Can spirits play a role in peace and reconciliation projects? Perspectives on traditional reconciliation in Zimbabwe



Jeater, Diana ORCID: 0000-0002-5303-5800
(2020) Can spirits play a role in peace and reconciliation projects? Perspectives on traditional reconciliation in Zimbabwe. JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN STUDIES, 38 (1). pp. 154-169.

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Abstract

There is a long history of spirit-oriented systems of reconciliation and healing in Zimbabwe. However, under white rule, this work was marginalised and driven underground. In Zimbabwe today, diverse views on reconciliation, reparation, justice and national healing are producing rich but frequently conflicted initiatives around ‘traditional’ and ‘community’ reconciliation. The article considers contradictions and pressures facing the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission and different approaches to ‘spirit-led’ trauma healing work from three grassroots organisations: Heal Zimbabwe; Tree of Life; and the Centre for Conflict Management and Transformation. It indicates how religious, cultural and political affiliations influence participants’ openness to traditional and spirit-led forms of reconciliation; and how this, in turn, constrains how perpetrators, victims and reparation are defined by those working in this field. Rather than identifying specific practices as ‘authentic’ traditions, the article suggests that a continuity of community/cultural approaches can inform contemporary national healing initiatives in Zimbabwe.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Zimbabwe, peace-making, spirit beliefs, reconciliation, intangible cultural heritage
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 16 Sep 2019 07:34
Last Modified: 19 Jan 2023 00:26
DOI: 10.1080/02589001.2020.1746755
Related URLs:
URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3054761