MIDLANDS STATE UNIVERSITY

BA HONOURS IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES

HREDS 110 GOVERNANCE AND INSTITUTIONS FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

LECTURER: Dr CHIRONGOMA, S
CONTACT No: 0776345988
Email contact: sochirongoma@gmail.com

1. MODULE DESCRIPTION

The module introduces students to the basic concepts of governance. It provides a platform for
students to familiarize with the elements of governance that include institutions, delivery
mechanisms and legislations. All this information is vital for enhancing an understanding of the
links between governance and human development. The topics covered in this module also
illustrate the fact that good governance and human development can be attained through
facilitating the enabling conditions such as political freedom, participation, decentralization,
empowerment, equity and accountability.

2. AIM
To enlighten students on the intricate connection between governance and human development.
Through an exploration of the principles of good governance, with specific reference to the
African context, the module reiterates the importance of good governance as formidable pillars
for human development.

3. MODULE OBJECTIVES
 To explore the link between governance and human development
 To examine the impact of democracy, empowerment, equity and accountability on human
development
 To reflect on the role of religion and culture in shaping societal governance structures
 To assess the impact of governance institutions and legislations on human development
 To identify relevant and effective principles of good governance which can inculcate
holistic human development in Africa

4. APPROACHES/STRATEGIES
 Lectures
 Presentations
 Assignments
 5. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 Coursework: Two coursework assignments shall contribute 25% to the final mark.
 Examination: A three-hour examination paper shall contribute 75% to the final mark.

6. TOPICS/THEMES

 Governance
 Principles of Good Governance
 Pillars of Human Development
 Africa’s Agenda 2063- The Africa We Want
 UN Sustainable Development Goals- Agenda 2030
 Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030
 Gender Inclusion, Governance and Human Development
 Youth Empowerment, Governance and Human Development
 Ethnic and Sexual Minorities, Governance and Human Development
 Disability, Governance and Human Development
 Children, Governance and Human Development
 The Elderly, Governance and Human Development
 Nexus of Religion, Culture, Human Rights, Governance and Human Development
 Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC)
 Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD)
 Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC)
 Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ)
 Ecumenical Church Leaders’ Forum Zimbabwe (ECLFZ)
 African Pentecostalism, Governance and Human Development
 Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe
 Union of the Development of Apostolic and Zionist Churches of Zimbabwe
(UDACIZA)
 Johane the Fifth of Africa International Apostolic Church
 Apostolic Women Empowerment Trust
 Pastors for ED
 Vapositori for ED
 Interfacing African Indigenous Religions, Rastafarianism & Islam in Governance
and Human Development
 7. ASSIGNMENT TOPICS- CHOOSE TWO QUESTIONS ONLY.
1. With specific examples from the African context, explicate the key principles of
governance. In your discussion explain how governance impacts on human
development.
2. Summarize the main targets of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and present an
assessment of the relevance of these targets in light of Africa’s development
agenda.
3. Identify any three SDGs focusing on addressing the global ecological crisis and
reflect on how the Zimbabwean government and the faith communities are
responding to these three SDGs.
4. Summarize the main targets of SDG 5. In your discussion, reflect on the role of
Zimbabwe’s governance system and the Zimbabwean churches towards the
attainment of gender justice.
5. Citing specific examples from Zimbabwe’s governance systems and indigenous
cultural traditions, illustrate the impact of gender parity and gender inclusion
towards the attainment of holistic human development.
6. With specific reference to SDGs 8 & 9, evaluate the efforts that have been put
into place by the government of Zimbabwe and other stakeholders towards
ensuring that the citizens of Zimbabwe attain decent work, economic growth,
industrialization and the development of infrastructure.
7. Outline the main targets of Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030. In your discussion, evaluate
the impact of these priority areas in terms of improving national governance and
enhancing human development.
8. With specific examples, discuss the efforts being made by the Zimbabwean
government and other stakeholders to enhance youth empowerment. In your
discussion, suggest some measures which can be implemented to equip the
youth’s contribution towards holistic and sustainable development.
9. In view of Agenda 2030’s mantra, “Leaving No One Behind,” assess the
effectiveness of efforts being made by the Zimbabwean government and faith
communities in involving people with disabilities in the national development
agenda.
10. Discuss the role of the elderly to Zimbabwe’s development agenda. In your
discussion, cite specific examples of the elderly’s involvement or exclusion in the
country’s development initiatives.
11. With specific reference to the Zimbabwean context, assess the involvement of
ethnic and sexual minorities in the national development agenda.
12. Select any three Faith based organizations or religious bodies in Zimbabwe and
reflect on their role in enhancing good governance and human development.
13. In your view, should religious bodies actively participate in politics? In your
discussion, reflect on the role of the “Pastors for ED” and “Vapositori for ED”
movements.
 14. Evaluate the roles of African Pentecostalism and the Union of the Development of
Apostolic and Zionist Churches of Zimbabwe (UDACIZA) in the attainment of
good governance and human development in Zimbabwe.

8. RECOMMENDED TEXTS