’ Perceptions on Their Quality of Life in an Old People’s Institution A Zimbabwean Case Study

This study evaluates perceptions on the quality of life of older adults and the extent to which they practiced self-determination in an institution. Participant observation, in-depth interviews, and life histories are used to study 16 older adults and 4 officials who are purposively selected and studied over 2.5 months between July and September 2002. Data are analyzed using the Miles and Huberman approach. Findings reveal that the ability to affect decisions pertaining to one’s care positively affects that individual’s perception of institutional life. The typical life course of an older male is also discussed. Older adults perceive their quality of life as negative and decreasing because they have little choice on their care and quality of life. The institution is affected by many adverse conditions in a socioeconomic environment, such as inflation at the rate of 4000% per annum, dwindling donor support, little government support, and negative attitudes of officials at Rubatsiro.

Stressors faced by university students and their coping strategies: A case study of midlands state university students in Zimbabwe

The study examined coping strategies used by students at a medium size developing country university. Participants constituted two hundred and eighty one Social Sciences students at the Midlands State University in Zimbabwe [49% female, 51% male]. A questionnaire was used to collect data. The results showed that the seven most common clusters of stressors were Finance, Library resources and study material, Accommodation, Food, Transport, Inadequate infrastructure and Lecturer related problems respectively. These stressors were rated as most common and most difficult by both sexes as well as by resident, non-resident students and students in different academic years. The students mentioned thirty-four coping strategies, which were divided into various categories. Strategies categorised under Direct positive coping strategies were considered to be the most effective while those categorised under Ad hoc coping strategies were considered least effective. Sex, residence status and academic year differences were evaluated using Mann Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis - rank order analysis of variance. There were no significant differences in the generic categories of coping strategies applied with respect to the three demographic variables. The findings of the study have implications on institutionalisation and strengthening of the student support system at state universities in Zimbabwe.

Stressors and Coping Strategies of State University Students in a Developing Country

The study examined stressors and coping strategies of 281 Social Sciences students at the Midlands State University in Zimbabwe (49% female, 51% male). A questionnaire was used to collect data. The results showed that the 7 most common stressors were: finance, reading resources, accommodation, food, transport, inadequate infrastructure and lecturer related problems. The students mentioned 34 coping strategies that were categorized and then analysed for effectiveness. The effects of sex, residence status and academic year differences were evaluated using Mann Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis rank order analysis of variance. There were no significant differences in coping strategies for stressors by demographic variables.

The uses of social capital among Zimbabwean migrants in Johannesburg

This paper analyses the role of family and church networks as sources of social capital in aiding migration, settlement and social integration of Zimbabwean migrants. It also shows how these networks sometimes inhibit migrant integration into the host community. The study was carried out among Zimbabwean migrants in Tembisa and Kempton Park in Johannesburg. This study adds to the growing literature on bonding and bridging social capital while at the same time revealing how social capital is both a blessing and blight to Zimbabwean migrants. This paper makes an important contribution to the literature by arguing that while sometimes migrant social integration is hindered by the activities of the host population (e.g. xenophobic attitudes among South African locals), in some cases, the migrants themselves could hinder their own social integration through their migrant social networks. I argue that this is an unintended consequence of migrant family and religious networks.

Zimbabwean Migrant Entrepreneurs in Kempton Park and Tembisa, Johannesburg: Challenges and Opportunities

The study explores the lives of seventeen Zimbabwean entrepreneurs studied in Tembisa and Kempton Park, Johannesburg in 2012. It analyses the structure of opportunity available to these entrepreneurs and argues that although migrants can create employment, they do not necessarily benefit the local populations because their businesses are too small and also because of their reluctance to employ locals whom they consider lazy and troublesome. Zimbabweans originally migrated to South Africa in search of good salaried jobs rather than self-employment. Self-employment is largely a result of dissatisfaction with the conditions of employment, inability to get desired jobs and having a better command of human and social capital. These migrants have a short history in self-employment and are the first to establish such economic ventures in their families. Their businesses thrive because of hardwork, engaging in activities that they are familiar with (thus they do not venture into complicated, unfamiliar territory) and relying on the neighbourhood which serves as a market. All the entrepreneurs studied view South Africa as a land of opportunities where one can establish himself/herself and survive, although the environment is riddled with xenophobia. However, most can be classified as survival entrepreneurs.

When in Joburg Relatives Show Their True Colours

Abstract This study analyses the changing role of the family as a source of social capital in aiding migration, settlement and social integration of Zimbabwean migrants. The study is based on qualitative interviews with 58 Zimbabwean migrants in Tembisa and Kempton Park in Johannesburg metropolitan city. The article makes an important contribution to literature revealing how as a result of decreased chances to get a good job, pressure to remit back home and expectations to look after newcomers, Zimbabwean migrant families are experiencing economic strain resulting in tense and hostile relations and rejection of new migrants.

Just Joking? Investigating Sexual Harassment in a

This study investigates the reasons for sexual harassment, its nature and policy implications in a departmental store in Gweru, Zimbabwe. It also analyses the costs of sexual harassment on both the individual and the organisation. The study is based on a qualitative research conducted between January and July 2008. 24 respondents (14 females and 10 males) were studied using semi structured interviews and questionnaires. Results are analysed using the Miles and Huberman (1994) approach to data analysis. Results reveal that contract employment and lack of skills create vulnerability and dependency, a situation exploited by the powerful male superiors who sexually harass their subordinate females. Sexual harassment is institutionalised at Tatenda where management refuses to acknowledge it as a problem. The reluctance of management to craft policies on sexual harassment and grievance procedures added to women’s fear of reporting sexual harassment perpetuates a culture of silence at Tatenda. Key words: department store; female employees ;humour; jokes; labour turnover; sexual harassment; target.