Beyond the Land Reform in Zimbabwe: Struggles, Prospects, Projections and Myths

Abstract

The Third Chimurenga is a historically significant period in Zimbabwe’s history that can actually be characterised as a turning point in the nation’s trajectory. The period is mainly known for the land reform, which itself has been dichotomously referred to in terms of either restitutive land redresses/occupations, predominantly by state/ hegemonic discourses, or through the legal framework of land invasions/grabs, mainly in opposition and/or counter-hegemonic discourses. Consequently, the period was crucial not only for the reconfiguration of patriotic history (Muponde 2004; Gatsheni- Ndlovu 2009a) but also that of national identities. Particular interest is placed on how hegemonic discourses on and around the Third Chimurenga provide a specific sublanguage that is subjectable to linguistic analysis. Specific focus is placed on exploring how mainly state/hegemonic discourses were used to (re)produce and perpetuate political difference in the country. Emphasis is put on the analyses of the extent to which the discourses reconfigure not only history but also national(istic) identities. The result is an ‘othering’ discursive process and effect that ultimately determined one’s eligibility and access to vital national resources and programs like the land itself, national input scheme and food aid/relief programs, among others.