A historical Analysis of Politics of Self Inscription and Struggle for National Identity among the BaTonga of middle Zambezi Valley, Binga in Zimbabwe in the 21st Century

Abstract

This research attempts to unearth the dynamics of the struggles of the BaTonga tribe of Binga in the quest

for national identity. The research grapples with competing forces which hinders the minority groups in

attainment of their autonomous identity without contradicting national question of identity formation

project. What has emerged in post-colonial state is conflation of minority tribes into two major competing

which are Shona and generalisation of identity of these groups. The research also attempts to trace the

historical background of the marginalisation of the BaTonga tribe of Binga district from the pre

displacement era of 1959.It also exposes the general attempt by the pre and post-colonial regime in denying

the Tonga in regaining the attempt. As if that is not enough, the research also attempts to expose the

strategies employed by the BaTonga in regaining their identity. The research also evaluates the impact of

those attempts in regaining their autonomous identity in the 21st century.