This study interrogates how Shona novelists conceptualise and depict the African communitarian worldview of unhu (humanity to others). The study relies on content analysis of selected Shona novels, critical reviews from various scholars, journals, newspapers and theses, augmented by interviews and questionnaires. The theoretical framework is guided by Afrocentricity and Africana Womanism which are pivotal to the explication of meaning from selected texts, with the view to examining whether or not the writers‟ portrayal and understanding of unhu helps Africa‟s socio-cultural and political liberation. Given that the African worldview of unhu celebrates virtues central to mutual social responsibility, mutual respect, trust, self-reliance, caring, among other attributes. These tenets help to revitalise and rejuvenate the decaying socio-cultural fabric of Zimbabwe. The study intimates that unhu principles could be fruitfully embraced in charting a dispensation in which all people of Zimbabwe could subordinate their personal interests to the interests, respecting one another, thus forging enduring peace and development while, at the same time, the leadership would be governed by democratic tenets espoused through unhu. / African Languages / D. Litt. et Phil. (African Languages)

There are indications of concern by governments for public opinion even centuries ago. The use of scientific research though, was only introduced by governments to enhance the effectiveness of government communication and the dissemination of government information during the last few decades of the twentieth century. The main aim with this research is to contribute towards improving the research used in South Africa by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) in order to enhance the effectiveness of government communication and the dissemination of government information. As research can contribute towards enhancing the effectiveness of government communication and the dissemination of government information, it is considered as being of critical importance to contribute towards improving the quality of relevant research in South Africa. No research has been conducted before in South Africa regarding the use of research to enhance the effectiveness of government communication and the dissemination of government information. The methodology used to address the aim and objectives of this research was that of a qualitative, non-empirical study conducted by means of a literature review. The research provides a brief theoretic overview of research in communication. It records the use of communication research by government in South Africa since 1936 as well as the process of transforming government communication after 1994. Furthermore, it records government communication and information dissemination in other countries, with specific reference to the use of research. Various conclusions derive from this research. Among these is a clear indication of the necessity of conducting communication research in a scientific way, by applying sound theoretical principles. It also indicates that there is a good platform and strategic framework from which government communication research in South Africa can be improved further, and that South Africa can learn from relevant research conducted by governments in other countries. The researcher presents a wide range of recommendations for consideration, as well as potential areas for further research regarding this broader theme. / Thesis (MA (Information Science))--University of Pretoria, 2001. / Information Science / unrestricted