BUSE Institutional Repository
This repository serves as a digital archive for preserving and providing access to the scholalry and creative works produced by the BUSE community. It includes:
- Journal articles, conference papers and other publications by the BUSE faculty, researchers and students
- Theses and Dissertations completed by BUSE graduate students
The repository aims to showcase the intellectual output of BUSE, increase the visibility and impact of our community's scholarship and preserve these works for long term access and use.To contribute your work or learn more, please contact the repository team using of the following contact details:

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Recent Submissions
Item type:Item, Access status: Open Access , Cyber warfare as a new threat to security policy: a Russian foreign policy perspective(BUSE, 2019) Mugwira, E.Cybersecurity is one of the most recent and unique national security issues of the twenty-first century. The world has witnessed a significant number of cyber-attacks perpetrated by various actors in the international system for various objectives. Therefore this study seeks to understand the Russian foreign policy regarding this new domain of international relations. The Russian approach to cyber warfare, both theoretical and practical underpinnings, was to be examined. The study discussed the conceptual framework that underlines the principle of Russia`s cyber warfare, national and foreign policy. The research was informed by the qualitative research methodology which gives respondents an opportunity to completely air out their answers to questions asked. The study population composed of officials responsible for cybersecurity from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Interpol Cyber Centre (Harare), academics, and renowned experts in the field of international relations. The study is of value to strategic thinkers, politicians, academics in the field of International Relations and cybersecurity practitioners on how cyber vulnerabilities may compromise national security and may lead to catastrophic consequences. The research will enlighten authorities on the need for preparation for cyber-warfare in army-building. There is also an attempt by the study to bring to the fore nation-states, non-state actors who have also taken advantage of the vulnerability and interconnectivity of the cyberspace to inflict enormous damage to countries and societies. The findings of the study show that the Russian foreign policy is heavily influenced by perceptions of threat and vulnerability. Russia’s policy on information operations are shaped by many traditions. Russian leaders have long placed exceptional value on using information to manipulate their enemies. In light of these findings, the research recommends that states should set achievable long and short term actions to protect and defend critical ICT infrastructure.Item type:Item, Access status: Open Access , The Importance of harnessing digital innovation for humanitarian assistance: case of Cyclone Idai in Manicaland province, Zimbabwe(BUSE, 2025) Mutema, ClepasThis study aimed to explore the importance of harnessing digital innovations in humanitarian assistance for natural disasters in Zimbabwe. The research was anchored in the theoretical frameworks of liberalism and ICT for Development theories. This study used a descriptive research design Data was gathered through purposive in-depth insights from key informants, including government officials and humanitarian organizations field workers and program representatives. A questionnaire, key informant interview guide and secondary data sources were used as research instrument to collect data.. The findings revealed that Cyclone Idai heavily impacted the social and economic activities of people in Manicaland particularly those in Chimanimani and Chipinge, with their livelihoods completely destroyed. The government of Zimbabwe tried to respond favorably to the disaster and through its declaration gained international support to provide humanitarian aid. Although there were efforts to provide immediate relief the cyclone brought with it challenges that made access to remote areas difficult and required expensive reconstruction of infrastructure. The findings also revealed that digital technologies or innovations have the potential to enhance effectiveness and efficiency in humanitarian aid delivery in Zimbabwe. This ensures inclusivity, financing, collaboration and coordination in the use of digital innovations to facilitate humanitarian aid. The study concluded that while challenges exist, there is significant optimism about the potential benefits of digital technologies in humanitarian assistance. Recommendations include establishing robust data collection systems, enhancing collaboration through digital platforms, ensuring inclusivity in digital solutions and leveraging of social media and communication platforms to enhance humanitarian assistance.Item type:Item, Access status: Open Access , Zimbabwe’s security strategies and intervention methods to the covid19 pandemic: a case study of Wedza district(BUSE, 2021) Muchenje, Fungai M.This study aims at investigating Zimbabwe’s security strategies and intervention methods to major pandemics such as Covid19 in Wedza district. The study employed a case study research design to explore the security strategies and intervention methods that were used in Wedza district. The research was informed by the interdependence theory to show how interaction was important during the peak of the virus. A mixed approach research methodology was also employed; this approach entails that both qualitative and quantitative research methodology were used to investigate the strategies and methods that were employed by Wedza district. The research also analyzed primary and secondary data. Primary data was gathered through in depth structured interviews and questionnaires. Secondary data was gathered from Mount Saint Mary’s mission hospital. The researcher also employed purposive sampling technique. The content was analyzed together with raw data that was collected through questionnaires and interviews. The research findings are also indicative of the fact that Wedza district was largely able to contain the pandemic through the use of measures that were recommended by the World Health Organization. However, when it came to vaccination uptake, the research found out that the response was quite encouraging even though the District had not yet reached its target of the vaccinated populace. The study concluded that the strategies most of the strategies that that were employed in Wedza district to contain corona virus were highly effective. However, the study also found out that when it comes to the issue of voluntary compliance still a lot needs to be done. Preparedness in hospitals and clinics there is a lot that needs to be done. As a result, the researcher recommended that from district, provincial and national levels the government should put in place rapid response teams that would respond quickly to a pandemic of a similar pandemic strike again.Item type:Item, Access status: Open Access , The Effectiveness of the new dispensation on national progress and global relations(BUSE, 2024) Muchaona, Crispen T.This study examines the effectiveness of the new dispensation on national progress and global relations. The objectives were to assess contributions to economic development, explore successes and challenges in social progress, evaluate efforts in global trade and diplomatic ties, and understand perceptions of governance reforms. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, with data collected via Google Forms yielding 42 responses for quantitative analysis and qualitative insights gleaned from 20 interviews with stakeholders including diplomats, government officials, and academics. SPSS was used to detect major patterns and correlations between variables, whereas theme analysis of qualitative data revealed complex opinions on governance and socioeconomic issues. The findings showed that governance improvements had a positive impact on economic growth and global trade connections. However, ongoing hurdles to establishing social fairness and correcting governance discrepancies were identified, particularly in policy implementation and structural issues. The study shows that, while progress has been made in promoting economic recovery and reestablishing diplomatic ties, more work is needed to improve social equity and governance systems. Recommendations include improving policy frameworks, addressing socioeconomic gaps, and strengthening international relationships. The study adds to the discussion about governance transitions by giving practical and theoretical insights for policymakers and scholars working in similar contexts.Item type:Item, Access status: Open Access , Illegal immigrants and their implications on penitentiary protocol in SADC: a comparative analysis of South Africa Correctional Services and Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services(BUSE, 2024) Mpofu, SherpardThis study explores the impact of illegal immigration on penitentiary protocol within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, with a focus on a comparative analysis of South Africa s Correctional Services and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS). The research examines the challenges and implications that arise from the detention of illegal immigrants in the respective correctional systems, particularly in terms of operational efficiency, security, and legal compliance. The conceptual framework analysed the impact of illegal immigrants on penitentiary systems in SADC, focusing on prison management, resource allocation, and legal protocols through a comparative study of South Africa Correctional Services (SACS) and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS). It highlighted the challenges posed to correctional systems by immigration dynamics. Both countries have established legal frameworks aimed at protecting the rights of illegal immigrants, but the practical implementation of these frameworks is hindered by issues such as overcrowding, limited resources, insufficient staff training, and inadequate interagency cooperation. Through an exploratory mixed method approach, including qualitative interviews with correctional officers and quantitative data on detention practices, the study highlighted the key differences and commonalities in the management of illegal immigrants from sampling of 200 participates within the two systems. Findings suggest that while South Africa's Correctional Services benefits from stronger legislative frameworks and better staff training, Zimbabwe's ZPCS struggles with resource constraints and a less qualified workforce. The cooperation between Zimbabwe and South Africa in addressing migration challenges demonstrates both significant strengths and notable weaknesses. While the two countries have made strides in fostering bilateral agreements to manage migration and enhance security, disparities in policy implementation and resource allocation often undermine their efforts. Migration patterns, such as the East South Channel from the Horn of Africa, the DRC, Malawi, and Zambia into South Africa, are primarily driven by economic disparities, political instability, and conflict in the region. These movements highlight the urgent need for a unified, region-wide approach to migration management that balances humanitarian considerations with security imperatives. The research emphasizes the need for improved policy implementation, better resource allocation, enhanced staff training, and stronger interagency collaboration to mitigate the adverse effects of illegal immigration on penitentiary systems in both countries. Ultimately, the study proposes recommendations for both nations to strengthen their correctional practices and improve the treatment and rehabilitation of illegal immigrants within their facilities.
