Appraising Zimbabwe’s Land Reform Programme in the Context of Unhu/Ubuntu: Towards an Appropriate Ethical-Moral Ideology on Land Distribution in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

This chapter seeks to undertake a reflective discussion of the philosophical interface between land redistribution and the philosophy of Unhu/Ubuntu, with particular reference to the Zimbabwean experience. Therefore, it is incumbent upon this chapter to preliminarily dimensionalise the philosophy of Unhu/Ubuntu. Thereupon, the chapter acknowledges a viewpoint embraced by Masaka (Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa 13(1): 331-347, 2011), among others, that land reform is essential as a means of correcting the skewed land distributions occasioned by the biased colonial distributive patterns. Such restitution is purportedly consistent with the ideals of fairness, equity, equality and justice, which, according to Msila (Educational Research and Review 4(6): 310-315, 2009), are embedded in the humanistic philosophy of Unhu/Ubuntu. Thus, on the one hand, this chapter examines land redistribution in Zimbabwe, noting instances where the process was in accordance with the dictates of Unhu/Ubuntu. On the other hand, the chapter presents a critique of Zimbabwe’s land redistribution process, noting cases where the principles of Unhu/Ubuntu were flagrantly contravened. Hence, the chapter critically examines who benefitted from the land redistribution exercise. Consequently, the chapter ponders on whether the land redistribution procedure addressed the plight of its intended beneficiaries or it got derailed by politics of patronage spearheaded by some gluttonous elements bent on profiteering. Furthermore, the manner in which land was redistributed is critically analysed to ascertain whether it was peaceful or was typified by acts of politically and/or racially motivated violence. Within the confines of the broad philosophy of Unhu/Ubuntu, the chapter then draws moral implications from Zimbabwe’s land redistribution regime. Based on these moral implications, the chapter proffers a moral-ethical ideology deemed appropriate to inform the modus operandi considered worthwhile for any future land reform in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a view to building sustainable peace herein.