Browsing by Author "Chitando, Anna"

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    Gender representation in children’s literature: Limits and potential in Stephen Alumenda’s Marita goes to school and Marita’s great idea, and Jairos Kangira’s The bundle of firewood
    (University of Namibia, 2016) Chitando, Anna
    Different societies across the globe usually contrast masculinity with femininity. Men are often por-trayed in more positive terms that include being strong, achievers and providers, while women are depicted as the opposite. Such masculinities have emerged to be frameworks within which literary texts can be critiqued. In this article, I employ hegemonic and subordinate masculinities to argue that children’s stories can be utilised to transform unequal gender relations. I explore how Stephen Alu-menda and Jairos Kangira respond to gender issues in Zimbabwean children’s literature. The first sec-tion is a brief introduction that unpacks the concept of children’s literature and places the discussion of gender representation in children’s literature within the context of African literature. In the second segment, I outline how Alumenda endeavours to promote the education of the girl child. The third part highlights how this theme is advanced by Jairos Kangira, another author of children’s books.
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    Oliver Mtukudzi’s Pindirai (intervene): A call for environmental sustainability in Zimbabwe
    (University of Namibia, 2014) Chitando, Anna; Madongonda, Angeline M.
    The theme of environmental degradation has emerged as a major concern to activists, politicians, academics and others. Of late, musicians have also sought to contribute to the struggle for environmental conservation. This is because music plays multiple roles in society. It critiques issues such as abuse of power, gender imbalances and the exploitation of the environment. This article utilises Oliver Mtukudzi’s song, “Pindirai” to examine its contribution towards environmental sustainability in Zimbabwe. Employing Huggan and Tiffin’s postcolonial ecocriticism (2010), the article utilises textual analysis of Mtukudzi’s song to identify themes that promote environmental sustainability. Loosely defined, pindirai means (intervene). The article, therefore, investigates Mtukudzi’s role as an artist in an endeavour to establish his authority in calling upon his compatriots to become sensitive and friendly to the environment. While appreciating Mtukudzi’s artistic creativity and commitment to environmental sustainability, the article interrogates the assumptions behind the portrayal of Zimbabweans as engaging in ecologically harmful behaviour. It suggests the need to tackle deeper questions relating to survival in order to promote environmental sustainability. In turn, this would ensure sustainable development.
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    Portrait of courage: Women and survival in Tagwira's The Uncertainty of Hope
    (University of Namibia, 2015) Chitando, Anna
    The Zimbabwean challenges witnessed between 1998 and 2008 brought about various survival strategies. Whereas some sought to create coping mechanisms within Zimbabwe, others went into exile. These two groups, nonetheless, needed to confront the massive challenges during the decade of the Zimbabwean considerable suffering (1998-2008). These included hyperinflation, unemployment, food shortages, violence and the high death rates. Creative writings played a significant part as authors depicted Zimbabweans who sought to survive in varied ways. Of particular importance to this article, is how one particular Zimbabwean female creative writer Tagwira employed her creative imagination to challenge the status quo. In The Uncertainty of Hope Tagwira (2006) represents her female characters in a more empowering way. She shows how they seek to overcome major challenges to ensure that their families survive the challenges.