
Representation of the Expression of Ndebele Customary Law of Inheritance in Selected Educational Works in Zimbabwean Schools
Issue: Vol.5 No.16 Issue Article 52 pp.3342 – 3351
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.202451652 | Published online 30th December, 2024
© 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
The article examined the representation and the expression of the Ndebele Customary Law of Inheritance in selected educational works at the Ordinary Level in Zimbabwean schools. The study particularly explored the application of the traditional inheritance law as expressed in different educational works in the sphere of Literature. The analysis and discussion are derived from the Customary Law and from how inheritance issues are represented and handled in Ndebele educational works. The study further reflects on some of the problems recently encountered by how the custom is applied in the modernised era. In this regard, learners through cultural education would be guided accordingly on what the customary law of inheritance entails, have a better understanding of its modifications and changes in relation to the current socio-economic conditions of times and finally appreciate it as one of the critical customs in IsiNdebele traditional education. In conclusion, the study emphasises that the application of the inheritance system has been strongly affected by Modernisation, Formal Education and Christianity. The study contributed that in spite of these inevitable challenges, the custom should be dynamic and appreciative of modifications in accordance with the prevailing socio-economic changes of the times.
Keywords: Customary Law, Inheritance and Educational Works
Akhverdiev, Erwin, and Alexander Ponomarev. “Religion as Factor in Formation of Law: Current Trends.” SHS Web of Conferences 50 (October 12, 2018): 01024. https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/20185001024.
Bhebe, C., T. Bhala, W. Kadodo, and N. Sithole. “Customary Law of Inheritance in Traditional Ndebele Families as Depicted in Selected Ndebele Works of Art.” Zimbabwe Journal of Educational Research 22, no. 3 (November 2010).
Bozongwana, W. Ndebele Religion and Custom. Gweru: Mambo Press, 2000.
Child, H. The History of Amandebele. Salisbury: Government Printers, 1968.
Krige, E.J. The Social System of the Zulus. Pietermaritzburg: Shuter and Shooter, 1936.
Legal Resource Foundation pamphlet. Inheritance Under Customary Law. Harare: Legal Resource Center, 2001.
Molla, Mohammed. “Administration and Winding-up of a Deceased Estate.” DE REBUS, March 1, 2022. https://www.derebus.org.za/administration-and-winding-up-of-a-deceased-estate/.
Moodley, Isabela. “The Customary Law of Intestate Succession.” University of South Africa, 2012. https://uir.unisa.ac.za/bitstream/handle/10500/8829/thesis_moodley_i.pdf.
Ncube, W. Family Law in Zimbabwe. Harare: Legal Resources Foundation, 1989.
Ndlovu-Gatsheni, Sabelo J. “Africa for Africans or Africa for ‘Natives’ Only?‘New Nationalism’ and Nativism in Zimbabwe and South Africa.” Africa Spectrum 44, no. 1 (2009): 61–78.
Ngwenya, M.N. Ilifa Lidliwa Ngumninilo. Gweru: Mambo Press, 1982.
Nhongo, Raphael. “A National Language Policy for Zimbabwe in the Twenty-First Century: Myth or Reality?” Journal of Language Teaching & Research 4, no. 6 (2013).
Nkala, B.M. Zimbabwe Women Writers. Selections Inkondlo. Harare: Weaver Press, 1998.
Nyathi, P. Traditional Ceremonies of AmaNdebele. Gweru: Mambo Press, 2001.
———. Zimawele. Harare: Longman, 2006.
Nyembezi, S. Lzibongo Zamakhosi. Pietermaritzburg: Shuter and Shooter, 1968.
Peresuh, Munhuweyi, and Jesta Masuku. “The Role of the Primary Language in the Bilingual-Bicultural Education in Zimbabwe.” Zambezia 29, no. 1 (2002): 27–37.
Sibanda, J. Isikhiti. Bulawayo: Typocrafters, 1998.
Sigogo, N.S. Indlalifa Ngubani? Gweru: Mambo Press, 1976.
Wintersteen, A.H. The American Law Register: Christianity And The Common Law. Philadelphia, 1890.
Cordial Bhebe is a lecturer at Great Zimbabwe University. He holds a PhD in African Languages, Master of Education in Curriculum and Arts (Ndebele), Bachelor of Education in Ndebele and Sociology of Education and Certificate in Education. His research interests are in Language Interference, Indigenous and Minority Languages promotion, Ndebele Literature, Culture and Language Policy. He has published articles in accredited journals and Book Chapters with reputable publishers. At the time of writing this reviewed article, the author was on a Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme at the University of the Free State in South Africa. He continues attending international academic conferences where he presents academic papers meant to enhance research skills and scholarship in the field of research.
Bekithemba Dube is a full Professor in curriculum studies. He holds PhD in Curriculum Studies from the University Free State (UFS). He has written extensively on the area of Curriculum, Politics and Religion in Post colonial African countries. He has published more than 120 articles and book chapters in accredited journals in the past 6 years. He has successfully edited three books on curriculum, politics and religion and edited 4 special issues on education. He is currently the section editor for the Alternation Journal, Section Editor for the Research in Social Science and Technology Journal, Associate Editor E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences and Associate Editor for the e-Journal of Religious and Theology Studies all accredited with DHET. He has served as a Head of the Department for Education Foundation and Department of Curriculum Studies at UFS. He is a visiting Professor at Appalachian State University (USA) and he has received funding such as Thuthuka, the USDP award with Colorado State University (USA) and UKSADP with University of Highlands and Inlands (Scotland). He has received various excellent awards for being exceptional in research, teaching and engaged scholarship.
Bhebe, Cordial, and Bekithemba Dube. “Representation of the Expression of Ndebele Customary Law of Inheritance in Selected Educational Works in Zimbabwean Schools,” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 5, no.16 (2024): 3342 – 3351. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.202451652
© 2024 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).