Investigating the perception and challenges of the existence of tribalism in Zambia: a case study of Kalingalinga and Mtendere compounds of Lusaka.
Date
2022-07-04
Authors
Mudenda, Mudenda
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Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
While the emergence of societal processes has profoundly stemmed tribalism, extreme resistance from prominent tribes that want to preserve their autonomy has antagonised this development. Because of this, the tribe elites/those with the power in society has sometimes unjustifiably managed to influence dominant tribal forces by providing them with unjustified favours in order to retain power. Corrupt governments commonly use widespread corruption, including the exploitation of state revenues generated by the utilisation of natural resources, to charm loyal tribes. This approach has backfired to a large extent, particularly when different tribes are excluded. This report exposes the degree to which tribalism perceptions bring about challenges in a society. The main research Objectives was to investigate the perception and challenges of tribalism among the public in Lusaka district of Zambia. This paper used a descriptive study design, with a sample size of 250 respondents using both primary and secondary data, the data analysis was conducted using SPSS. The major causes of tribalism, 30% said that cultural beliefs or orientation, the other 24% shows that political affiliations, and to determine the effects of tribalism in the community most respondents said 25% it will lack of unity in the community and possibly lead to conflict such as civil war. Similarly, with literature review it was shown that over time, tribalism brought on a wave of deep conflict between contending people and/or tribes. Good examples are Rwanda, Iraq and Sudan, where tribal conflicts retarded the flourish of democracy. It is clear that tribalism has confined the evolution of an inclusive society. So, democratic processes cannot effectively prevail if tribalism survives. Members of the political elite who manipulate tribal forces to retain power should be defied. Benchmarking tribalism through the promotion of inclusive governance is a distinct approach to heighten decreasing tribalism. Inclusive governance also hosts an enabling environment, without exploiting minority tribes.
Description
Thesis
Keywords
Zambia--Ethnic relations--Political aspects.