Afrocentricity, Ndebele proverbs, and Deviant youth behaviour in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Some Zimbabwean elders have referred to Zimbabwean youth as “the lost generation”. This characterization of the youths arises out of the growing concern over some of the young people’s anti-social behaviour in some cities where the youths engage in drug-taking and unprotected group sex. Using the naturalistic and empowerment evaluation research design and Asante’s Afrocentric theoretical framework, in tandem, the main argument of this article is that in order for the youth to mature into adults that will contribute positively towards the advancement of society, they need to be guided and counselled right from infancy. Some Ndebele proverbs such as “Isigogo sigoqwa sisemanzi” (A skin/hide is pliable when it has just been removed from an animal; once it is allowed to dry, it stiffens) encapsulate this process of inculcating moral principles to children while they are still young and pliable. Since this article employs the evaluation research design, it cannot offer quantifiable outcomes. However, the guidance inculcated by the elders is
expected to foster improvement and self-determination in the youth.The article recommends collaboration between the elders and the youth which may bring the latter back to the path of civility.