MIDLANDS STATE UNIVERSITY P.O.BOX 9055, Gweru. Tel: 054-260667/260337www.msu.ac.zw FACULTY OF ARTS DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH AND COMMUNICATION DISSERTATION TOPIC A Content Analysis of Literary Evidence of Slave Trade in Zimbabwe Focusing on Zimbabwean Women’s Trafficking to Kuwait. By Norma Tsopo Reg. Number R137994W A dissertation submitted to the Department of English and Communication, Midlands State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts English and Communication Honours Degree. May 2017 Supervisor: Mr. M. Zimunya APPROVAL FORM The undersigned certify that they have read this research document, approved it for submission and marking as it conforms to the English and Communication Department requirements. Supervisor’s signature……………………………………….Date………………………………..... Co-Supervisor’s signature………………………………...…Date……………………….………… i DECLARATION I declare that A Content Analysis of Literary Evidence of Slave Trade in Zimbabwe Focusing on Zimbabwean Women’s Trafficking to Kuwait is my own work and it has not been submitted before for any other Degree or examination at any other University. I declare that all references used or quoted have been indicated and acknowledged as complete references in the reference list. Norma Tsopo (R137994W) Signature…………………………………… Date…………………………………………… ii DEDICATIONS I dedicate this dissertation to my late father – Thomas Tsopo, my hard working mother, Rosina Manjeya, for her unconditional and enthusiastic support for my success, as well as my sisters who have always given me unconditional support to achieve my dreams. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I do not owe the success of this study to my own cleverness or hard work. I am indebted to many more people than there is space here to acknowledge. But chiefly, I would not have done anything without God’s grace. I am also greatly indebted to supervisor Mr. M. Zimunya for his patient nudge and insightful guidance through every stage of this investigation. I also acknowledge many debts to MSU Zvishavane campus staff for supporting my academic growth which underline by ability to successfully carry out this research. My mother, Rosina Manjeya, has been my pillar of strength and inspiration in everything I do, no less this investigation. iv ABSTRACT The research is an investigation into the existence of trade in slaves in Zimbabwe in this era. The research will focus on the topical issue of trafficking of hundreds of Zimbabwean women to Kuwait as evidence of the continued existence of the practice which has been abolished for more than a millennium now. To clearly prove its case the study will investigate the issue by segmenting the practice into the three universally accepted elements that would constitute the existence of slavery which are – the act of owning someone; the methods of making someone one; and the purpose of enslaving someone. It will also make strong reference to historical accounts of slavery which will form the bedrock of slavery literature for reference against which the Zimbabwean accounts will be tested. Other proven present day accounts of slavery and trade in persons will be used to validate modern-day slavery practices. The study will take the form of a content analysis of literary accounts of slavery and slave trade from the antebellum era into present day accounts and media reports of accounts of trafficking of Zimbabwean women to Kuwait. v Table Of Contents Approval Form ..................................................................................................................................... i Declaration .......................................................................................................................................... ii Dedications ........................................................................................................................................ iii Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................................ iv Abstract ................................................................................................................................................ v 1. Chapter One: Theoretical Framework…………………………………………………………….1 1.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Background………………………………………………………………………………………1 1.3 Statement of the Problem………………………………………………………………………...2 1.4 Definition of Key Terms…………………………………………………………………………3 1.5 Scope of Study…………………………………………………………………………………...4 1.6 Aims and Objectives……………………………………………………………………………..4 1.7 Justification………………………………………………………………………………………6 1.8 Delimitations and Limitations of the Study……………………………………………………..6 1.9 Significance of Study……………………………………………………………………………7 1.10 Theoretical Framework…………………………………………………………………………8 1.11 Literature Review……………………………………………………………………………….9 1.11.1 Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………...9 1.11.2 Literature Review……………………………………………………………………………..9 1.12 Methodology…………………………………………………………………………………..12 1.13 Chapter Outline………………………………………………………………………………..13 1.14 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………….14 2. Chapter Two: Enslaved: Defining Marks Of Being Another’s Property ...................................... 15 2.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 15 2.2 Transatlantic Slavery Accounts Of Indicators Of Being Another’s Property ............................. 15 2.3 Modern-Day Indicators Of Being Another’s Property ............................................................... 21 2.4 Zimbabwean Women’s Status In Kuwait ................................................................................... 23 2.5 Comparative Analysis .................................................................................................................. 24 2.6 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 26 3. Chapter Three: Methods Of Obtaining A Slave ............................................................................ 27 3.1 Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………..27 3.2 Transatlantic Slavery Recruitment Accounts .............................................................................. 27 3.3 Modern-Day Recruiting Methods ................................................................................................ 31 3.4 Zimbabwean Women’s Status In Kuwait .................................................................................... 32 3.5 Comparative Analysis .................................................................................................................. 35 3.6 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 37 4.0 Chapter Four: The Rationale Of Slavery ..................................................................................... 39 4.1 Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………..39 4.2 The Rationale of Transatlantic Slavery ....................................................................................... 40 4.3 The Rationale of Modern-Day Slavery ........................................................................................ 43 4.4 Enslavement of Zimbabwean Women ......................................................................................... 45 4.5 Comparative Analysis .................................................................................................................. 47 4.6 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 48 5.0 Chapter Five: Summary, Conclusion And Recommendations .................................................... 50 5.1.1 Summary ................................................................................................................................... 50 5.1.2 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................ 52 5.1.3 Recommendations…………………………………………………………..………………...53 6. Bibliography……………………………………………………………………………………..56 1. 0 CHAPTER ONE: THEORETICAL INTRODUCTION 1.1 INTRODUCTION The overarching motive behind this study is to stimulate interest in the inhumane practice of turning fellow human beings into merchandise that is then sold off for sacrifice at the altar of greed and profit. In the study, the researcher will interrogate the nature of the trade in persons at the height of the Transatlantic Slave Trade (15th-19th centuries), its present day form and what manifestation it has taken in Zimbabwe with the trafficking of Zimbabwean women to Kuwait as a possible example of what could be happening elsewhere across the world. It is not hoped that he research would be exhaustive but would offer sufficient evidence and insight into the phenomenon to excite and inform further investigations into the institution. 1.2 BACKGROUND Although slavery may have been outlawed and condemned as morally reprehensible since the days of Abolitionist movements in the nineteenth century, nearly two centuries later, there are people who appear to be in exploitative and inhuman conditions reminiscent of the period of the slave trade and slavery. While the bulk of such people are not officially classified