Ask Takudzwa 7 – Humanism with a Zimbabwean Twist, and Some Lime
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): Canadian Atheist
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2019/10/04
Takudzwa Mazwienduna is the informal leader of Zimbabwean Secular Alliance and a member of the Humanist Society of Zimbabwe. This educational series will explore secularism in Zimbabwe from an organizational perspective, and some more.
Here we talk about the incorporation of a formal humanism into the Zimbabwean civil society.
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: If we’re looking at the incorporation of formal humanism into Zimbabwe, what does this mean for the freethought community in Zimbabwe?
Mazwienduna: Formal humanism in Zimbabwe means we are a significant member of the Civil society included in decision making or initiatives that cross paths with secularism. We are the official enforcers of the country’s secular laws that people overlook all the time.
Jacobsen: What will be the immediate first actions of the Humanist Society of Zimbabwe?
Mazwienduna: The immediate first action is to mobilize the members since we are scattered all over the country. A meet up is to be arranged to share ideas.
Jacobsen: What will be more superficial changes to culture needed for humanism and freethought for find a proper and respected place in Zimbabwean society?
Mazwienduna: Civic awareness and respect for the rule of law is what we need the most for humanism and secularism to be established in our culture.
Jacobsen: What will be more substantive changes required for the changes needed in Zimbabwe?
Mazwienduna: We already have the law established in the constitution, what we need now is to enforce it and raise awareness for people to respect it.
Jacobsen: What, especially now, seem like implacable objects in the work for proper secularism and mutual respect of the freethinkers and the religious in Zimbabwe?
Mazwienduna: Some religious establishments might have strong ties to the government and this poses a threat to secularism. The government has a notorious record of not respecting the rule of law.
Jacobsen: Morocco, Liberia, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, South Africa, and Mauritius have made strides for the freethought and the humanist communities in Africa. What examples stand out in the region now? Why them? How could their successes be replicated by the Humanist Society of Zimbabwe?
Mazwienduna: We are especially envious of South Africa. Sure the country has its race problems but the rule of law is upheld and their respect for secularism is solid. Their society is diverse and progressive as a result and if we can nurture the same levels of civic awareness and rule of law in Zimbabwe, we will get there.
Jacobsen: Thank you for the opportunity and your time, Takudzwa.
Mazwienduna: It’s always a pleasure Scott.
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