In the final stages of the Rhodesian Bush War (1975-1980), the white minority government and its Security Forces found themselves on the losing side. In an attempt to combat the flood of guerrillas...Show moreIn the final stages of the Rhodesian Bush War (1975-1980), the white minority government and its Security Forces found themselves on the losing side. In an attempt to combat the flood of guerrillas entering the country, the Rhodesians turned to chemical and biological weapons (CBWs). From 1976 onwards a secret program within the Rhodesian army created, experimented with, and deployed poisons. Water sources were contaminated and doctored clothes and food were entered in the guerrillas’ supply lines. Expanding on existing knowledge about both the war and the CBW program, this thesis takes a closer look at the role poisons played in this conflict. The main purpose of these weapons was to kill guerrillas, for which they were very effective; sometimes even more effective than the standard anti-insurgency strategies the Rhodesians used. The use of poisons also changed the relationship between guerrillas and civilians. The Rhodesians often used civilians to provide the guerrillas with the poisoned goods. When these men or women were discovered, the guerrillas would retaliate. In the early stages of the program this drove a wedge between civilians and guerrillas. According to some scholars this was a serendipitous effect, according to others it was a calculated move in the battle for the hearts and minds of the rural African population. This thesis argues that the Rhodesian’s use of CBWs has helped the guerrillas in gaining legitimacy. Because of the strong connection between poison and witchcraft, the guerrillas were not merely targeted by chemical substances, they were targeted by witches. Because of that, the guerrillas could assume the role of witch-hunter in the eyes of the rural black population. Hunting witches was normally done by Mhondoro, ancestral spirits who control and watch over a piece of land. With the help of spirit mediums and by hunting witches, the guerrillas became living manifestations of Mhondoro spirits, gaining legitimacy over the land in the process. Conquering strangers became familiar liberators.Show less
This study investigates the effect of population density on the development of land rights in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe from 1923 to 2013. By comparing three former British colonies with...Show moreThis study investigates the effect of population density on the development of land rights in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe from 1923 to 2013. By comparing three former British colonies with remarkably different population densities, this thesis explores the hypothesis that a denser population leads to stronger individual property rights over land. Through an in-depth analysis of the history of land rights, the relationship between people and land before, during and after colonialism is uncovered, ultimately challenging a Eurocentric model of (economic) development and contributing to the debate on land reform and economic inequality and in Southern Africa.Show less
This thesis reflects the findings of a study conducted in Lumwana in the North-Western province of Zambia in 2009, 2013 and 2014. It looks at the socio-economic impacts of large scale mining...Show moreThis thesis reflects the findings of a study conducted in Lumwana in the North-Western province of Zambia in 2009, 2013 and 2014. It looks at the socio-economic impacts of large scale mining activities on the Lumwana community. To find out how the community has been impacted, the study combined primary and secondary data collection including a small survey, open and structured interviews,a documentary research, field observations and focus group discussions. Copper mining industry plays a very important role in Zambia: it is the main driving force behind Zambia's economy. In order to mitigate some of such negative effects and ensure peaceful coexistence between the mining company and the surrounding communities, LMC tries to provide certain socio-economic incentives for the Lumwana communities. However, perceived inequalities in the distribution of economical benefits, unfulfilled expectations, the lack of social infrastructure and the issues of migration are all contributing to the development of social conflicts. It is suggested that for the interests of the communities to be represented, government, chiefs and the international corporations involved should redefine their roles. Copper mining industry plays a very important role in Zambia: it is the main driving force behind Zambia's economy. In order to mitigate some of such negative effects and ensure peaceful coexistence between the mining company and the surrounding communities, LMC tries to provide certain socio-economic incentives for the Lumwana communities. However, perceived inequalities in the distribution of economical benefits, unfulfilled expectations, the lack of social infrastructure and the issues of migration are all contributing to the development of social conflicts. It is suggested that for the interests of the communities to be represented, government, chiefs and the international corporations involved should redefine their roles.Show less
This research examines a radio program in Accra, Ghana entitled, “Citi Breakfast Show”, and seeks to discover and investigate the manner in which it positions itself as a watchdog in the media...Show moreThis research examines a radio program in Accra, Ghana entitled, “Citi Breakfast Show”, and seeks to discover and investigate the manner in which it positions itself as a watchdog in the media landscape of Ghana. The research uses the concept of framing to investigate the approach of the talk radio show and its positioning in the media landscape of Ghana. The contribution of listeners to the show is also examined and analysed within the context of the genre of talk radio.Show less
