THEME: CELEBRATING INDIGENOUS VOICES
The celebration and elevation of Indigenous voices remain central to recognizing, preserving, and promoting cultural identity in Zimbabwe. Indigenous communities are pivotal in shaping the national fabric, contributing significantly to the country’s social, cultural, and developmental progress. However, despite these contributions, Indigenous voices have historically been marginalized or underrepresented in public discourse, particularly in discussions surrounding national identity, governance, and development. This conference provides an important platform for Indigenous peoples, cultural custodians, scholars, community leaders, and various organizations to come together and engage in meaningful dialogue about the place and value of Indigenous languages, cultures, and governance systems in shaping a cohesive, inclusive Zimbabwean society.
By highlighting Indigenous voices, the conference aims to ensure that Indigenous communities’ rich cultural heritage, linguistic diversity, and traditional knowledge are acknowledged and woven into the fabric of national policy, education, and development strategies. The conference aims to create a platform for Indigenous voices to shape their narratives while facilitating cross-sectoral collaboration to translate dialogue into tangible actions.” This will allow for a reimagined future in which Indigenous cultures, languages, and systems are integrated into the broader national identity and actively contribute to national development.
This conference encourages cross-disciplinary contributions from a diverse range of stakeholders including linguists, artists, custodians of culture, academics, educational institutions, Indigenous communities, local government officials, youth organizations, and NGOs focused on governance. Together, participants will reflect on, interrogate, and document the role of Indigenous languages, knowledge, and governance in the development of Zimbabwe, ensuring that future generations are empowered with the tools to continue this important work.
The accepted papers stand a chance of being included in a book publication.
BOOK TITLE
Reclaiming Narratives: The Power of Indigenous Voices in National Development
Editors: Miidzo Mavesera (Bindura University of Science Education, Zimbabwe / University of South Africa, South Africa)
Jeffrey Kurebwa (Bindura University of Science Education, Zimbabwe)
Charles Pfukwa (Bindura University of Science Education, Zimbabwe)
David Makwerere (Bindura University of Science Education, Zimbabwe)
Johnathan Kudangirana (National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe)
Liberty Ndhlovu (Ministry of Sport Recreation, Arts and Culture, Zimbabwe)
Potential Publisher: Routledge/Palgrave /Taylor and Francis/ Springer
Conference Objectives
The objectives of the conference are to:
- Foster Dialogue: Create a platform for open dialogue among stakeholders to share perspectives on Indigenous voices and experiences.
- Promote Awareness: Increase awareness of the importance of Indigenous cultures and their contributions to national identity and development.
- Encourage Collaboration: Facilitate partnerships between communities, governments, and organizations to support indigenous initiatives.
- Generate Knowledge: Collect and disseminate knowledge on indigenous practices, languages, and governance for broader understanding and advocacy.
- Action Planning: Develop actionable strategies and recommendations to enhance the visibility and rights of indigenous communities in Zimbabwe.
Sub-Themes:
- Revitalizing Indigenous Languages and Literature: Explore the role of indigenous languages in preserving cultural heritage and promoting identity.
- Traditional Knowledge and Sustainable Practices: Examine the significance of indigenous knowledge in sustainable agriculture, medicine, and environmental conservation. Explore how traditional ecological knowledge contributes to sustainable practices and environmental management.
- Indigenous Art and Cultural Expression: Highlight the contributions of indigenous artists in visual arts, music, dance, and crafts to cultural identity. – the role of various mediums, such as radio and literature, in preserving and amplifying indigenous cultures and languages.
- Indigenous Governance and Community Empowerment: Discuss traditional governance systems and their impact on community development and empowerment.
- Indigenous History and Heritage Preservation: Address the importance of documenting and preserving indigenous history and heritage for future generations.
- Intercultural Dialogue and Representation:
Analyze the importance of promoting intercultural exchanges to foster understanding and respect between indigenous and non-indigenous communities.
- Decolonization and Empowerment: Discuss the processes necessary for decolonizing practices and empowering Indigenous communities through self-determination and local governance.
- Literature as Eco-Critique: African literature serves as a powerful tool for addressing colonial impacts on the environment, promoting Indigenous narratives that support ecological activism [(Shaileshkumar & Amrutbhai, 2023)]
- Dance as Cultural Metaphor: reflects cultural identity and hybridity, serving as a metaphor for indigenous experiences and expressions.
- Indigenous Representation in Governance and Policymaking: Evaluate current levels of Indigenous representation in local and national governance structures. Discuss barriers to participation for Indigenous communities in policy-making processes. Recommend strategies to enhance the political voice of indigenous peoples in Zimbabwe.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Submit abstracts of (200-250) words for review to institutional email and webpage…..TBA. (maveseram@buse.ac.zw
Cc: copy jkurebwa@buse.ac.zw)
Font type Times New Roman
Font Size: 12pt
Use APA 7th edition referencing style for the full papers.
Indicate the corresponding author’s contact details including emails and WhatsApp numbers.
IMPORTANT DATES
IMPORTANT | DATES |
Submission of Abstracts | 30 March 2025 |
Abstract Acceptance | 07 April 2025 |
Submission of PowerPoint Presentations | 12 May 2025
|
Conference Presentation dates | 28-29 May 2025 |
Full paper Submission | 30 June 2025
|
Feedback from Reviewers | 15 July 2025 |
Editorial Comments | 30 July 2025 |
Submission of Final Manuscript | 30 August 2025 |
Publication Date | 30 October 2025 |
Conference Fees:
Conference Only:
External Delegates: $70
BUSE Staff: $50
Students: $40
All conference payments are to be deposited in the details below:
TBA
Deposit slips should be emailed to maveseram@buse.ac.zw
Cc: jkurebwa@buse.ac.zw
For Further Information Contact:
Dr M. Mavesera
Email: maveseram@buse.ac.zw; WhatsApp/ Calls +263 772 433 476
Or
Dr J. Kurebwa
Email: jkurebwa@buse.ac.zw; WhatsApp/Calls +263772121563
